Presidents’ Day, celebrated every third Monday in February, honors all presidents who’ve served in the United States. Originating after George Washington’s 1799 death, it initially commemorated his February 22 birthday. By 1885, it became a nationwide holiday, joining only four others: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. It was the first national holiday named after an individual in American history, followed by Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983.
In the 1960s, Congress aimed to offer more three-day weekends, resulting in Washington’s birthday moving to the third Monday, alongside the inclusion of Abraham Lincoln’s February 12 birthday, previously not a federal holiday. This change also applied to Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.
“Did you know? President’s Day never aligns with any American president’s actual birthday. Though George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan were all born in February, their birthdays either precede or follow Presidents’ Day, which consistently falls on the third Monday of the month.” – History.com Editors
Marketers popularized the term “Presidents’ Day” due to its placement between Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays, promoting sales for the occasion. Congress attempted to officially rename it “Presidents’ Day” at one point, but the change didn’t pass. Hence, official calendars still list it as Washington’s Birthday, though it’s widely referred to as Presidents Day. So, on this Presidents’ Day, as we reflect on past and present presidents, we offer our prayers for President Trump’s spiritual growth, leadership, and protection.
A Prayer for President Donald Trump
Dear Lord,
We acknowledge your sovereignty over all, regardless of who holds office. We’re grateful for the United States’ leadership and governance system, and we seek wisdom in upcoming primaries and elections. Today, we specifically pray for our current president. May President Trump draw closer to you above all else. May your undeniable presence be felt in his life, guiding him towards godly leadership.
Lord, grace our nation with unity and love amidst differences. Grant us the courage to stand for righteousness and oppose what goes against your Word. May our words be seasoned with grace and truth, spoken in love. We pray for our president to respond with compassion rather than harshness.
Holy Spirit, shield President Trump from daily temptations, especially those of power and pride. Help him focus on you amid challenges. Protect his marriage, fostering growth in love and faithfulness.
Jesus, we pray for the safety of President Trump and his family. Prevent any harm or unlawful actions against them. Surround him with security teams committed to their duty regardless of political affiliations. Provide him with wise counsel and a receptive heart.
May there be open communication between President Trump and the legislative and judicial branches. Help our leaders prioritize the common good over personal interests, working together for your glory.
Lord, may President Trump trust in you and encourage others to do the same. May he recognize the greater race set before him. On this Presidents’ Day, we pray for godly counsel, leadership, and compassionate hearts for both rulers and the governed. We thank you for your mercy, love, and sovereign rule. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen.
Bible Verses and Passages about Leadership:
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Psalm 37:1-8 – “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.