I heard a sermon on the radio preparing for church about freedom and praying and another in person from my pastor.

When that happens, I take note. I believe that God is thumping on the table reminding me that I need to pay attention to what I'm hearing or experiencing.

Both preachers were talking about the current problems that plague America. Both expounded on the fact that we no longer seem to be conscious of the consequences of not following God. We're becoming more and more polarized in this country and sometimes the truth is thrown out in favor of our own desires.

That was the case in 1787 when Benjamin Franklin delivered a powerful speech to the Constitutional Convention, which was embroiled in a bitter debate over how each state was to be represented in the new government.

The hostile feeling, created by the smaller states being pitted against the larger states, was so bitter that some delegates actually left the Convention.

Benjamin Franklin, being the President (Governor) of Pennsylvania, hosted the rest of the 55 delegates attending the Convention. Being the senior member of the convention at 81 years of age, he commanded the respect of all present, and, as recorded in James Madison's detailed records, he rose to speak in the moment of crisis:

"Mr. President: The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance and

continued reasonings with each other - our different sentiments on almost every question, several

of the last producing as many no's as ayes, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of

the Human Understanding.

We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in

search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the

different forms of those Republics which, having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution,

now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their

Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly, 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, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought

of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding?

In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily

prayer in this room for 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.

To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of

establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do

we imagine we no long need His assistance?

that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His

notice, is it probably 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 partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall

become a reproach and bye word down to future ages.

And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing

Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move - that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and

its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed

to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."

Following Franklin's historical address, James Madison moved, seconded by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, that Dr. Franklin's appeal for prayer be enacted. Of note is the fact that prayers have opened both houses of Congress ever since.

How's your prayer life? Do you remember to pray when things seem to be going all wrong? Do you start each day with prayer? Do you look to God FIRST before starting any new venture?

As we come again to celebrate the founding of our great nation, are you praying for its leaders and problems that divide us? Are you praying that we as Americans realize our great need for a God who will govern, lead, and show us the truth we must follow?

It's one of the freedoms you have, you know.

Blessings for the day!

CH Mike