The First Prayer in Congress 1774 in Philadelphia marked the moment when America’s earliest political leaders formally turned to God before undertaking their work. On September 7, 1774, delegates of the First Continental Congress gathered in Carpenters’ Hall, facing immense challenges as they considered how to respond to British oppression.
Despite their differing denominational backgrounds, one of the very first motions introduced by John Adams and supported by Samuel Adams was this: that Congress should begin its proceedings with prayer. It was a bold move that could have divided the group, but instead it became a source of unity.
The First Prayer in Congress 1774 Philadelphia reminds us that prayer was not an afterthought to America’s founding but a central pillar.
The Prayer
Rev. Jacob Duché, an Anglican minister from Christ Church in Philadelphia, was invited to lead the assembly. He offered a lengthy prayer, read Scripture, and petitioned God for wisdom and protection. His words, recorded in history, remain deeply moving:
“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 our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection…”
According to John Adams, the prayer deeply moved the delegates, including George Washington, who was seen in tears.
Historic Backstory
The First Continental Congress convened to coordinate a colonial response to British actions. The colonies were diverse, divided by geography, denomination, and interests. Prayer became the bridge that united them.
This moment set a precedent: Congress appointed chaplains and continued to open every session with prayer, a practice still observed today in both the House and Senate. The First Prayer in Congress 1774 Philadelphia established a tradition that continues to define American public life.
Biblical Parallel — Leaders Seeking God’s Guidance
The prayer in Congress echoes the biblical example of Solomon, who prayed for wisdom when he assumed the throne of Israel (1 Kings 3:9). Just as Solomon acknowledged his dependence on God, so too did the American founders.
The First Prayer in Congress 1774 Philadelphia shows that prayer is not only personal but also public — a way for communities and leaders to seek divine direction in matters of governance.
Modern Application — Praying for Our Leaders
We live in a time where politics often divides us, yet prayer can unite us. Scripture calls us to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). The example of 1774 reminds us that prayer can transcend political differences and align us with God’s purposes.
The National Prayer Wall continues this tradition by encouraging prayer for leaders in every ZIP Code, city, and state. Just as the Continental Congress began with prayer, so too can we cover our leaders today.
Visit Philadelphia Today
Carpenters’ Hall, where the First Continental Congress gathered in 1774, still stands in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19106). Within its brick walls the delegates offered the nation’s first prayer in Congress — a moment that joined faith with the struggle for liberty. Today, visitors can walk those same halls, experiencing firsthand the place where prayer and history intertwined at the dawn of America.
📍 This prayer took place in Philadelphia, PA 19106.
More than 150 years earlier, in 1621, the Pilgrims gathered in Plymouth (ZIP 02360) to give thanks in America’s first Thanksgiving prayer.
Read about the Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving Prayer →
Reference Prayers and Proclamations: Historic Prayers in American Life (White House PDF)