This week’s Style Invitational has as its prize, a copy of the “Eisenhower Prayer” from 1953. It goes on to say “There may be no document in the history of the Republic more violative of the principle of separation of church and state” (considering that Eisenhower was responsible for “under God”, I guess that shouldn’t be too surprising). So it’s got me curious…what was the “Eisenhower Prayer”?
A Google search (of both Web and Usenet) was fruitless…
A Prayer by Dwight D. Eisenhower Preceding his Inaugural Address as 34th President of the United States of America, January 20, 1953
"ALMIGHTY GOD, as we stand here at this moment my future associates in the executive branch of the government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng and their fellow citizens everywhere.
"Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land.
"Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race or calling.
“May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of the Constitution, hold to differing political beliefs; so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory. AMEN”
Call me strange, I find it quite beautiful.