Mighty God,

I pray today that like King David President Obama would become a man after your own heart. I pray that he will not be afraid to face the giants of our time with faith in God. Give him confidence, not in himself, but in the ability of a group of people to be guided by the light of Christ. Help him turn to you continually for guidance.

Help president Obama learn the lesson from David's life that with power and authority come unprecedented opportunities for corruption and moral failure. I pray that president Obama will be quick to repent of wrong doing. Keep him by your Spirit ever aware and vigilant to protect his personal moral purity and in national leadership to always pursue the moral high ground.

I pray that as David showed honor to Saul even when Saul intended him harm, President Obama would show a similar sensitivity and treat opponents with honor. May he lead our nation into an era of cordial and civil interactions domestically and internationally.

As David displayed concern and care for Mephibosheth, the lame son of King Saul, may President Obama look out for those members of our society that have been forgotten and passed by. Give him the sensitivity to see what many of our country chose to ignore. Give him the creativity and initiative to take action that would meaningfully impact the lives of those marginalized in our day.

We read in the Psalms of David evidence of a deep, vibrant relationship between David and his Lord through all the phases of his life. May President Obama continue to walk with his savior and Lord in ever deepening faith. May he seek your face daily and meditate on your precepts during times of solitude. May the truth he finds encountering you make him a great man and a great president.

Amen

Our Gracious God,

As we observe yet another peaceful transition of power in our nation and celebrate this historic moment when a citizen of color was elevated to the highest office in the land, we pray that you bless and keep our new president as he faces a labyrinth of challenges more daunting than any of us can fathom. As President Obama begins his tenure of service, we pray that he not be an agent of change merely for the sake of change, but rather an instrument of peace, and justice, and humility, and truth. Grant him courage, wisdom, faith, compassion, and discernment as he contends with the tasks ahead. We ask that you bless him with moments of joy and tranquility in the midst of the busyness, and moments of ordinariness when life seems anything but ordinary. May he feel your abiding care and love for him, and a constant assurance of your presence. And may he be reminded to turn often to you, the source of our comfort and salvation.

We pray for members of the President’s family as they adjust to the profound changes in their own lives. May the living quarters of the White House become a place where the bonds of family are nourished, where the children feel safe and cherished, and where love abounds.

We pray for our nation as we begin this new chapter in our collective history. While we are hopeful for the future, may we be mindful not to expect too much from our President, or be too quick to judge his flaws and inevitable failings. Rather, let us ultimately and finally put our trust and faith in you.

We ask these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.