A Prayer for Our Nation from 1774

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

By Bruce Humes

Pastor

This Saturday, July 4, our nation will celebrate America’s “Independence Day.” A day set aside to celebrate independence from the British. The Founding Fathers delivered a “Constitutional Republic” system of government that has been successful for 244 years. Not perfect by any means, for we certainly have had difficulties over those years, but successful. For most of those years, it was understood by most that the system of government was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. However, today many would argue differently. But, if one was to look closely at the writings of the founding fathers we would understand just how dependent they were on God. As an example the following is the first prayer offered in Congress on Sept. 7, 1774, by Rev. Jacob Duche, the first chaplain to the Continental Congress.

“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 American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for 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 counsel and valor in the field; to 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 their weapons of war from their unnerved bands in the 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 effectively be 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 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.”

This prayer clearly points to a people dependent on God for his divine intervention in their affairs. A prayer that I would offer up for our nation as we celebrate our independence on Saturday. I encourage you to also take a time this weekend to pray for our nation.

If you wish to speak to someone at the church or if you have a need, call the First Christian Church office at (562) 431-8810. Leave a recorded message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.