Introduction
On September 7, 1774, the First Continental Congress opened its second day of deliberations in Philadelphia with this prayer, delivered by Reverend Jacob Duché, rector of the city’s Christ Church. The Congress had convened in response to the Coercive Acts (called the “Intolerable Acts” by colonists), Parliament’s punitive measures against Massachusetts following the Boston Tea Party. Delegates from twelve colonies gathered amid genuine uncertainty and division; some sought reconciliation with Britain, others edged toward resistance. News had just arrived (later proven false) that British warships were bombarding Boston, heightening the room’s anxiety. The decision to open with prayer was itself contested, since the delegates represented a mix of Anglicans, Congregationalists, Quakers, Presbyterians, and others who often disagreed sharply on matters of faith. Samuel Adams reportedly broke the tension by declaring he could hear a prayer from any patriotic clergyman, regardless of denomination; this is a small but telling moment of the unity the Congress was struggling to forge.
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O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle!
Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.
Amen.
Reverend Jacob Duché
Rector of Christ Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 7, 1774, 9 o’clock a.m.
