Covenant Keeping

On this date in history, George Washington fasted and prayed and made a Covenant with God. 

May 17, 1776 the Continental Congress urged the colonies to unite in a day of prayer and fasting. Here is an excerpt from that proclamation:

“The Congress, therefore, considering the warlike preparations of the British Ministry to subvert our invaluable rights and privileges, and to reduce us by fire and sword, by the savages of the wilderness, and our own domestics, to the most abject and ignominious bondage: Desirous, at the same time, to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely, in all their lawful enterprises, on his aid and direction, Do earnestly recommend, that Friday, the Seventeenth day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness; humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies; and by inclining their hearts to justice and benevolence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood."

Today I am also fasting and praying for this covenant to be continued. 

The establishment of the United States of America as the covenant land of the House of Israel was known and understood by those who founded this nation, and that through their understanding they assisted in creating the most powerful nation on earth which was destined to be the base for the restoration of the Lord Jesus Christ's gospel in the latter days and its fulfillment of prophecy to the Israelite nation.

(appearing to Wilford Woodruff in the St. George Temple, “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson.

The foundation of the United States of America is spiritual. We must never forget this vital truth. This country was founded on a belief in the sovereignty of God, and He, not man, granted man his rights. This was possible because the Founding Fathers of this nation were God-fearing men disposed to deliberately acknowledge the hand of God in the events that brought about the nation’s independence.
The Lord raised up the founders of the United States, sanctioned their work, and designated them “wise men.” His approbation of their work is recorded in section 101 of the Doctrine and Covenants: “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80).

Covenants have been on my mind the past month.  I helped Chris prepare a lesson to teach the ward on The Sacrament.  We renew our covenants each week when we take the sacrament.  We even renew our temple covenants at this time.

This week I was also given a prompting (I love receiving personal inspiration) to take the time to remember my covenants each day.  So each morning as I have said my prayers I have also repeated in my mind the covenants I have made.  Wow, wouldn't this make a difference in anyone's life who would do this?

As Chris taught our ward, Covenants Keep Us Safe!