July 1st, 2026
by Ronnie Harris
by Ronnie Harris
Remembering our Roots.
Have a wonderful 4th of July on this 250th Anniversary of the United States of America
It was September 7, 1774. Representatives from twelve colonies had gathered at Carpenters' Hall. They came from different colonies, denominations, and political viewpoints. There was even debate over whether they should begin with prayer because some delegates were Anglican while others were Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Quakers, and members of other traditions.
According to Adams, one delegate questioned whether they could pray together because of these denominational differences.
It was then that Samuel Adams stood and declared:
"He was no bigot and could hear a prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue, who was at the same time a friend to his country."
The Congress then invited Rev. Jacob Duché, rector of Philadelphia's Christ Church, to lead them in prayer.
The delegates had asked him to lead them in prayer after reading from Psalm 35.
The following is the historic prayer, preserved in the Journals of the Continental Congress and in contemporaneous accounts:
O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings and Lord of lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all 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 upon 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 Thy unerring justice, sounding in their hearts that they may become sensible of the injustice they have done to Thy people, and be ashamed of their conduct.
Bless, we beseech Thee, all the people of this land from the highest to the lowest. Pour out upon them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Make them a holy people unto Thee. Strengthen the hands of our magistrates, and all others who are appointed to execute justice. Let righteousness run down our streets as a mighty stream and let judgment flow as the waters.
And finally, we commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions.
All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen.
Have a wonderful 4th of July on this 250th Anniversary of the United States of America
It was September 7, 1774. Representatives from twelve colonies had gathered at Carpenters' Hall. They came from different colonies, denominations, and political viewpoints. There was even debate over whether they should begin with prayer because some delegates were Anglican while others were Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Quakers, and members of other traditions.
According to Adams, one delegate questioned whether they could pray together because of these denominational differences.
It was then that Samuel Adams stood and declared:
"He was no bigot and could hear a prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue, who was at the same time a friend to his country."
The Congress then invited Rev. Jacob Duché, rector of Philadelphia's Christ Church, to lead them in prayer.
The delegates had asked him to lead them in prayer after reading from Psalm 35.
The following is the historic prayer, preserved in the Journals of the Continental Congress and in contemporaneous accounts:
O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings and Lord of lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all 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 upon 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 Thy unerring justice, sounding in their hearts that they may become sensible of the injustice they have done to Thy people, and be ashamed of their conduct.
Bless, we beseech Thee, all the people of this land from the highest to the lowest. Pour out upon them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Make them a holy people unto Thee. Strengthen the hands of our magistrates, and all others who are appointed to execute justice. Let righteousness run down our streets as a mighty stream and let judgment flow as the waters.
And finally, we commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions.
All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen.
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