THE FIRST PRAYER OF CONGRESS

We share with you the first prayer in Congress, in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia - 1774. The men who came before the Father with this prayer still live, and this prayer is still living. This is our heritage, which is in danger of being cast to the ground by those who have torn away our covering of "In God We Trust". We who love God must love what He has given us and protect it.

"Lord, our Heavenly Father, High and Mighty King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who does from Thy Throne behold all the dwellers on earth, and reigns with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the kingdoms, empires and governments; look down in mercy we beseech Thee, on these American states, who desire hence forth to be dependent only on Thee; to Thee, they have appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support which Thou alone can give; take them therefore Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom and 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 (murderous) purpose, Oh let the voice of Thy own unerring justice, sounding their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! Be Thou present, Oh God of wisdom, and direct the counsils 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 (dutifulness to religion) prevail and flourish among Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here 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, our Savior."