Update, Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021

Inaugural Prayers

A Prayer for Vice-President Kamala D. Harris by Pastor Allison

We give thanks for who she is and who she represents. We give thanks that her presence and her powerful position break glass ceilings and open doors of expansion of the leadership of this country for so many – for women of all hues, for African Americans and Asian Americans and children of immigrants. May her presence provide a much needed symbol of inclusive democracy for our country.

We know she is not perfect – we pray that she has learned much from past mistakes. We pray for wisdom, compassion, and justice that seeks repair and restoration. We pray for both confidence and humility; for vision and the ability to speak to realities that plague our nation; for what Dr. King referred to as “tough-mindedness and a tender heart.”

We know she is not loved by all – we pray for her safety, for courage to face the challenges ahead, discernment to know when and how to engage her critics, and wisdom to know when and how to rise above little minds and limited perspectives.

We know the path ahead will have many obstacles – but we also know that Ms. Harris is no stranger to forging new paths, overcoming obstacles, or taking on the challenges before her. May her leadership help move our country more fully into the democracy we aspire to and allow all who dwell in this land know health, safety and opportunity.

Even as we pray for Vice President Kamala Harris, we pray for our country, may you soften hearts so she can lead us forward. Amen.

A Prayer for President Joseph R. Biden by Pastor Carolyn

Lord, this week as we anticipate and look forward to the formal inauguration of a new administration in our government, we send prayers at this time specifically for the incoming president, Joseph Biden. In I Timothy 2, Paul wrote “I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” We pray that Joseph Biden seeks your wisdom in bringing about justice for all the people of this nation that we might all, no matter who we are, where we are from, whatever our religion or none designated, may grow and live in dignity. This is a dignity where all have a roof over their head and food to feed themselves and their families, where workers are paid with a living wage. As he continues to recruit cabinet members and other staff we pray he will be guided to seek those who will best serve the people of the nation, those with expertise and a heart of courage and justice.

In these times we pray for his health and also for his safety. We ask Lord, that we learn to respectfully be able to disagree as well as agree and do the work that is needed for the ongoing safety and well-being of the people of this nation and also the world. We also pray for the safety and well-being of his wife, Dr. Jill Biden and their family. We pray that as he seeks your guidance in the work of president, we also ask the same for her as she continues her work as an educator and as she works by his side.

We ask that he be guided by the best principles and dictates of the faith he professes. And may we realize that we all benefit from the success and well-being of each individual in our nation and the world.

All these things we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.

In recognition of Inauguration Day Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study is not meeting today.

Together In Spirit will meet tomorrow night at 6:00.