5 Ways for Christians to Commemorate Constitution Day

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The Early Beginnings of the United States Constitution

After the British surrendered to General George Washington on October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Pennsylvania, ending the Revolutionary War, America was a nation without a constitution. 

By then, the old Articles of Confederation were outdated, so on May 25, 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to establish a federal government to serve our nation well.

General Washington was voted as chair, but because the delegates were greatly divided, quarreling over disagreements and not being able to agree and move forward on the formation of a new government, it dragged on for months.

Benjamin Franklin Leads the Way

81-year-old Benjamin Franklin seemed to have had enough of the arguing, divisions, and quarreling, taking the lead to resolve it by making a motion, passionately suggesting the delegates remember who truly birthed America and look to God to lead them. 

“In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the ark to find political truth, scarcely able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard—and they were graciously answered.”

Franklin continued in his impassioned plea, “All of us, who were engaged in the struggle, must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? ...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.”

His quote was taken from Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”

Franklin’s sincere and heartfelt plea led to General Washington leading the delegates to a prayer service held at Philadelphia’s Reformed Calvinist Lutheran Church by Rev. William Rogers, who led the delegates together to pray “The Lord’s Prayer,” ultimately leading to the writing of the United States Constitution.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/mikroman6 

Why Our Founding Fathers Established a Republic, Rather Than a Democracy

It’s important to note that the United States was formed as a republic, not a democracy, as our nation’s pledge of allegiance states, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” 

Author, historian, and co-author of Courageous Christianity, William J. Federer, explains why this is vitally important. “A ‘constitutional’ republic limits representatives with a set of rules approved by the citizens. Where democracies are susceptible to being whipped into a frenzy, allowing a majority to carry out sudden mob justice, constitutional republics are slower to change, especially when they have the goal of guaranteeing citizens their Creator-given rights.”

As Federer explains, “America’s founders designed a government that was intentionally slow to change—frustratingly slow at times in making good changes but thankfully slow in making irreversible bad changes.”

Likewise, writes Federer, “The founders realized it could take a lifetime to build a mansion and one irresponsible match to burn it down in a day.”

5 Ways to Commemorate Constitution Day

Those who believe God’s hand was in the birth of America purposely set aside designated times to remember and not forget God’s gracious and great provision to us. They also seek to help educate fellow United States citizens about their great heritage.

As Psalm 77:11 urges, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.”

Because God calls us to remember His miracles of long ago, it’s vital for us as United States citizens to recognize and remember how America was founded and established. It’s important for us to glorify God for all He did to bring it into existence.

The following are five ways we can remember, celebrate, and commemorate Constitution Day.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Vernon Lewis Gallery/Stocktrek Images 

1. “Sign” the Constitution

The National Archives offers a site where U.S. Citizens can add their names alongside America’s Founding Fathers by signing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution online. 

With no age restrictions, this is a fun and educational offer to every American citizen from elementary school age to Baby Boomers. It’s also an added resource for classrooms and homeschool students studying U.S. history to participate in.

2. Pray for Our Constitution to Be Upheld

Over the years, groups have formed to try to abolish or reconstruct our United States Constitution. Sadly, there is much division in our nation today, and many are already trying to invalidate the Constitution at every turn. But as Christians, we can join together and pray for God to protect our Constitution.

Consider asking family, friends, and your church to join in praying for God’s protection over our United States Constitution through a weekly or monthly gathering.

God urges nations in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “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.”

Because the Constitution is the foundation of our nation, we want to cover its influence with prayer, and pray for God to protect our God-given rights spelled out in the Declaration of Independence to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

3. Post on Social Media

Commemorating publicly has never been easier, with all the online possibilities offering opportunities to spread the word about Constitution Day.

The ways to help educate those who may not know of its significance in America’s history seem almost endless. One way is to post interesting facts and tidbits, clever memes, links to U.S. History and Constitution sites, or interesting videos to inform others and create interest and an understanding of why we commemorate Constitution Day.

Photo Credit: Scott Graham/Unsplash 

4. Plan a Gathering

If possible, check with local community officials, school administrators, local churches, and homeschool groups about planning an event to commemorate Constitution Day in your community, school, or church. 

Email, text, call, or visit local leaders in person, suggesting the idea and ways to offer to help facilitate it with your gifts and talents, such as recruiting participants, providing resources, promoting it on social media sites, and assisting wherever needed.

• Schools could commemorate Constitution Day by incorporating a “Come Dressed as Your Favorite American” day, giving students a fun and memorable reason to research and act out historical figures. 
• Local businesses could offer incentives, such as promoting gift giveaways and drawings for those who stop by on Constitution Day.
• Churches could hold a morning or evening gathering expressing gratitude to God for His hand in establishing America and for leading our nation’s founders in writing the Constitution.
• Recruit a local choir or group of friends to visit local assisted living facilities to sing a few patriotic songs and hymns for the residents in commemoration of Constitution Day.

5. Praying for a Unified Country

E. W. Jackson recognizes the significance of the approaching 250^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the importance of calling on America to be united: “It is exactly 76 days from July 4th to September 17th, the date the US Constitution was passed. This is providential and symbolic of the year of America’s birth - 1776.”

Matthew 12:25 explains why it’s so important for the United States of America to be unified. “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.’”

In recognition and response, and to commemorate it, Bishop Jackson has created ‘Project 76’ - seventy-six days of prayer for purpose and prosperity for America, designating these days as a time of prayer, restoration, healing, and uniting America, calling on Americans to join together in prayer for the preservation of our country.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/4maksym