Pray for Our Leaders

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

Yesterday was a great day in the history of our great nation. President Obama was inspiring in his inaugural address. Regardless of our politics, now is the time to pray for our new president, his cabinet, and for all those in authority. Let’s commit to do that together!

I thought that the perspective below from a conservative, Chuck Dunn, was particularly interesting:

Who would have thought that President Obama’s inaugural address would:
– Have fewer applause lines than most inaugural addresses, but in the light of history will likely earn more accolades than most?
– Contain fewer uses of I than most, but use the collective we to strengthen his leadership more than most?
– Speak – as a Democrat and an African-American – more about personal responsibility and less about individual rights?
– Include fewer references to the role and policies of government and more references to the values needed to restore the quality of government?
– Offer a sometimes conservative, patriotic, and spiritual message to a largely Democratic and Liberal audience?
– Use down-home, colloquial rhetoric to drive home key points during one of America’s most formal occasions?
– Exalt the historic successes of white America in a manner that drew black and white America together?
– Hold out an olive branch to the world, but shrouded with a firm warning?
– Demonstrate personal humility on an occasion filled with pride, pomp and circumstance?
– Show genuine affection and appreciation for his predecessor, when many in the audience held him in contempt?

Lord, we pray for our new president, his advisors and all those in authority. We pray that you will protect them and their families. We pray that you will give them wisdom and compassion to lead well. We pray that your will is done in our nation. Amen.