Appealing to Heaven

Just months before the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Continental Congress recognized that before they sought liberty, they must first seek the blessing and favor of Almighty God.

On March 16, 1776, Congress proclaimed a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer, to be observed on May 17. They called the colonies to “confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions” and to seek God’s mercy “through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ.” Before they declared their independence, they first humbled themselves before Almighty God.

Then, on July 4, 1776, when they finalized the Declaration of Independence, they appealed to God. They appealed to His authority, acknowledged His sovereignty, and expressed their firm reliance upon His providence. 

• “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”
• “their Creator”
• “the Supreme Judge of the world”
• “a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence”

The closing words of the Declaration read almost like a solemn prayer. As they pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,” they did so under the judgment of the “Supreme Judge of the world” and in firm reliance upon the providential care of God.

Finally, when the war was over and American independence was formally recognized in the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, the treaty itself began:

“In the Name of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity.”

The pattern is unmistakable.

Before declaring independence, they humbled themselves before God.

In declaring independence, they appealed to God.

After independence was secured and recognized by the nations, they began by acknowledging God.

As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, may we remember Washington’s words: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

In His service,