Tag Archive for: Congress

At one point during the Constitutional Convention, the bickering and the lack of progress was out of control. It was at that point, according to the minutes recorded by James Madison, that Benjamin Franklin stood up and said this:

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 understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. 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. 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 that we no longer need His assistance. (Library of Congress)

“Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance…?”

John Adams acknowledged the same thing in a letter to Thomas Jefferson when he described the central theme that allowed the Continental Congress to unite, despite the differences that characterized the colonies and the men that represented them:

The general Principles, on which the Fathers Atchieved Independence, were the only Principles in which, that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen9 could Unite, and these Principles only could be intended by them in their Address, or by me in my Answer. And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity…(Founders Online)

In today’s political culture, we can’t assume that logic alone is going to make a difference, especially when there’s a prevailing mindset that says truth is based more so on preferences than it is principles.

Use the chart below to pray over every member of Congress and the people they represent. Pray for their salvation and the courage to champion what’s true and not just what’s preferred.