Morning Prayers During the Constitutional Convention

The Revolutionary War had been won. The British surrendered to General George Washington on October 19, 1781 and by 1783, the King of England had acknowledged the independence of the United States and a formal peace treaty had been signed. America was free.

The first hurdle was behind the new country, but a new challenge was beginning to form. The United States did not act very united. Individual states feared losing their power and began to act like separate countries. They issued their own currency and taxed other states' goods. Signs of internal revolt were becoming more prevalent as inflation, depressions, taxes and riots increased.

George Washington lamented the condition of the "dis-united" states. In a letter to James Madison, he expressed "no day was ever more clouded than the present . . . We are fast verging to anarchy and confusion." He sent a letter to the men who could shape opinion in the new country. "Something must be done," he wrote. "The very fabric of our nation is being torn apart. We must work together. . . if we don't we'll lose the freedoms we just fought and died for. Something must be done."

That "something" turned out to be the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in May 1787. It was held in Independence Hall. After much debate, the delegates decided to write a Constitution for the new country. For the first time in history, men had the opportunity to assemble voluntarily to deliberate and decide upon a system of government for themselves and their posterity.

The delegates chose George Washington to chair the convention. The dignity of his presence and leadership were central to the success of the meetings. The convention started out as the stormiest one ever held on American soil. At times, tempers flared as the delegates argued about the issues. But Washington remained neutral. He shared his beliefs only between sessions. Many Americans saw Washington as a symbol of the spirit of unity.

Argument regarding the powers in a central government and the power of the states continued to intensify. The debate was dead-locked and bitterness was escalating with each passing day. The convention was on the verge of falling apart until Benjamin Franklin stood up. The elder statesman proclaimed, "At the beginning of the war, we prayed for divine protection and our prayers were graciously answered. . . 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?"

Franklin wiped his glasses and continued talking." We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that 'except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.'" The old man implored the delegates to see that America's house would only be built with God's help. He concluded, "I therefore move that hereafter prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business."

The speech marked the turning point. Nearly all of the delegates were Christians of one kind or another. Franklin's words forced them to set their priorities right. The delegates moved forward with his advice and succeeded in crafting a new constitution.

On Monday, September 17th, 1787, 41 of the original 55 delegates solemnly met in the east room of Independence Hall for the signing. James Madison carefully watched each of them. When Franklin signed, Madison wrote: The old man wept."

The Founders of this nation accomplished something extraordinary. They created a unique political success formula that included a national government and separate state governments. They established three branches within the national system: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The United States Constitution is one of the most astounding documents ever written by man. For two hundred years it has withstood the test of time. 

As we look back in history during the first century following the ratification of the Constitution, we can see that by applying the principles of this new Constitutional government a small segment of the human family, became the richest industrial nation on earth. It allowed them to originate more than half of the world's total production and enjoy the highest standard of living in the history of the world.

Learn more at www.TheGloriousCauseOfAmerica.org