After
a string of military defeats, America’s starved, frozen and ill-equipped Army
took shelter from the brutal winter of 1777 – 1778 in Valley Forge
Pennsylvania. Scores of soldiers died daily from neglect while the
Congress squabbled over funding for the Army. The fate of the floundering new
nation hung in the balance.
This is the backdrop for the popular Arnold Friberg painting, "Prayer at Valley Forge" shown above. It depicts Isaac Potts account of General George Washington kneeling in the snow beside his horse pouring out his heart to God. His prayers and those of the Founding Fathers were answered and the greatest nation on earth was born. Once again the fate of America is in the hands of the squabbling Congress. If ever there was a time America needed the wisdom of the Founding Fathers, it is now. The US State Department claims; "Symbolically, the Great Seal reflects the beliefs and values the Founding Fathers attached to the new nation and wish to pass on to their descendants." The Great Seal symbolizes our national motto,” In God We Trust.” It is a diagram of how a “Nation under God” (referred to in our national pledge) accomplishes God’s will, “on earth as it is in heaven.” Click here to see an explanation of the Great Seal. Unfortunately the Great Seal and its meaning have been neglected; all but forgotten. As a result America is at a crossroads. We have in a sense, a 21st century Valley Forge, but no George Washington on his knees. America is a praying nation and it’s time for American patriots to pray. The Valley Forge prayer vigil offers a window of 171 days (the number of days between January 1and June 20, 2014) for PRAYER and MEDITATION in support of establishing a national day of recognition for America’s Great Seal and to guide the national conversation regarding the beliefs and values it embodies. PRAYER: PRIVATE PRAYER: Private spontaneous prayer is normal, but if you wish to commit along with others, to a specific time of prayer to assure continuity within the prayer vigil, sign up for a specific timeslot. Click here to find what is available. GROUP PRAYER: If you are able, join a prayer group. Hundreds of thousands of Americans belong to small praying groups or prayer chains. Click here for a list of national prayer groups you can place your petition with. CORPORATE PRAYER: Ask your church leadership to add to the congregations prayer list a petition for a national day of recognition for America’s Great Seal. MEDITATION: |
The Valley Forge Prayer Calendar: Click here for a schedule of prayer and mediation synchronized to America's civil and church calendar.
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The Great Seal Legacy Study Pack
The Great Seal Study Pack contains all you need to become acquainted with all aspects of the Great Seal and the tools to share it with ten other people. The Pack contains, a 240 page illustration-loaded book on the history and meaning of the Great Seal, 32 lesson plans, a binder for storage and organization, ten student packs, 1 set of 18 reusable templates to create a beautiful Great Seal collage and a DVD explaining each of the 4 components and the 28 elements the Founding Fathers skillfully wove into the Great Seal. A powerful and durable tool for a life time of work restoring trust in America’s national motto…all for only for an introductory price of $35.00 and satisfaction guaranteed. A perfect gift for a teacher or youth leader! Send check or money order to WMI, PO Box 645, Portage WI 53901. Hurry while supplies last. Click here for a full page brochure. |