A couple of Prayers from the Inaugural Prayer Service

These prayers were given at the Washington National Cathedral:

Gracious God, whose glory is in all the world:
We commend this nation to your merciful care that, being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace.
Grant to Barack Obama, President of the United States,
and to all in authority, your grace and good will.
Bless them with your heavenly gifts.
Give them wisdom and strength to know and do your will.
Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve the people of this land in honor of you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Drawn in part from George Washington’s Inaugural Prayer Service - April 30, 1789

On this radiant day we give thanks to you, O God,
for the freedom to gather united in prayer.
Strengthen and sustain Barack, our President,
that in the days to come he may lead your people
with confidence and compassion.
Grant patience and perseverance to the people of this Nation.
With malice toward none, with charity for all,
may we strive to finish the work you have given us to do
that we may achieve a just and lasting peace.
In this time of new beginnings, new ventures, and new visions,
light in us the fire of justice, and the passion for forgiveness.
Give us the strength to hold fast to what is good
that we may go forth renewed and committed to make hope a reality. Amen.

Drawn in part from Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address - March 4, 1865