I’ve been reading a lot about Benjamin Franklin recently. He is such an interesting and accomplished person that you always find out something new about him- not always something good. But this time I found out that he led a militia in the French and Indian War. He was in his 50’s, and he paid to equip and outfit the militia himself. They were largely successful do to Franklin’s leadership. In fact, Franklin’s French and Indian war record compares favorably to Washington’s. I also found out that when he was 22 years old he composed for himself a series of prayers he intended to use as a basis for his regular devotions. They are quite moving, and I wanted to share a few with you in this space. The following are taken from a document titled “Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion,” dated November 20, 1728.
- Barry Bryson
Prayers
That I may be preserved from Atheism and Infidelity, Impiety and Profaneness, and in my Address to Thee carefully avoid Irreverence and Ostentation, Formality and Hypocrisy. Help Me, O Father.
That I may be sincere in Friendship, faithful in Trust, impartial in Judgement, watchful against Pride, and against Anger. Help Me, O Father.
That I may have Tenderness for the Weak, reverent respect for the Old; that I may be Kind to my Neighbors, good-natured to my Companions, and hospitable to Strangers. Help Me, O Father.
That I may be honest and openhearted, gentle, merciful and good, cheerful in Spirit, rejoicing in the good of others. Help Me, O Father.
That I may possess perfect Innocence, and a good Conscience, and at length become Truly Virtuous and Magnanimous. Help Me Good God. Help Me, O Father.
Thanksgivings
For Peace and Liberty, for Food and Raiment, for Corn and Milk and every kind of healthful nourishment, Good God I thank Thee.
For the Common Benefits of Air and Light, for useful Fire, and delicious Water, Good God I thank Thee.
For Knowledge and Literature and every useful Art; for my Friends and their Prosperity, and for the fewness of my adversaries, Good God I thank Thee.
For all thy innumerable Benefits; For Life and Reason, and the use of Speech, for Health and Joy and every pleasant hour, Good God, My God I thank Thee.
Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1728
