It’s the fourth of July, a momentous event in world history.

The Declaration of Independence was signed July 4, 1776, more than a year after Revolutionary War hostilities had begun. The war formally ended in 1783, and the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1789.

I’m wondering if we’re at another crossroads in our history. Can we rise above the long-term effects of COVID? Can we actually provide “liberty and justice for all?”

I’m thinking not without prayer. Ronald Reagan reminded us of Benjamin Franklin’s call to prayer at the Constitutional Convention:

The national celebration of the Bicentennial of the Constitution also gives us an opportunity to remember and honor those who gathered in Philadelphia to forge a document that would provide a blueprint for this great Nation. Benjamin Franklin, the oldest member of the Assembly, reminded his fellow delegates that God had heard their prayers during their struggle for Independence. Should they not remember, he asked, that God governs in the affairs of men? “If a sparrow cannot fall without His notice,” he urged them, “how can an empire rise without His aid?” – Ronald Reagan, February 12, 1987

From time to time June or I receives an email or sees something on Facebook about a one-minute daily prayer for the nation. It dates back to a one-minute prayer in Great Britain during World War II. This is an apparent grass-roots movement about which I know nothing. This expression of it has been around since 2008. In Great Britain, it never went away and revived after 9/11/2001. The web site tells the history and encourages us all to pray for one-minute at 9p, Eastern time.

It’s not a bad idea. And I think we should pray not only for the U.S. for all world leaders.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2.1, 2, NIV)

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7.14, NIV)