There is a day in the history of our nation that stands out in a providentially powerful way. Sadly, many Americans don't know about this amazing event in our nation's history!

It was June 28, 1787, during an impasse at the Constitutional Convention, that one of the least religious of the founding fathers – Benjamin Franklin – called on the men to pray! His speech turned out to be a powerful turning point in formulating our Constitution that was doomed to failure.

Benjamin Franklin spoke these inspiring words as James Madison recorded them…

“The small progress we have made after 4 weeks is melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. In our situation, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened? We have not humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding.

In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were in danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers were heard, and they were graciously answered. Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

I have lived 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 in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.

I therefore beg you to move with prayer imploring the assistance of heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations.”

Wow! Here was one of the least religious of the founding fathers, a man whose beliefs were not considered orthodox, asking the delegates to remember God and to seek His help in this monumental task before them!

What impact did Dr. Franklin’s speech have on the Constitutional Convention? New Jersey delegate Jonathan Dayton tells us what it was like on July 2, when they reconvened for the first time since Franklin’s speech: “We assembled again; and every unfriendly feeling had been expelled, and a spirit of conciliation had been cultivated.”

Then on July 4th, the entire Convention attended a special church service, when Reverend William Rogers prayed over the signers of the Constitution, “…Favor them, from day to day, with Thy inspiring presence; be their wisdom and strength; enable them to devise such measures as may prove happy instruments in healing all divisions. May the United States of America be the example of a free and virtuous government. May we partake of all the blessings of our Christian society.”

This coming July 4th weekend, let’s remember, as our Founding Fathers did, that we need more of God's favor and influence guiding our nation.

God bless America!

Pastor Dave