America’s fight for independence from British rule began with Scripture and prayer. On Sept. 7, 1774, the gathering of America’s First Continental Congress summoned a minister from Philadelphia named Jacob Duché to lead the assembly in prayer.
John Adams, who was present at this historic meeting wrote to his wife Abigail describing the event:
“Accordingly the next Morning [Rev. Jacob Duché] appeared with his Clerk … and read several Prayers, in the established Form; and then read the Collect for the seventh day of September, which was the Thirty fifth Psalm.”
This psalm begins, “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation!'”
Adams continued, “I never saw a greater effect upon an audience. It seemed as if heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that morning.”
Rev. Duché prayed to the Lord: “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.”
Adams admitted to his wife, “I must confess, I never heard a better prayer, or one so well pronounced,” said Adams. “It has had an excellent Effect upon every Body here.”
Seven months later the shot heard around the world at the Battle of Lexington and Concord officially inaugurated the Revolutionary War.
Our Founding Fathers who, in the face of European persecution, refused to compromise their religious convictions, sought the Lord in prayer for wisdom and strength. But today, we’ve turned our backs to God when we’ve forbidden prayer in our schools and took away the Ten Commandments from our public buildings. The result of our defiance to God is that our American freedoms that were bought with the blood are now at stake.
It is my prayer that an awakening will take place in our beloved nation to turn us back to our Redeemer who purchased our freedom and happiness with an infinite price.
God bless you all!
