In the summer of 1787, the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia had reached a major impasse after much bitter debate over issues of fair representation for the states. On June 28, 1787, elder statesman Benjamin Franklin rose to deliver this historical address to the convention delegates acknowledging the hand of God in our War for Independence.
“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. …I have lived, Sir, 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? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour 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 little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. … 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 the City be requested to officiate in that service.”
Franklin’s plea for formal prayer was implemented nearly two years later, in 1789, after the first Constitutional Congress convened. At this time, chaplains were appointed to both the House and Senate bodies. To this day, a prayer is offered at the opening of daily congressional sessions.
