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"Have We Now Forgotten?..."
--a plea for Congressional prayer--
What you read below was part of an address made by Benjamin Franklin to
General George Washington and the assembly of delegates who, in the
Summer of 1787, had met in Philadelphia to “form a more perfect union.”
I would to God that the thoughts and concepts expressed by Franklin 220
years ago could find root in the hearts of our governing officials
today, as they daily are faced with monumental and life-altering
decisions.
“How has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once
thought of humbling applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our
understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when
we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for the
Divine protection.
“Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered.
All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent
instances of a superintending providence in our favor... And have we now
forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His
assistance?
“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more
convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs
of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice,
is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
“We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except
the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly
believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we
shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of
Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our
projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach
and bye word down to future ages ...
“I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers
imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing on our
deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed
to business...”
When the first Constitutional Congress convened in 1789,
Franklin’s recommendation was put into operation, a practice which
continues today.
Franklin’s words, however, are just as applicable to each of us
in our own private endeavors, in our families, in our vocations, in the
local church of which we are a part. How could we think of not daily
seeking the Father’s help and guidance? Our Lord Himself taught “that
men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).
--Mike Noble
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