Yesterday Barack Obama became the first African-American President in history. This event was encased in the usual pomp and circumstance befitting the inauguration of the president of the most powerful democracy on the planet. It was a beautiful day in Washington D.C., albeit a little chilly to be outside. It didn't appear that the nearly two million people in town cared much about the weather; they were there to witness history. In a small way I envy their close proximity to this momentous event.
This morning, as the first day of a new administration dawns, I can't help but think that all the excitement of yesterday pales in comparison to the enthusiasm of this president for what lies ahead. Our country faces enormous challenges and Mr. Obama has taken the helm at an impossible time in our history. I believe that it now matters not how you voted in November; it matters not how you personally feel about our new President; it matters not what political party or religious affiliation you claim; what truly matters is that we are all in this together. We must put aside our petty bickering, our party loyalties, and our culturally-induced differences. Now is the time to pray for our nation and its leadership. Now is the time to pray for our planet and all its inhabitants. Now is the time to seek the face of God in everything we do so that we can overcome our humanity and begin to realize the power of God in our lives. Truly, it is only with God's guidance and help that we will be able to stand up and say: "Yes, we can! Yes, we will!"
Let us pray together...
Good and gracious God, we come to you humbly this day to acknowledge that we are your creation, not our own. We recognize that all we have and all we are comes from you and belongs to you. We confess that we are too often ready to claim credit for your blessings and to afix blame for our shortcomings. We are too self-centered to see you as the center of our lives. Forgive us, God, for these misguided thoughts. Guide us to see you everywhere and give us the courage to greet you every day.
God of all nations and people, we come to you this day to ask that you bless Mr. Obama, his family, and his administration. Hold them all carefully in the warmth and safety of your embrace. Protect them from the dangers that most certainly await them and protect them from their own weakness. We lift them into your care today because we know that you alone have the power to place your will upon their hearts and to give them the grace they need to accept your will. Open their hearts and minds to your leadership as they do their best to lead us.
God of peace and love, we come to you this day to ask for your help as we try to find better ways to live with one another in this world. We have done so much damage to your creation and to each other; help us to find ways to redeem our mistakes and move forward with love for one another. Remind us every day that all we are charged to do is love you and love one another; give us the courage to do both boldly and unashamedly.
God of mercy, we come to you this day with our heads bowed and our knees bent to honor and glorify you. Accept our praise and worship; accept our pleas for forgiveness; accept our gratitude; and accept us as your children. We come to you, God, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This morning, as the first day of a new administration dawns, I can't help but think that all the excitement of yesterday pales in comparison to the enthusiasm of this president for what lies ahead. Our country faces enormous challenges and Mr. Obama has taken the helm at an impossible time in our history. I believe that it now matters not how you voted in November; it matters not how you personally feel about our new President; it matters not what political party or religious affiliation you claim; what truly matters is that we are all in this together. We must put aside our petty bickering, our party loyalties, and our culturally-induced differences. Now is the time to pray for our nation and its leadership. Now is the time to pray for our planet and all its inhabitants. Now is the time to seek the face of God in everything we do so that we can overcome our humanity and begin to realize the power of God in our lives. Truly, it is only with God's guidance and help that we will be able to stand up and say: "Yes, we can! Yes, we will!"
Let us pray together...
Good and gracious God, we come to you humbly this day to acknowledge that we are your creation, not our own. We recognize that all we have and all we are comes from you and belongs to you. We confess that we are too often ready to claim credit for your blessings and to afix blame for our shortcomings. We are too self-centered to see you as the center of our lives. Forgive us, God, for these misguided thoughts. Guide us to see you everywhere and give us the courage to greet you every day.
God of all nations and people, we come to you this day to ask that you bless Mr. Obama, his family, and his administration. Hold them all carefully in the warmth and safety of your embrace. Protect them from the dangers that most certainly await them and protect them from their own weakness. We lift them into your care today because we know that you alone have the power to place your will upon their hearts and to give them the grace they need to accept your will. Open their hearts and minds to your leadership as they do their best to lead us.
God of peace and love, we come to you this day to ask for your help as we try to find better ways to live with one another in this world. We have done so much damage to your creation and to each other; help us to find ways to redeem our mistakes and move forward with love for one another. Remind us every day that all we are charged to do is love you and love one another; give us the courage to do both boldly and unashamedly.
God of mercy, we come to you this day with our heads bowed and our knees bent to honor and glorify you. Accept our praise and worship; accept our pleas for forgiveness; accept our gratitude; and accept us as your children. We come to you, God, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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