Prayer for the President

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. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Our Father in heaven, you alone are worthy of our praise. You are the creator and sustainer of all things. You alone are holy, and your name is forever to be praised. May the greatness of your power, your majesty, your sovereignty, your wisdom, your righteousness and your love be honored, revered, magnified and adored by all men.

I pray this day for our new President and his family, for those who will serve with him, advise him and govern with him. I lift him before you asking that you will grant him an understanding mind to govern this nation, that he may discern between good and evil. Give him courage to do what is right and just. Set his heart to seek your face, your will and your ways, and direct his steps according to the light of your word.

Father, I pray this for your glory, for so you have commanded us to pray and taught us to pray.

I give thanks for the historical significance of this event, where the racial walls that have separated this nation for so long have now given way to such an unprecedented opportunity for unity. Use this, Lord, for a hearing of the gospel of peace and reconciliation.

Lord, I thank you for this first family and pray that their marriage will be held in honor by all, that their example of such a family unit as you have ordained it will be heeded by all. Protect them from harm, from corruption and the wicked schemes of man.

Lord God, you are the one who institutes every authority among men. You have brought Barack Obama and his leadership team to this place at this time for your own purposes and glory. You are the one who turns the king's heart wherever you will like a stream of water in your hand. You remove kings and set up kings, and you remain forever the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Father, where the ideals of our President resonate with your heart, bless his actions for the sake of your righteousness. I thank you for the compassion he indicates for the poor and needy in this nation. I thank you for the sense of responsibility he hopes to instill in every man and woman. I thank you for the aims of justice and peace to which he aspires. Grant him your wisdom and compassion as he governs.

And where his decisions and priorities and actions neglect your truth and spurn your desires, I pray for change. I pray that he will know the foolishness of his own ways and in humility and brokenness, repent toward you. God, you alone are able to change the heart of man by the convicting power of your Spirit and the piercing sword of your word. You alone, O God, are able to expose the works of wickedness by the light of your holiness. God, you sent your Son, Jesus, into this world to be the light of the world, offering forgiveness and cleansing from sin and to make men holy, blameless and above reproach. May the heart of our President turn away from all ungodliness and turn in faith to you. May he follow in the light of your Son, never to walk in darkness, but to have the light of life.

Thank you for the gospel that saves! This is our only hope for our nation, and indeed, the only hope for the world. We need your mercy and grace, O Lord.

In the name of Jesus we bring these supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings before your throne of grace, believing that you will hear and answer for your glory in Christ Jesus, Amen.