For Such A Time As This

Thursday, May 6, 2010 is the National Day of Prayer. The observance of this day was signed into law in 1952 by President Harry Truman. But prayer has been the foundation of our nation from its inception. When our Congress called a convention in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation, it was decided unanimously that George Washington would preside. It was quickly decided that to resolve the nation's pressing problems a more substantial document would be needed, and the drafting began on our new Constitution. George Washington told the delegates even before the Convention officially began:

It is too probable that no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps another dreadful conflict is to be sustained. If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The event is in the hands of God.

Plans were being suggested by the delegates and heated debate followed. At one point, the Convention seemed on the verge of failure when Benjamin Franklin rose and spoke:

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 (great nation) 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." (Psalm 127:1) Franklin suggested that the Convention begin each morning with prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom. From that day forward, the Convention proceeded smoothly.1 (U.S. History, Heritage of Freedom, A Beka Book, 1996, pp.127, 128)

Our Judeo-Christian nation is in much need of God's wisdom and mercy at this time. Please join me at our church May 6 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m, or at a National Day of Prayer event in your community, for prayer and guidance.