In the early days of America, a stranger asked how he might identify George Washington among those present at Congress. He was told, ‘You can easily distinguish him when Congress goes to prayer. Washington is the gentleman who kneels down.’ Washington was known as a man who prayed. When the fate of the new nation hung in the balance at Valley Forge, he frequently found rest and relief in prayer. One day, a farmer approaching Washington’s military camp heard an earnest voice. When he drew nearer, he saw Washington on his knees, his cheeks wet with tears. The farmer returned home and told his wife: ‘George Washington will succeed, and the Americans will secure their independence.’ His wife said, ‘Isaac, what makes you think so?’ He replied, ‘I heard him pray out in the woods today, and the Lord will surely hear his prayer. He will, Hannah, rest assured, He will!’ When we have less, we’re more aware of our need and pray more. But as we acquire and achieve more, we become more self-sufficient and pray less. That’s a mistake. The more God entrusts to you, the more you need His strength, His wisdom, His guidance, and His grace. David sat on a throne and ruled Israel. Was he proud or arrogant? No. ‘When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me…In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid’ (vv. 9, 11 NKJV). So this is the word for today: more responsibility calls for more prayer.
