September 7, 1774 by Jacob Duche
Oh 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 al lthe Kingdoms, Empires, and Governments;
Look down in mercy, we beseech thee, on these our American States, who have fled to thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee...Give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries;...constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved bands in the day of 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 be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion, and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people...
All this we ask in the name of and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior. Amen.
