Lincoln’s National Fast Day...

Above photo: President Abraham Lincoln.

Excerpts from President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation appointing a National Fast Day (Washington, D.C., March 30, 1863):

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And…

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God.

And…

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.


-Psalm 33:12 (King James Version):

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.