[SirLinksalot]

Why was he definitely not a Deist?

The given belief of a Deist is that God is simply the unmoved mover, someone who wind up the clock of the universe and never intervenes. Therefore it makes no sense to pray to this God.

Since George Washington prays to God and encourages others to do so as well, his belief cannot be Deistic.

[stuartcr]

Have you ever been in combat and heard men crying out for their mothers? They know she can't intervene, but they do it anyway, because it brings them comfort, and it is a natural thing to do. I believe it is the same type of thing with Deists praying.