National Day of Prayer in 1918

Recently, President Trump called for a National Day of Prayer. He stated, “We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these.”

Going back, 102 years to the influenza epidemic of 1918 and the Great War, President Woodrow Wilson also called for a day of prayer.

Woodrow Wilson

President Woodrow Wilson called on May 10, 1918 for a day of prayer on May 30th.

His announcement stated:

‘‘Now, therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson. President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, the thirtieth day of May, a day already freighted with sacred memories, a day of public humiliation, prayer and fasting, and do exhort my fellow citizens of all faiths and creed, to assemble on that day in their several places of worship and there, as well as in the homes, to pray Almighty God that he may forgive our sins and shortcomings as a people and purify our hearts to see and love the truth, to accept and defend all things that are just and right, and to purpose only those righteous acts and judgments which are in conformity with His will, beseeching Him that He will give victory to our Armies as they fight for freedom, wisdom to those who take counsel on our behalf in these days of dark struggle and perplexity and steadfastness to our people to make sacrifice to the utmost in support of what is just and true, bringing us at last the peace in which men’s hearts can he at rest, because it is founded upon mercy, justice and good will. In witness whereof I have hereon to set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.”

Woodrow Wilson

While it was declared on the occasion of going to war and not because of the pandemic, notice the theme of humiliation and repentance in his call:

“It being the duty peculiarly incumbent in a time of war humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Almighty God and to implore His aid and protection...a day of public humiliation, prayer and fasting…be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity
and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of our cause, His blessings on our arms, and a speedy restoration of an honorable and lasting peace to the nations of the earth…Therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim…do exhort my fellow-citizens of all faiths and creeds to assemble on that day in their several places of worship and there, as well as in their homes, to pray Almighty God that He may forgive our sins…and to purpose only those righteous acts and judgments which are in conformity with His will; beseeching Him that He will give victory to our armies as they fight for freedom.”

A hundred years apart, but this is a country who continues to call on God.  So, how did the epidemic effect our country?

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