January 21, 2009

A Prayer for our New President

Yesterday we inaugurated a new President of the United States of America. Can you imagine what it must have been like for Barack Obama? He woke up this morning as the most powerful man in the world. Only a handful of people know what that feels like. The pressure. The burden. The weight of the world. I wonder what he was thinking as he walked into the Oval Office and sat behind that famous desk. Did he think, “Oh my, what have I gotten myself into?” Do you suppose he had a moment to pause…to pray?

But, whether he prayed or not, and whether we cast our vote for him or not, President Obama needs our prayers. I didn’t vote for Obama, and I do have concerns with some of his campaign promises. However, I love America. It’s the greatest nation on the planet, and Barack Obama is its President. For that reason, I’m pulling for him. None of us can begin to imagine how hard of a job his must be. He needs our prayer. So, please join me in prayer:

“Father, we recognize that all kings, rulers, and presidents are under your authority. Thank you for our nation, our freedom, and for another peaceful transfer of power. We pray that President Obama would seek you and desire to do what is right in your eyes. Everyone will want his ear. He will be pulled in every imaginable direction. Yet, we pray that he will lead with a sense of humility and moral clarity. I pray that he would understand his true identity in Christ. May he seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. May he want to do what is right, and not just what is politically correct. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Also, you may be interested in reading or watching Pastor Rick Warren’s inaugural invocation.