Date: 1/21/2009
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: Hail to the Chief
<br><br>“I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”<br><br><br>On this day as I pen these words, Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the United States of America will inaugurate its 44th President, Barack Obama.  This great land of ours is made up of a very diverse population of people.  Our differences range from political, to ethnic, to religious, to economic, to social, and certainly the list could go on and on.  But today, as the reins of the “home of the brave” are handed over to a new administration, one thought should prevail among all others.....that as stated above in the Pledge of Allegiance, we are “One Nation, Under God”.  That same God instructs us in Titus 3:1-2 to honor those who lead us..... “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”  As Christians, we should above all people understand the great need for prayer on this day of transition in leadership.  What follows is the “Inauguration Day Prayer”, written by members of the Presidential Prayer Team in Washington, D.C. <br><br><br>Father, we give you thanks for this special day to celebrate the inauguration of our new president. While he was being formed in his mother's womb, you charted every day of his life. You knew from his beginning that one day he would be elected president of our great nation. We ask that your hand of guidance, protection, and blessing will follow him all the days of his life. <br>Today, he stands before you and before our nation with his hand on your Word to pledge his allegiance to you and to us. We need his help, he needs our help, and together we all need your help, for without you we can do nothing. Will you protect him, and his family today from harm and from evil? As we pray for the new vice president, we ask that your guidance and direction will fill his mind and heart as he assists our new president. Will you protect him and his family today and keep him mindful of all that you are?<br><br>From the beginning of the opening prayer, to the end of the celebrating, may your name be praised in the heart of every American. We are so blessed, Father, and we need to remember that our freedom, our security, and our provisions come from you alone. Thank you for a government that is by the people, and for the people. May we acknowledge your presence in all that we do and say this day with thanksgiving and praise.<br><br>We ask these things in your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.<br><br><br><br><br><br>May we as Americans all speak with the same voice today as we petition our Heavenly Father on behalf of our country, its citizens, and her new leader.  May God bless President Barack Obama and the United States of America..<br>    <br>                                  <br>Go the extra mile - Devin<br>