In a recent misstep, newly re-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson mistakenly attributed a widely known prayer to President Thomas Jefferson, despite no historical evidence supporting this claim. The prayer, known as the National Prayer of Peace, was shared by Johnson after his re-election on January 3, 2025, during the opening session of the 119th Congress.
Johnson, in a heartfelt moment, described the prayer as one that Jefferson recited daily throughout his presidency. He even went on to say that Jefferson continued this practice until his death. However, historians were quick to point out the error.
According to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, there is no evidence that Jefferson ever composed or delivered this prayer. The prayer itself first appeared in the 1928 United States Book of Common Prayer, and was suggested for inclusion in 1919, long after Jefferson’s time.
The prayer’s origins trace back to a 1930 speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, not Jefferson. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation further emphasized Jefferson’s personal stance on religion, noting that he regarded it as a private matter and would not have composed or publicly delivered such a prayer.
This gaffe has sparked criticism, with experts highlighting the importance of historical accuracy in public statements made by elected officials. Johnson, however, seemed unaware of the misattribution during his speech, which was meant to inspire unity and reflection among Congress members.
