Whereas it becomes us to humbly approach the throne of God with gratitude and praise, and above all that He has defused the glorious light of the gospel, where through the merits of our gracious redeemer we may become the heirs of His eternal glory.
Jefferson also asked for prayer that God would go forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory and that He would grant to His church the plentiful infusions of divine grace and pour out His Holy Spirit on all ministers of the gospel and spread the light of Christian knowledge throughout the remotest corners of the earth.
…That He (God) would in mercy, look down upon us, pardon all out sins and receive us into His favor and establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue.