Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. – Romans 8:5
The arrival of Mennonites in America is commonly acknowledged to have taken place on this day in 1683. This Protestant sect, originating from Zurich, Switzerland in the 16th century, encountered widespread persecution in Europe. Mennonites were encouraged by William Penn’s offer of 5,000 acres of land in the Pennsylvania colony and the promise of religious liberty. Mennonites were among the first German immigrants to establish themselves in the American colonies. In October of 1683, they established the Germantown Mennonite Settlement, the first enduring Mennonite community in North America. This German settlement became an integral part of present-day Philadelphia. As you pray today, thank the Lord for the heritage of religious liberty and pray for this nation’s chaplains to seek godly guidance and wisdom in their efforts to share the Gospel.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For judges and justices of the U.S. judicial system to continue to uphold the right to the free exercise of religion.
- For members of Congress to ensure that the laws they pass are in harmony with the protections of rights in the Amendments to the Constitution.
