Proposed Renewal of the Day of Fasting and Prayer

On July 09, 1812, President James Madison proposed a Day of Fasting and Prayer for the US. I believe reviving this day could be an important counter-point to Thanksgiving in November. As a country, it is good that we are considered hopeful and optimistic. We could also do with a measure of self-reflection.

When Madison created this proclamation, The United States was under specific threat from the British, who would burn Washington DC. Madison's entire statements typically asked for blessing against adversaries and portrayed US as the more devout. However, I believe the underlying sentiments of penitence are still important for our/every country.

An abbreviated transcript follows (What I thought could be carried to today):

Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request that a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity as a day of public humiliation and prayer; and
Whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed to offer at one and the same time their common vows and adorations to Almighty God....

I do therefore recommend the third Thursday in August next as a convenient day to be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of Mankind the public homage due to His holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions which might justly provoke the manifestations of His divine displeasure; of seeking His merciful forgiveness and His assistance in the great duties of repentance and amendment, and especially of offering fervent supplications that in the present season of calamity and war.. He would inspire all nations with a love of justice and of concord and with a reverence for the unerring precept of our holy religion to do to others as they would require that others should do to them; and, finally, that... He would hasten a restoration of the blessings of peace.