This phrase appears above the pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States (it is visible on a dollar bill.) It is usually translated "God has favored our undertakings," although a better translation would probably be "(He/She/It) favors undertakings." The phrase can be traced back to Virgil. In the Aeneid, several prayers are made to various deities in which is said "annue coeptis", meaning "please favor our undertakings."