It is the quintessential imagery of a desperate man, drained of all earthly strength and power, who's come to the end of his own knowledge and wisdom.He takes a knee in humbleness to God.This is the portrait of then-General George Washington at Valley Forge, praying for guidance when the fight for America's independence seemed lost.
The iconic painting, "Prayer at Valley Forge," was created 50 years ago by artist Arnold Friberg in honor of America's bicentennial.Now, it's the centerpiece of the Museum of the Bible's exhibit celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.SECRETS OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELDS EMERGE 250 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FOUNDINGCarlos Campo, Ph.D., CEO of the Museum of the Bible, says, "Washington is most powerful on his knees.
That's what he knows, because he is bowing to a greater power who can infuse him with true leadership."The image is a snapshot of "a man carrying a burden that feels too heavy to bear — and the quiet place he goes when everything is on the line." It takes place during the brutal winter of 1777-1778. Pictured here is the "Prayer at Valley Forge," a painting by artist Arnold Friberg that's at the center of a new exhibit in honor of America's 250th birthday.(Interim Archives/Getty Images)America's founders had already declared a break from Great Britain's rule on July 4, 1776. Now, the "fragile army" of colonists needs to fight to secure it.
Washington is their leader.But America at this juncture is more a dream than solid reality.
Washington's soldiers are freezing in the harsh snow and cold.Many of them are without shoes or warm clothing.JUST 5 MINUTES OF PRAYER COULD HAVE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS, STUDY FINDSThe painting and the D.C.-based museum show how fidelity to God and belief in the omniscient power of an Almighty God are real powers that helped create the United States of America.
They are not lofty philosophies written in founding documents, but living realities tested on a literal battlefield. As ...