Preserved by Purpose: First Things First…Revisited: Prayers for the President
Back in 2009, I wrote that regardless of whether you greeted the inauguration of President Barack Obama with great jubilation or fear, one of the best things we could do to support him was to pray. Now that we have a new president who appears more authentic about his faith, I want to remind about the importance of praying for those who rule over us (like President Biden) found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Keeping this in mind, I want to share this prayer written by late Rev. Dr. Jerome McNeil, Jr. for the inauguration of former President Obama that I think still applies. I’ve modified for our current President Joe Biden:
Dear Lord,
We come before your precious name with thanksgiving and sincere appreciation for the answer to the prayers of your people. We thank you for answering the cries of your people for a new presidential administration that is sensitive to the needs of people and no longer dismissive. We surrender all anxiety to your providential care as we continue this transition in leadership. We pray, dear Lord, that you will guide President Biden in every aspect of his life and decisions. Lord, keep him dependent on you and unashamed to represent you before the masses. We seek your counsel on his behalf in matters of justice, peace and finance. May you grant him favor with the unfavorable and a fervent sense of balance in the affairs of the nation. Give him spiritual insight into the turbulent affairs of the world and special grace with leaders throughout this nation. Please become the final voice in all his deliberations and awaken his conscience in matters of supreme importance. Lord, let him maintain the trust of the people as he trusts you! Surround him with men and women of high integrity and spare him from those who are seekers of selfish desires. Cover him with your love and provide him times of renewal and soul searching. Grant total care of his family and allow them some normalcy in the midst of the mayhem of leadership responsibilities. Provide them with friends that will truly keep them balanced and dependent upon you. Lord, keep the Biden family safe and joyful and able to generate a sense of your presence at all times. We also pray for wisdom, insight, and protection for Vice President Kamala Harris and her family. Allow your mercy, wisdom and strength to overshadow Mr. Biden in his role as President of the United States of America. Continue to speak to him and given him divine insight and revelation as he develops and implements solutions to the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, divisive racial injustice and the disconnecting delusions and deceptions that have blinded the eyes of some citizens of the United States. We pray, believe and expect this in the name of our rock and savior in Jesus we remain. Amen!
Shewanda Riley, PhD. is a Dallas, Texas based author of “Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @shewanda.