The Treasury of American Prayers

What I have compiledin this extraordinary treasury are the very private thoughts of American philosophers, farmers, athletes, statesmen, mothers, laborers, scientists, industrialists, and others in their relationship with God. Some are simple, straightforward entreaties; others are elaborate invocations. All of them, however, provide indelible imprints and keys to understanding the inner sanctumof the individuals who made America what it is today.

The prayers of these Americans are intimate snapshots of how theydealtwith the gamut of human emotions, conditions, and events they experienced. They found comfort, hope, and the ability simply to endure by turning to God in their often unpredictable lives.

While the language of these prayers may vary from era to era, the essence remains the same. Americans from allwalks of life and faiths have found their existences incomplete without being able to reach out to a higher power. It is through the words of their prayers that they find purpose in a larger context and from a greater perspective.

—James P. Moore Jr.

Since its inception, America has remained a deeply religious and spiritual nation, fostering a prayer culture that has thrived among its diverse population and its wide-ranging faith traditions.

The Treasury of American Prayers brings together hundreds of prayers composed largely by Americans from all walks of life to create an unparalleled and comprehensive collection of “home-grown” expressions of spirituality and religious conviction. These prayers form an inspiring portrait of the country’s rich and profound faith and provide access to the innermost thoughts of such individuals as Benjamin Franklin, Elvis Presley, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Conrad Hilton. They have helped sustain Americans in times of war and recession as well as in periods of change and even prosperity.

Jim Moore has compiled an extraordinary anthology in The Treasury of American Prayers, arranged by such topics as patience, thanksgiving, despair, love, and other timeless themes. He provides context, historical perspective, and a personal insight for each prayer. While this collection reflects the great history of the American experience, these prayers also hold great resonance for Americans today.

Written by Americans from wide-ranging faith traditions, the selections presented here form an authentic and inspiring portrait of the country's deep and rich spirituality, and provide access to the innermost thoughts of their authors.

What I have compiled in this extraordinary treasury are the very private thoughts of American philosophers, farmers, athletes, statesmen, mothers, laborers, scientists, industrialists, and others in their relationship with God. Some are simple, straightforward entreaties; others are elaborate invocations. All of them, however, provide indelible imprints and keys to understanding the inner sanctum of the individuals who made America what it is today.

The prayers of these Americans are intimate snapshots of how they dealt with the gamut of human emotions, conditions, and events they experienced. They found comfort, hope, and the ability simply to endure by turning to God in their often unpredictable lives.

While the language of these prayers may vary from era to era, the essence remains the same. Americans from all walks of life and faiths have found their existences incomplete without being able to reach out to a higher power. It is through the words of th

JAMES P. MOORE JR. teaches at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce and has sat on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia. His most recent book, One Nation Under God probes the history of prayer in America, and was made into a film for public television as well as a five-part program for the country’s schools. Moore is the creator of the American Prayer Project, an initiative committed to educating the public on the importance of prayer in the life of America.

Love and devotion — Faith and trust — Petition and hope — Thanksgiving and appreciation — Wisdom, understanding, and humility — Peace and justice — Forgiveness and compassion — Purpose and perspective — Courage and strength — Endurance and resolve — Family — Community — States — Country — World.