America has celebrated many historic days in our nation’s past. This last Tuesday is among those days now. Barak Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the highest office in the land. It was a great day for African Americans and all Americans to witness the peaceful transfer of power once again to a new President. It was a weekend of grand pomp and ceremony marked by enormous crowds, frigid temperatures, a unique hat, a misstated “oath of office” and an ultimate “redo” later, lots of music and dancing – though admittedly it is not the President’s greatest skill – and controversial prayers by a few select pastors. Who would think inaugural prayers would be so scrutinized? It was a dicey day to be a public praying pastor (I certainly miss Billy Graham’s presence on the platform these last two Inaugurations)!

Whether Barak Obama received your support at the polls in November, he deserves all our support now as our President and Commander-in-Chief. As a Christian, we are instructed and admonished to pray for our leaders:

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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:1-4

This verse from Timothy reminds us “this is good and pleases God our Savior” to pray for those in authority over us – regardless. I want to be a God-pleaser, don’t you? At our Prayer & Praise Gathering on Tuesday night, we invested time in praying for President Obama and his new administration using a prayer guide from Dr. Charles Stanley. I also shared this prayer of Pastor Chuck Swindoll:

Prayer for Our Nation
Written by Dr. Charles R. Swindoll (2007)

Almighty God, we paus eot reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this.

• In these unsafe days, You remain all-powerful and able to protect
• In these uncertain times, You remain all-knowing, leading us aright;
• In the unprecendented events we're facing, You remain absolutely sovereign.

Therefore, our dependend on You is total, not partial
     ...our need for Your forgiveness is constant
     ...our gratitude for Your grace is profound
     ...our love for You is deep.

We ask that You guard and guide our President and all who serve the people of these United States. May uncompromising integrity mark their lives.

We also ask that You unite us as truly "one nation, under God." May genuion humility return to our ranks. And may that blend of integrity and humility heal our land.

In our Lord's name we pray, AMEN.

Keep praying! See you this Sunday for worship and the Leininger’s farewell luncheon and reception. Be sure to bring a side dish or salad to share!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. The response to The Truth Project has been overwhelming! There’s still room for you on Wednesday night. It’s a great place to invite a friend too!