As I watched the inauguration of our 44^th president, Barack Obama, I was struck again by the immensity of God's mercy and grace on this country, and convicted again of my deep need and responsibility to pray for our leaders. Indeed, prayer for them is our first and foremost civic duty. As Paul told Timothy: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 And so in light of this I would like to offer a prayer and encourage each one of you to make it your habit and practice to daily lift our leaders and nation up to the Father in supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings.

Our good and gracious Father in heaven,

You are Lord of creation and Sovereign of the universe. All things come from You and hold together in You. We pray that you will show the glory of your name in our times and in these days, confounding the wisdom of the wise, thwarting the plans of the arrogant, and vindicating those who do justice and practice righteousness. Father, we pray with thanksgiving for the gift of government and the grace of civic order. Thank you for giving us rulers and for knowing our need for laws and and ordered life together. Thank you for this nation and the blessings we know as its citizens. Thank you for freedoms unprecedented in human history.

Gracious Lord, we pray for our new president Barack Obama committing him to You and asking You to fix his mind upon You and reveal Your truth to him in all things. We know that the kings' heart is like channels of water in Your hands and that You turn it wherever You wish. O God, turn his heart toward righteousness and holiness and peace. Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Father, please show him Your will regarding world politics, the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, Israel and the Middle East, and in all other parts of the world. Give him wisdom to deal with a global financial crisis and the threat of terrorism around the world; and to deal justly and righteously with other nations.

Grant him heavenly wisdom on the home front with every issue that is knocking at our doors. Give him the clarity to see abortion as the terrible abomination it really is and begin to lead this nation out of the moral degradation into which we have fallen. Father, turn his heart to see the dignity and sanctity of every single human life from the moment of conception. Holy Spirit, convict his heart of the sin of homosexuality and help him to stand for the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. Give him the courage to make right choices and moral judgments in the face of popular opinion and give him the will to persevere through unpopular decisions that are righteous and good. May he inspire this nation to a higher vision, to a higher standard of justice, to a higher morality and greater unity. Renew his mind to Your perfect law and grant that he would govern in accordance with Your commands.

Make the path clear before him, Lord. Instill in him the desire to please You in all things. May those who provide him with earthly counsel be committed to Your ways, receptive to Your thoughts, and willing to accept Your guidance. We earnestly pray that You would protect this president and surround he and his family, along with all our leaders, with your heavenly guardians and and mighty arm of power. We know that You and You alone are our defense. We do not place our trust in horses or chariots; we do not rest on strength of arms or in abundant prosperity, but we look to You. And we pray that You will give this president wisdom as he fulfills his responsibilities.

Protect, guide and bless our military men and women, Lord, as they engage in the struggle against our enemies. Fight the battle for them in Iraq and Afghanistan, and may there be complete and lasting victory that brings You glory. Place Your arms around each soldier, that they may be protected from all hidden dangers; and may those who wait at home for their safe return be blessed as You give them faith and strength, Lord.

Father, we humbly ask You to bless America with Your power and Your presence once again. Shower us from heaven with revival rain. We do not deserve Your blessing nor merit Your favor. We have sinned against You in so many ways and have shaken our fists in the face of heaven. We have left the ancient paths and gone after gods of our own making.

We have been blessed beyond measure, above all other nations, and yet have turned Your blessings into great sin. We have taken the things You have given us and pleasured ourselves instead of taking joy in You and blasphemed Your name by our indulgence.

God grant repentance and brokenness before You in the hearts of all who love Your law and in the hearts of those who are hostile to You even now. Send Your Holy Spirit across this nation to convict of sin, righteousness and the coming judgment and by Your sovereign work, change every heart, bringing each life into obedience to You. We love our land and desire for it to be a place where all people know and love and serve You. You are our God for ever and ever; You are our dwelling place from generation to generation and You will be our dwelling place for all eternity, Your lovingkindness is everlasting, Your compassion overwhelming, Your mercy is beyond measure, and Your faithfulness endures to all generations.

May all praise and glory and honor be Yours as we lift this prayer to You in the powerful, life-giving name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.