A prayer

Almighty Lord,

You have been the dwelling place for your people in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You have said that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, if the earth gives way, if the mountains be moved, though the waters of the sea roar, and the mountains tremble at its swelling. O gracious God, remind all your people that there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. For you remain in the midst of your church; she shall not be moved.

Sovereign God, before you the nations are like a drop in a bucket and are accounted as the dust on the scales. But your dominion is an everlasting dominion, and your kingdom endures to all generations. You do according to your will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay your hand or say to you, “What have you done?” We thank you for the freedom to live at peace, trusting your faithful promises and knowing that you do all things well.

In light of these things, heavenly Father, we thank you for our new president-elect. There is no authority except from you, and those that exist have been instituted by you. Thank you, Lord, that even a king’s heart is in your hand and you turn it wherever you will. We pray, therefore, that you will give to him a heart full of the fear of the Lord. Please, give him the ability to understand righteousness, justice, equity, and every good path. Surround him with a multitude of good advisers, for where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Lead him to be a terror to those who would do evil and to reward and protect those who do good. Enable our newly elected leader to be a protector of the innocent, a defender of the weak, a champion for freedom and justice. We pray especially that you will give our nation peace in these days, that your church in particular, those who are called by your name, may live peaceful and quiet lives while seeking to be godly and dignified in every way.

Gracious God, we pray that you would instruct all the citizens of this nation not to put their trust in man, for that only brings a curse. Instead, O Lord, lift up our eyes to the true and only King of kings and Lord of lords, namely Jesus. We thank you that He is the ruler of kings on earth, the one who conquered sin and death, who was dead and is now alive forevermore. We praise you for sending your only begotten Son, for accepting His payment for sin, for raising Him from the dead, and for seating Him at your mighty right hand. We take great comfort in knowing that He is far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, not only in this age but in that which is to come. We thank you that He has the name that is above every name, that one day at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We bless your name, for your throne is in the heavens, and your kingdom rules over all.

Finally, O God, we ask you to hasten the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus. Though we do not now see Him, we believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.