May 1, 2008 is being recognized as "National Day of Prayer".  The Messengers of Truth Committee is sponsoring a celebration for this Event on May 1, 2008 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in front of the old Federal Court House Building at 7th and Pearl in Eugene, Oregon.  The short program will include:

1. Music by the Knox Brothers, a well known local Christian group.

2. Vern Schwin will read the first prayer in Congress prayed by reverend Jacob Duche at a meeting of the Continental Congress on September 7, 1774.  There will be descendents of that meeting at the celebration, and a post card of a painting depicting that event will be given to each on in attendance.

3. Prayer led by Dr. Les Moore

All those who believe in prayer are invited to join us and show your support for a nation that still believes in prayer.

First Prayer in Congress

September 7, 1774, this prayer and Psalm 35 began our first Congress

"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, desiring to be henceforth dependent on Thee, to Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give; take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in 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 purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands 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 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.

Amen."

The First Prayer offered in Congress

September 7th, 1774 by Jacob Duche in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia

by Jacob Duche, 1774