Prayer for Today

"Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen."

This was George H. W. Bush's first act as President of the United States. His humility in this moment struck me. This isn't a prayer for just a president to speak; it's for all of us. I would add this:

"God bless Barak Obama today. Give him wisdom to do what is right in Your eyes. Bless America and show them yourself. Let us be a light to the world and salt to the earth. Amen."