Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
— George Washington, 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

As we reflect on these words, we are reminded that gratitude is not optional for Kingdom citizens—it is foundational. Thanksgiving aligns us with Heaven’s government. It positions our hearts to see God’s hand at work in our lives and in our nation.

America was birthed in covenant. Our founders dedicated this land to God’s glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. Washington understood that the strength of this nation flows from acknowledging our Source, giving thanks for His blessings, and seeking His guidance for our future.

As we express gratitude today, may we renew our commitment to intercede for our leaders, and believe—boldly—that God is still moving in and through the United States of America.
Good is winning. His Kingdom is advancing. His covenant still stands.

Here is the full text of George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation:

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint Committee, requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the People by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."