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Let All the People Say Amen

While serving in the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, John Adams received regular updates from his wife, Abigail Adams. On August 14, 1776, she wrote about an event the previous Sunday at Boston’s First Church (Congregational, now Unitarian):

“Last Sunday, after service, the Declaration of Independence was read from the pulpit by order of Council. The Dr. [Rev. Samuel Cooper] concluded with asking a blessing ‘upon the United States of America even until the final restitution of all things [Acts 3:21].’ Dr. [Charles] Chauncy’s [the minister] address pleased me. The good man after having read it lifted his eyes and hands to heaven. ‘God bless the United States of America, and let all the people say Amen [see 1 Chronicles 16:36; Psalm 106:48].’ One of his audience told me it universally struck them.”

Reflection

The Bible reading for today is taken from a time of national celebration in ancient Israel, including a song (adapted from Psalms 96, 105, and 106) that features praise, memorial, exhortations to the nations, and gratitude to God. It ends with a statement of repentance and request for deliverance. Take time today to ask God to bless the United States and your nations of origin as you read through this passage. Can you find someone to pray with, so you can say “Amen” together?