On September 7, 1774, as the British were attacking Boston, the First Continental Congress met in Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia. The Congress voted to open that meeting with a prayer. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams described that first prayer and the disagreements surrounding it. He wrote, “We were so divided in religious sentiments, some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some Presbyterians, and some Congregationalists, that we could not join in the same act of worship.” However, Samuel Adams rose and said, “that he was no bigot, and could hear a Prayer from any gentleman of Piety and virtue.” Samual Adam’s motion was seconded, and passed and a local reverend “read several prayers in the established form” and read the 35th Psalm, which was the designated scripture for that day of the year.
“I never saw a greater effect upon an audience,” John Adams recounted to his wife. “It seem[s] as if heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that morning. After this, [the reverend], unexpectedly to every body, struck out into an extemporary prayer, which filled the bosom of every man present.”
“Be Thou present O God of Wisdom,” the prayer began. “Direct the counsel of this Honorable Assembly; enable them to settle all things on the best and surest foundations; that the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that Order, Harmony and Peace may be effectually restored, and the Truth and Justice, Religion and Piety, prevail and flourish among the people.”
“It was,” as John Adams remembered, “enough to melt a heart of stone.”
Let us celebrate the birth of our country with continued prayers. Let us unite ourselves despite our differences as the early patriots did and ask the Lord God to bless this land, to bless our efforts at bringing peace to the world. Perhaps then God will comfort us and center our hearts on everlasting peace with His words from the 35th Psalm: “I am thy Salvation.”
Program #3958