Harry S. Truman’s Daily Prayer

Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) rose from humble origins in rural Missouri to become the thirty-third president of the United States. Throughout his life, Truman endeavored to conduct himself with integrity and always do right by others. Truman learned this prayer as a young man and repeated it to himself throughout his life. This excerpt comes from his own diary, dated August 15, 1950, a day on which Truman happened to meet with General Omar Bradley, the mayor of New York, the secretary of defense, the attorney general, his cabinet, a senator, a representative, another general, and some personal friends. Many men in the highest of offices have found comfort in prayer.

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The prayer on this page has been said by me—by Harry S. Truman—from high school days, as a window washer, bottle duster, floor scrubber in an Independence, Mo., drugstore, as a timekeeper on a railroad contract gang, as an employee of a newspaper, as a bank clerk, as a farmer riding a gang plow behind four horses and mules, as a fraternity official learning to say nothing at all if good could not be said of a man, as public official judging the weaknesses and shortcomings of constituents, and as President of the United States of America.

Oh! Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth and the Universe: Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right; make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with my fellowmen—help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings—even as Thou understandest mine!

Amen, Amen, Amen.