THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS
THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS (Taken from the book Miracles in American History by Susie Federer) Susie Federer has adapted this book from William J. Federer’s American Minute. It contains 32
amazing stories of answered prayer. While every story is indeed “amazing” one fact seems to rise to the surface on almost every page. It is the fact that the men who founded the United States of America were constantly involved in public humiliation fasting and prayer. While the repetition may be boring to some, hopefully this partial list will inspire others to also be humble, fast, pray, and confess our sins.
On Oct. 16, 1746 Massachusetts Governor William Shirley declared a Day of Fasting and prayer for deliverance from a fleet of 73 ships, 800 cannons, and 13,000 troops. When they finished praying the sky drew dark and a hurricane scattered the French fleet with lightening even striking several ships causing them to catch fire and explode.
On Dec. 12, 1747 Benjamin Franklin published an article in the Pennsylvania Gazette calling for a Day of Fasting and Prayer. Their prayers were answered and Philadelphia was not attacked.
In the Battle of Monongahela on July 18, 1755 George Washington had two horses shot out from under him and four bullets passed through his coat. One Indian warrior fired at him 17 times without drawing a drop of blood. Washington considered that he was protected by the “All Powerful Dispensations of Providence”. The Indians agreed!
On June 1, 1774 Thomas Jefferson drafted a motion for a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer to the House of Burgesses for deliverance from the British. George Washington wrote in his diary “Went to church and fasted all day”. Their prayers were answered!
On Sept. 7, 1774 the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The next morning the Rev. Duche read the 35" Psalm and broke into an extemporary prayer. John Adams wrote that it was the best prayer he had ever heard. His prayer was answered!
On April 15,1775 the Provincial Congress, led by John Hancock, set aside May 11" as a Day for the Public Humiliation, Fasting, Prayer and the confessions of sins.
On April 19, 1775 the Governor of Connecticut Jonathan Trumbull proclaimed a Day of Fasting to the end that God would pour our His Holy Spirit and bring about genuine repentance.
On June 12, 1775 President John Hancock called for all inhabitants of all English Colonies to observe a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting, Prayer, and the confession of sins.
On July 5, 1775 Georgia’s Provincial Congress called for another Day of Fasting and Prayer.
On July 12, 1775 the Continental Congress called for still another Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. John Adams wrote to his wife that millions would be on their knees before our Creator imploring His forgiveness and blessing.
The next day, July 13, 1775 Jonathan Trumbull ask again for Congress to proclaim a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.
On March 6, 1776 General Washington from his Cambridge Headquarters asked that “Thursday the 7" be set apart by this Providence as a Day of Fasting, Prayer, and Humiliation.”
On March 16, 1776 the Continental Congress approved a resolution without dissent by General William Livingston for another Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer.
On May 17, 1776 the Continental Congress called for still another Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer.
When a dense fog enabled Washington’s troops to make a miraculous escape from the British, he wrote on Aug. 20, 1778 “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this”.
This partial list takes us through only a fraction of the book and our nation’s history. It does prove, however, that our founding fathers did have faith! The question is: “Do we?”