This Is How Far We've "Progressed" in Sixty-seven Years

My Popadia and I were dining at an inn in east central Ohio this afternoon (24Jul20).  On the wall was a signed copy of what you'll see at the bottom of this post.  It is a prayer offered on 20Jan1953 that was offered by President Eisenhower - a prayer given preceding his first Inaugural Address.  It was a prayer for unity.  That's right - UNITY!  The text may be a little hard to read in the post, so we'All transcribe it here.

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 works and actions to be governed thereby and by the laws of the land.  Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people, regardless of station, race or calling.  May co-operation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concept of our Constitution, hold to differing political beliefs, so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and for Thy glory.  Amen.

Can you picture any politician today, now sixty-seven years later, that is two plus generations later, offering these same words?  

And if you answer, "No!", then we must ask, "Why not?"  Is it because we have "progressed"?  If you answer, "Yes!", then we must ask, "Please define progress!"  For today, while God's Name may be invoked by people in positions of authority, when have you last heard it invoked in "prayer", in thanksgiving or supplication to Him?  Has any politician "prayed" for deliverance from Corona?  No?  Why not?  Has anyone in authority prayed for an end to violence in the streets?  Has any official given thanks for the benefits we've enjoyed in this country for so very long?

When will it be time for Christians and all God-fearing people to stand up once again and declare boldly that this country, founded on Judaeo-Christian values, chooses to return to that foundation?  Will we, CAN we, place ourselves in the position of the people of Nineveh, who after hearing of their impending destruction from the Prophet Jonah, from the king to the lowest servant repent and ask God for forgiveness?  Can God remain and watch us move ever further from His divine love and not stand aside in His divine protection of us so that more evils will befall us?

It's time for prayers like this to resurface, and not in a spirit of timidity, but with boldness, from "the king" to the least of "we, the people"!

May our God have mercy on us, and may He bless our country with repentance, love for both neighbor and enemy, and peace!