President’s Day and the Bible: A Christian Perspective on History and Leadership

Every year, Americans enjoy a long weekend in honor of President’s Day, but did you know that the holiday wasn’t always about celebrating all U.S. presidents? In fact, it began as a tribute to just one man: George Washington.

But as followers of Christ, what is a proper Christian perspective on President’s Day? Does it hold any Biblical significance?

While President’s Day is not a Christian holiday, it does serve an important purpose. On this day, we look back and reflect on American history–particularly, on the life of George Washington. Since it is Biblical to remember the past (Isaiah 46:9), President’s Day can serve as a powerful moment to look back and honor the foundations of America. 

In the following article, we’ll look at the meaning of President’s Day, as well as Scripture that can help us reflect on history with a Biblical perspective. 

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Table of Contents

What is President's Day?  

Bible Verses About Freedom 

Bible Verses About Remembrance 

Bible Verses About Leadership 

Bible Verses About Leadership and Government 

Praying for Our Nation's Leaders 

Christian Leadership Principles 

How to Commemorate President's Day 

TLDR;

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What is President’s Day?

Though you might think President’s Day refers to all former U.S. presidents, it was actually created to celebrate the first president of America: George Washington. 

Washington frequently spoke of divine providence, and his Farewell Address emphasized the importance of religion and morality in government. He attended church services but rarely took communion, leading some historians to question whether he was a deist rather than a devout Christian. However, his personal letters often referenced God’s guidance, and he regularly called the nation to prayer.

After the death of George Washington in 1799, Americans began to unofficially celebrate the former president’s birthday, which fell on February 22nd. History.com calls the day “a perennial day of remembrance.” 

In 1971, President Richard Nixon officially declared President’s Day a holiday honoring all U.S. presidents. Some states still emphasize Washington, while others highlight Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February. Today, President’s Day serves as a broader celebration of leadership, democracy, and national history. This evolution highlights how traditions shift over time, but the core theme—remembering significant leaders—remains unchanged. 

As we reflect on the history of President’s Day, we can celebrate freedom and democracy, intercede for our current leaders, and pray for those who don’t have these same privileges. 

Here are some Bible verses to reflect on this President’s Day weekend, 2025. 

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Bible Verses for President’s Day 2025

Bible Verses About Freedom

Freedom is a calling from God

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Freedom from sin and legalistic bondage

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

The Reward of True Freedom

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Romans 6:22)

Liberation of Creation

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:20-21)

God's Mission to Bring Freedom

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1)

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Bible Verses About Remembrance

God Remembers His Covenant

It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:14-16)

Teaching Future Generations

In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. (Deuteronomy 6:20-23)

God’s Mercy and Faithfulness

“He has given help to Israel His servant,

In remembrance of His mercy,

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his descendants forever.” (Luke 1:54-55)

Memorials of God’s Power

And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea[b] when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. 24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” (Joshua 4:20-24)

The Biblical Theme of Remembrance

Remember the days of old;

consider the generations long past.

Ask your father and he will tell you,

your elders, and they will explain to you.

When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,

when he divided all mankind,

he set up boundaries for the peoples

according to the number of the sons of Israel. (Deuteronomy 32:7-9)

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Bible Verses About Leadership

Leadership Through Example

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

Servant Leadership

The greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11)

Strength and Courage in Leadership

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Responsibility for Others

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)

Humility and Putting Others First

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4)

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Bible Verses About Leadership and Government

God Establishes Authority

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1)

This verse reminds us that leadership and government are part of God’s divine plan, and believers are called to respect and pray for those in authority.

The Importance of Wise Counsel

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." (Proverbs 11:14)

Leaders should seek wisdom from trusted advisors and godly counsel to make just and effective decisions.

Servant Leadership

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)

This passage teaches that true leadership is about serving others, a principle that applies to both spiritual and governmental leaders.

Praying for Leaders

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Christians are encouraged to pray for their leaders, asking God to guide them in wisdom and justice.

What God Requires of Leaders

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

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Biblical Leadership in Action

From many of these verses, we see that biblical leadership is about servanthood, integrity, courage, and selflessness.

Great leaders:

• Live as examples of faith and righteousness.
• Serve others instead of seeking personal power.
• Rely on God’s strength, not just their own.
• Care for those they lead, seeing leadership as a responsibility, not a privilege.
• Prioritize humility and unity, avoiding selfish ambition.

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Praying for Our Nation’s Leaders

The Bible teaches that government authority is established by God (Romans 13:1), and we are called to pray for those in leadership:

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

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Prayer for President’s Day

"Lord, we thank You for the leaders You have placed in authority over our nation. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and humility for our president and all those in office. May they seek justice, serve selflessly, and lead with integrity. Help us to be good citizens who support truth and righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

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Christian Leadership Principles

The Bible presents clear principles for godly leadership, which can be seen in figures like Moses, David, and Solomon. As you pray for leaders, keep these principles in mind.

• Servant leadership – Jesus modeled servant leadership, teaching that "the greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11). Similarly, great leaders prioritize service over power.
• Integrity in leadership – Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Leaders are called to lead with honesty and righteousness, a principle that applies to both biblical figures and U.S. presidents.
• Wisdom in decision-making – James 1:5 reminds us that wisdom comes from God. Presidents face difficult choices, and history shows that seeking wisdom—whether through prayer, advisors, or experience—plays a crucial role in governance.

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How to Commemorate President’s Day

Here are some ways to make the most of this holiday:

• Study American history from a Biblical perspective – Take time to learn about leaders who shaped the nation and how their faith influenced their decisions.
• Pray for national and local leaders – Regardless of political affiliation, Christians are called to lift up their leaders in prayer.
• Reflect on personal leadership roles – Whether leading a family, workplace, or community, believers should strive to lead with Christ-like humility and wisdom.
• Teach children or young people about faith and leadership – President’s Day is a great opportunity to discuss the values of integrity, service, and courage with the next generation.

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President’s Day is more than just a day off work or an opportunity for retail sales—it’s a time to reflect on leadership, freedom, and the legacy of those who have shaped the nation. While it is not a Christian holiday, it aligns with Biblical principles of remembering the past (Isaiah 46:9) and honoring leaders (Hebrews 13:7). As believers, we can use this occasion to pray for those in authority, reflect on the qualities of godly leadership, and express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and many other leaders throughout history have faced immense challenges, yet their courage and commitment helped shape the nation. Likewise, we are all called to lead in some capacity—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities—and should strive to lead with integrity, humility, and wisdom.

This President’s Day, take time to reflect on history, pray for those in leadership, and remember that our ultimate hope and freedom come not from earthly rulers, but from Christ. As Galatians 5:1 reminds us: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

How will you use this President’s Day to reflect, pray, and lead well in your own life?

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