PEA RIDGE — It is my belief that we must formulate in our own mind what our own value system is based upon and then take a stand to defend it. Whether this be in the realm or our spiritual life or in the world of politics, until we are firmly committed to what we believe, we cannot establish our own sense of priorities much less critique those political ideals that we claim to support.

At a point beyond 70 years in my own life, the world looks much different than it did at 35. Looking back (that old hind-sight thing) my priorities were influenced by many responsibilities that do not affect my views today for young families. That is to say, I understand where the pressures of today’s economy play havoc with family plans and priorities today. Thirty-five years ago I didn’t have access to myriads of world economic data that the internet makes available today, and the world of Islam did not affect my thinking.

Today I have time to study issues that were seemingly irrelevant when career, family and growing children took priority in my life. My belief that church and state need to be separate has given way to a belief that the Christian church must continuously remind the state (nation, world, whatever) that failure to acknowledge a Higher Power’s hand in establishing America is our single biggest mistake.

From there the Christianchurch must accept the fact that other “religions” exist, but that does not, or cannot, lessen our responsibility to support our own belief.

The last 25 years have convinced me that the most powerful force on earth is not the atom bomb, hydrogen bomb or other manmade forces, but is rather the “fervent prayer of a righteous person.” Whether one agrees with that statement or not is their choice. It is one of those things that a person must prove for themselves by testing it in faith. But, I am convinced the longer I live and the more I read/ study, that God was instrumental in the establishment of this nation because of the prayers of persons seeking His intervention in their lives. It is my personal choice to accept the Holy Bible as the sacred work of God and that Christ is indeed HIS Son. If you don’t accept that I honor your ability to choose. However, our nation has lost sight of our roots in my estimation and that was further reinforced when I ran across the following statement, attributed to Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention on June 28, 1787. This came after the convention was deadlocked over representation andBenjamin Franklin, acting as the convention host, addressed the convention at this crucial point in the development of our nation with this thought.

“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard and they were graciously answered….And have we now forgotten that 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 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 labor 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.

“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 this city be requested to officiate in that service.”

John Dayton, a New Jersey delegate, reported theimpact of Dr. Franklin’s words: “The doctor sat down; and never did I behold a countenance at once so dignified and delighted as was that of Washington at the close of the address.

Nor were the members of the convention generally less affected. The words of the venerable Franklin fell on our ears with a weight and authority, even greater than we may suppose an oracle to have had in a Roman Senate!”

It is interesting that Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old at the time.

Perhaps age helps one see priorities more clearly, or maybe to just become more bold with one’s views. For whatever reason, it is my prayer that our Christian churches will take heed to Franklin’s address and turn to a serious state of prayer for our nation. (Franklin’s impassioned speech can be found at numerous places on line by Googling “Constitutional Convention, June 28, 1787” or “Benjamin Franklin June 28, 1787” or going to American rhetoric.com/speeches/benfranklin.htm). One cannot read Franklin’s words without acknowledging his reference to New Testament scripture. Does this not speak volumes about his Christian faith?

Decisions over healthcare and job creation cannot be more important to the future of our nation than the display of the Ten Commandments, the freedom to pray in our schools and the protection of unborn children.

News, Pages 4 on 10/07/2009