Call for National Prayer Unconstitutional? Hardly!

The previous post on this blog was about a federal judge who declared a National Day of Prayer to be a violation of the Constitution's so-called "separation of church and state." Really. In that decision, she found meaning that apparently eluded the men who actually wrote and ratified the Constitution.

From the time of our Declaration of Independence (once the U.S. began its own government), there have been 164 calls for national prayer. Many of these were from Presidents, others from Congress. All three branches of government have recognized the religious nature of the country since our founding.

Here are examples of a national call for prayer, all between the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the end of the 1700's.

Continental Congress Proclamation on November 1, 1777. The Continental Congress recommended to the “legislative and executive powers” to set apart December 18, 1777 for “solemn thanksgiving and praise.” Reflecting on the closing year motivated the call to prayer.

Continental Congress Proclamation on October 26, 1781. The Continental Congress recommended to the “several states” to set apart December 13, 1781 as a “day of THANKSGIVING and PRAYER.” Reflecting on the closing year motivated the call to prayer.

Continental Congress Proclamation on October 11, 1782. The Continental Congress recommended to “the inhabitants of these States in general” and requested “the several states” to set apart December 28, 1782 as a “day of SOLEMN THANKSGIVING to GOD.” Reflecting on the closing year motivated
the call to prayer.

George Washington Proclamation on October 3, 1789. A “day of public thanksgiving and prayer” set apart on November 26, 1789. Reflecting on the closing year motivated the call to prayer.

George Washington Proclamation on January 1, 1795. A “day of public thanksgiving and prayer” set apart on February 19, 1796. Reflecting on the closing year motivated the call to prayer.

John Adams Proclamation on March 23, 1798. A “day of solemn humiliation, fasting, [and] prayer” set apart on May 9, 1798. Reflecting on the state of war motivated the call to prayer.

As found in the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice.