Pray for our leaders

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.

This is a remarkable day in America – the swearing in of a new President. After all the heated debates and hard campaigning, non-stop television commercials and quarrels around the office coffeepot, America inaugurated its forty-fifth president. At noon today, Barack Obama quietly and peacefully handed over the presidency.

The key word here is “peacefully.” For over 230 years, Americans have witnessed this peaceful transfer of power. And what makes this day so remarkable is that we have never had to even think about it being otherwise. We have never worried that the incumbent would surround the capital with tanks in an attempt to hold on to power. Never has a President even considered having the opposition candidate arrested or assassinated. Such acts are so far removed from possibility that truly is too preposterous to believe. The rest of the world marvels our peaceful transfer of power and the fact that we can take this process for granted.

So instead of having to pray that such a diabolical plot not occur, today we can simply offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our nation and wisdom and strength and blessing for our new President. May God bless the United States and all who lead our nation.

Dear Lord, we pray that You will be with the leaders that lead our nation. We pray that they will seek Your wisdom as they serve. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.