Before America declared its independence, its leaders first bowed their heads. On September 7th, 1774, delegates of the First Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia facing one of the greatest decisions in American history. The colonies were divided, tensions with Great Britain were escalating, and even the delegates themselves came from different Christian denominations.

Some questioned whether they could pray together. Samuel Adams reportedly answered that he could pray with any man who sincerely loved God and loved his country. His words helped persuade the Congress to begin its work not with debate, but with prayer.

They invited Reverent Jacob Duché to lead them. He opened by reading Psalm 35 - a prayer asking God to defend the cause of the righteous against those who sought to oppress them - and then prayed for wisdom, unity, courage, and God's guidance. John Adams later wrote that the moment deeply moved those in attendance, recalling that even the normally reserved George Washington was seen kneeling in prayer. "I must beg you to read that Psalm. If there is any faith in the Sort of Inspiration or Prophecy, that could produce it, I must believe that God Almighty has ordained that Psalm to be read on that Morning."

As America celebrates 250 years, this moment is worth remembering.

Before there was a Declaration of Independence...

Before there was a Constitution...

Before there was a United States...

There was a prayer.

Whether every Founder shared identical beliefs or not, many believed the pursuit of liberty required humility before God and dependence upon His providence. They understood that freedom without virtue cannot endure, and that national strength begins with acknowledging a higher authority than ourselves. Happy 4th of July.

From "I Am With You Always"
by David Delfeld
Used with permission.