In light of President Obama's inauguration, I am reminded back to the initial inaugural speech delivered from our nation’s first president.
April 30, 1789
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.
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Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.
George Washington thought that it would be improper to leave out as his first official act, a prayer to the Almighty for his blessings over the nation. This was part of his address to the people of the United States. This was followed by a Congressional session (a worship and prayer session) at Saint Paul’s Chapel in Manhattan. This nation’s very beginning was rooted in belief in and reliance on the Almighty. It pains me to see how far we have turned away from God and and the results can be seen in every area of our culture. This even includes the religious parts of our culture. My prayer today is for all in office and leadership to hear the voice of the Lord and allow Him to guide their steps as they continue to lead this nation. I pray also for the leadership of Venezuela as the nation is in a state of uncertainty with President Chavez still in Cuba with a life threatening illness and his next term as president delayed. He was unable to be sworn in at the official inauguration ceremony earlier, and now there is a controversy and a rise in tension as some claim he should forfeit the presidency and others stating that he can be sworn in at a later time. Our responsibility as believers is to pray for those who God has allowed to be in these positions for He alone appoints rulers of nations and will use them to see His purpose fufilled. 1Tim 2:1............Heavenly Father, I give thanks for our government.
1 Tim 2:2...........I pray for all men and women having authority over us in any way.
Prov. 1:23..........Pour out Your Spirit upon them and make Your Word known to them.
Ps 25:21............Cause them to be men and women of integrity, obedient concerning us,
1 Tim 2:2...........that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
Prov. 2:10..........Let wisdom enter their hearts, and let knowledge be pleasant to them.
Prov. 2:11..........Let discretion preserve them and understanding keep them,
Prov. 2:12..........to deliver them from the way of evil and from evil men.
Psalm 1:1..........Make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel,
2Chr 20:32.........doing what is right in your sight.
Prov. 2:21..........Let the upright dwell in our government.
Heb 12:27..........Cause there to be a shaking in all areas.
Prov. 2:21..........Let those complete and blameless before You stay.
Prov. 2:22..........and cut off the wicked. Let the unfaithful be rooted out.
1Cor 4:5............Bring to light what is hidden in darkness,
1Cor 4:5............and expose the secret aims of the hearts.
Rev 2:5.............Let this nation remember from where they have fallen,
Rev 2:5.............repenting, and returning to doing their first works,
1Chr 22:19........setting their hearts and their souls to seek the Lord,
2Chr 7:14..........humbling themselves, praying, and turning from their wicked ways.
2Chr 7:14..........Then hear them, O Lord, and forgive their sins and heal our land.
Acts 26:18........Open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.
Heb 3:13...........Soften the hearts that are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Ps 107:20..........Deliver them from their destructions.
2Pet 3:9............Father, You have been long suffering toward us,
2Pet 3:9............not willing that any should perish,
2Pet 3:9............but that all should come to repentance.
Isa 49:22...........Raise up a standard in this nation.
Zech 10:1..........Cause the rains of Your Spirit to flood this land
Hab 3:2.............and revive Your work in the midst of us.
Isa 59:16...........Raise up intercessors for this nation
2Cor 10:4..........to pull down strongholds over this land.
Isa 40:5............And let the glory of the Lord be revealed!
