This picture shows George Whitefield preaching in the open air, much like he did when Ben Franklin met him in Philadelphia. Image courtesy of PBS.

Ben Franklin was also well-known in Europe as well as in the Colonies. Well-versed in the Scriptures and convinced that virtue and faithfulness to God were vitally important for every citizen, Franklin was drawn to a meeting where George Whitefield (say “Whit-field—the ‘e’ is silent!) was preaching.

Whitefield was a traveling evangelist—one of our nation’s first of his kind—who spoke in the open air because traditional churches didn’t like his fiery approach and message of complete surrender to Christ. Since Whitefield wasn’t invited to speak in the pulpits of the Colonies, he would simply find a large field and address people there. As word about his message spread, thousands flocked to hear him, and he was a key part of the Great Awakening. He was incredibly popular, and people responded to his clever, entertaining preaching with great enthusiasm and commitment.

Ben Franklin went to hear Whitefield when he spoke on the steps of the courthouse in Philadelphia, PA, and he was among those who was enthralled by Whitefield’s message and charismatic approach. He struck up a friendship with him that lasted many years. Franklin printed Whitefield’s sermons and journals, further advancing Whitefield’s popularity.

Franklin could also see the impact of the conversions wrought by Whitefield’s preaching. Franklin was so impressed by this that he wrote of it in his autobiography, saying, “It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could not walk thro’ the town in an evening without hearing psalm sung in different families of every street.”

Ben Franklin spoke up in the Constitutional Convention. Image courtesy of PBS.

Ben Franklin was a part of the Constitutional Convention—and that was a tough job to start with! They met in Philadelphia during the hot and muggy summer of 1787. Charged with drafting a workable document that would frame the government of the new nation, tension was running high. Between the heat and the bugs, the representatives were on edge, and there were disagreements between the larger states and a complete lack of unity. Each state charged its own taxes and tariffs and minted its own money. Would they ever be able to devise a plan that would work for everyone? Only the dynamic leadership of key individuals like George Washington and Ben Franklin held them together.

Highly respected for his intelligence, wisdom and faith, at this point in his life, Ben was older than most men in the room at age 81! Ben knew what would help the assembly, and he rose to speak as James Madison carefully recorded his words,

In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle have observed frequent instances of superintending Providence in our favor.... And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or, do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing I see of this truth: "that God governs in the affairs of man. 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 labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. 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 shall become a reproach and a byword to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.

I therefore beg to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and it's blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business."

When he spoke these dramatic words to the members of the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin quoted a fantastic verse from the Bible. Do you know where to find it? Hover here.

Our national leaders pray today, in much the same way they did when Ben Franklin spoke up during the Constitutional Convention. No matter what is going on, things go better when our leaders pray—and when we pray for our leaders! Photo courtesy of the White House.

Everyone in the room was moved by Franklin’s request. James Madison made a motion that they follow Franklin’s recommendation. Local pastors were called in to lead in prayer at the start of every day. The result, according to Jonathan Dayton, “We assembled again; and every unfriendly feeling had been expelled, and a spirit of conciliation had been cultivated.”

Pretty cool, eh? Have you ever had a situation like that—where everything was tense or scary or where you just didn’t know what to do? At times like that it is really great to follow the example of Ben Franklin and pray! When you stop and pray, you give God the chance to work in your situation, bringing change or helping in other ways that you may or may not see! That’s the great thing about prayer—when you pray, God hears and He acts!

In many places the Bible encourages us to pray! That’s because God loves it when we talk with Him. Can you think of some verses that tell what happens when we obey God’s command to pray? Hover here. Isn’t that great? God promises to give you His peace when you pray. That’s the best problem solver anyone could have!

Have you ever run your fingertip around the rim of a glass and heard a musical tone? Ben did! And he loved what he heard! He liked the sound so much that he invented the armonica, which works on the same principle. An armonica is made with a wooden stand holding 37 glass hemispheres on a rotating rod, which Franklin ran moistened fingers along to produce a variety of notes depending on the thickness of the glass. Both Mozart and Beethoven composed classical pieces just for the armonica. Sadly, there aren’t too many armonica players today. Photo and mp3 courtesy of oddmusic.com.

• As a young man, wrote a newspaper column under the penname of “Silence Dogood.”
• As Governor of Pennsylvania proposed that state’s first day of fasting for God’s help and protection.
• Founded the nation’s first public library.
• Experimented with electricity, leading to the invention of the lightning rod.
• Believed that children should learn to read and write so they could read the Scriptures for themselves.
• Founded the first fire department, police force, public university and hospital.
• Had a long and sound friendship with evangelist George Whitefield and wrote with glee about the spiritual outcomes of Whitefield’s sermons.
• Proposed that Moses parting the Red Sea be depicted on the Great Seal of the United States.
• Was an accomplished musician who invented the armonica (see the photo) and had several other instruments in his lavish music room. Click HERE to hear a real recording of an armonica being played.
• Was present in the concert hall when George Fridric Handel conduct his last ever performance of the Messiah.
• Is in the Swimming Hall of Fame for his invention of flippers.

O powerful goodness! Bountiful Father! Merciful Guide! Increase in me that wisdom which discovers my truest interest. Strengthen my resolution to perform what that wisdom dictates. Accept my kind offices to thy other children as the only return in my power for thy continual favours to me.
--Ben Franklin

All persons…having children…shall cause such to be instructed in reading and writing, so that they may be able to read the Scriptures and to write by the time they attain to 12 years of age.
--Benjamin Franklin

A Bible and a newspaper in every house, a good school in every district—all studied and appreciated as they merit—are the principal support of virtue, morality and civil liberty.
--Benjamin Franklin

QUESTION 1

Why do you suppose people still remember Ben Franklin on his 300th birthday?

1. People remember Ben Franklin because he made so many significant contributions to American life.
2. People remember Ben Franklin because he was such a key leader in the development of our colonial government and our national identity.
3. C. People remember Ben Franklin because he was a man of great faith who helped others believe in God and trust Him with their concerns.

QUESTION 2

When you read over Ben Franklin’s words calling for prayer, which of the following would you say best describes his concern?

1. Ben Franklin feels that the only good prayers are prayers in which people beg for what they need.
2. Franklin thinks that they should get right down to business every morning and leave the prayers to others.
3. C. Ben Franklin knows that the group needs the help of God, so he asks that a minister be brought in to lead prayers—not just until their problem passes, but every day!

QUESTION 3

When Ben Franklin proposed that the Constitutional Convention take time for prayer, which of the following would you say is true?

1. People felt that prayer wasn’t something that government leaders needed to do.
2. The men felt that if there would be prayers, they should be offered by someone who wouldn’t offend anyone through their prayers.
3. The leaders knew that Franklin was right and prayer to the God who had helped them win their independence was the best thing to do.

We’ve learned a lot about a great leader this week. Ben Franklin had a fascinating life, and lived with a strong faith in God. He’s a great example for kids today, because he tried so many different things and he succeeded at many of them.

God has given you lots of gifts and talents, and He really wants you to develop them in the best way possible, so He can impact your world through you! So next time you think of something you’d like to try, go ahead and give it a go, asking God to lead and guide you. You may be surprised at the results. And whatever you do, remember to follow Ben’s example by praying in every kind of situation—because when we turn to God, it’s the best time for Him to act!