Christian Reflection and Prayer

PRAY FOR OUR NEW PRESIDENT

Scripture:

1 Timothy 2

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests,
prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
be made for everyone— 2for kings and
all those in authority, that we may live
peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.

President Barack Obama now steps up to lead
our nation into a historic new era. The challenges
and demands he will face are daunting at the
least and overwhelming at most. Yet, in his
Inaugural Address, he invoked the good will of
the American people and our willingness to
roll up our sleeves and work hard.

“Every so often,” the President said, “the oath
is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging
storms. At these moments, America has carried
on not simply because of the skill or vision of
those in high office, but because we, the people,
have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears
and true to our founding documents. So it has been.
So it must be with this generation of Americans.”

This is a time to pray! The new administration will
grapple with the challenges of a struggling economy,
active wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and energy and
environmental concerns—all unprecedented in this
generation. With I Timothy 2:1-2 as our biblical
mandate,pray for our new president’s wisdom,
protection and success as he faces these issues,
and many more, over the next four years.

Let us join together and uphold him as the Israelites
of old did for their leader Moses. Please, invite your
friends and family to pray for President Obama and
the new administration.
Your prayers will work powerfully in our nation.

Prayer:

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Lord of life and
death, protect our nation in our crisis, and our
needs. Turn our hearts to You, and let us find
strength and encouragement in You and peace
of heart and mind through the cleansing power
of You, Jesus Christ. Throughout the nation let wise
counsel, calm thinking, unselfish aims prevail.
With singleness of purpose let one and all
support all just measures. In Jesus' name
Amen.

Day Seventy-Six: January 19, 2009
1 days.

For God’s leading and guiding to be
with President Elect Obama and every
part of his administration as he takes
the oath of office Guide me in Your truth
and teach me, for You are God my Savior,
and my hope is in You all day long.
—Psalm 25:5

Prayer:

O Lord God, You are supreme over all
things and all persons and all powers.
We proclaim Your glory and Your authority
and might. You have put all things in place,
and You rule in truth and beauty.

Inauguration Day is upon us, Holy God,
and President Elect Obama is about to
be sworn in to office. This is a time of
great transition and newness for our nation
and the world. You are a God of certainty,
whose control is sure, whose ways are
perfect. Therefore, we ask in faith that
You anoint and bless President Elect
Obama and his administration. May
they serve our country well and with
the highest integrity. As these leaders
enter the White House and all the echelons
of our government to lead our nation into
the future, I ask You to be powerfully
present in their lives and to bless them.
In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Day Seventy-Three: January 16, 2009
4 days, left until inauguration day.

For those who will be without jobs as
a result of the change in the White House
to find meaningful ways to continue to
serve their country
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;
Your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of Your hands.
—Psalm 138:8

O Holy Lord God, I praise and thank
You for how You call persons into
relationship with You and then into
vocation to serve Your purposes in
the world. In Your love and kindness
You look on every person and see a
special resolve and calling.

Today I thank You for the dedicated
service of all who have served in the
past administration. I ask that You
provide meaningful employment
for each one who will lose their job
as a result of the change in the White
House. Show them precisely how to
move forward in their vocational path,
providing a place of significant service
for each one. In Your holy name, amen.