Prayer from the First Continental Congress

Image from Boston Tea Party Museum         

Monday night, my "cloistered brothers" and I were discussing our favorite psalms.  James said his favorite psalm was Psalm 35, the one that was prayed at the First Continental Congress, in 1774. 

I didn't know this.  James also continued by explaining how theology grows and this psalm is an example.  He was trying to tell us that Psalm 35 meant something different in 1774 than it does now, 2019.

The psalm was written in the political climate of the Hebrews, i.e., war, exile, battles, suppression, etc.  It was given to the First Continental Congress in the political climate of war.  The country was trying to throw off the English government, so there was that in common--oppression.  But reading it now, is by far, very dissimilar.

Because the psalm deals with David's prayer to a just God appealing that his enemies be punished and he be avenged, the colonists identified with that psalm. Today, however, we can't imagine a just God taking vengeance on anyone.

I don't think David et al believed in an afterlife.  They prayed for justice in their present situations.  I can't imagine them praying, "Thy will be done."  Remember David believes in "eye for eye" justice.

I won't copy Palm 35 for you.  It's long and monotonously boring.  But I'll point out a few things.  Psalm 35 is a lament.  The psalmist prays that his enemies, the evildoers be publically vindicated.  He wants them punished--quickly.  It is a prayer that is vindictive.

At least the psalmist believes that God is omnipotent.