Congressional representatives, for weeks and weeks, had hurled bitter invective and harsh words of calamity.
Could anything restore harmony? Was there any hope for a peaceful nation?
An 81 year old man with flowing gray hair and wire spectacles—quiet for much of the debate—slowly rose to his feet. His mythological stature as a statesman, an ambassador, inventor, and writer commanded the attention of all.
Only he, Benjamin Franklin, could have had the audacity during that moment of out-of-control invective and hateful tempers to suggest that they must pause... and pray!
He reminded his colleagues that during the war they had beseeched God on a daily basis. “Our prayers were heard, and they were graciously answered,” he said, engaging the eyes of every member of the Constitutional Convention.
“Have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance?”
The elder statesman now held the attention of every ear.
“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?”
Franklin made a bold motion: to begin every session with prayer.
Sadly, his motion was not even voted upon. Perhaps too many lawmakers were too stubbornly proud to succumb to such a simple plan of grace. They ignored Ben Franklin.
Shortly after Franklin’s speech, the DEADLOCK MYSTERIOUSLY BROKE, and America was on its way to having a Constitution!
Many later admitted that Frankin's speech had motivated them to ask for God's help.
Today, we again feel desperate. Is America on the brink?
Let us remember the wise words of our Founding Father. If God cares about every sparrow that falls from the sky… wouldn’t He also take special care of the nation that He created… and sees as the “city on a hill” … the country that attracts more people from foreign nations than any other?
Today, Benjamin Franklin would ask us to do two things: Vote and pray.
Remember. Every answered prayer ... is a Godwink!
FYI: The Benjamin Franklin Godwink story was published in "The 40 Day Prayer Challenge" ... Ch 5.
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