Six Prayers and Verses for Inauguration Day
It’s an important moment in the life of the United States of America: Inauguration Day. Held every four years on Jan. 20 (or Jan. 21, if Jan. 20 falls on a Sunday), the event is the day when the president-elect and vice-president-elect are sworn in and take office. Held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the two will formally take their oaths of office, and then the newly sworn-in president will offer his inaugural address.
The president-elect recites the following oath in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
This year’s Inauguration Day is the second for President Donald Trump, who was the 45th president and will be sworn-in as the nation’s 47th president. This year’s inauguration falls on the same day as the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
After the ceremony, the president will go on a ceremonial parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.
As we prepare for this historic moment, here are six prayers and verses for Inauguration Day.
1. A Prayer for Godly Leadership
“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Precious and perfect Lord,
As our president- and vice president-elect take their oaths of office and begin their new terms as leaders in this nation, speak into their hearts. Help them seek you in all things, both today and always. Help them look to you first for guidance, and help ready their hearts for whatever it is you intend to do through them as they step into these roles.
So many temptations and pressures are likely to come their way, yet you know how to hold them steady in all of this. Help them to heed the words of Ephesians 5:15-17, making the most of this opportunity they are granted and seeking your will as they fulfill your purpose.
Scripture tells us King Solomon, new in his reign, was told by the Lord that he could ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom, specifically, “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3:9). Help our president- and vice president-elect to desire this, also, and please grant this to them. Help them heed your guidance and lead this nation as you desire, now and always.
In Jesus’s name I pray,
Amen.
2. A Prayer for Support and Love from the People
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1).
Abba Father,
You are almighty and all-powerful, and I know that you are in control of all things. In days of old, you hand-selected leaders for the nation of Israel, from the earliest judges to King David. In this nation today, the citizens elect its leaders, but we know that you work in all ways, influencing and softening (or hardening) hearts as you please for your good purposes and shaping events to your wishes.
Therefore, we can trust that whoever is at our helm is fully known and established by you for whatever purpose and reason you desire.
Because we serve you, help us to remember this and to respect the leaders of our nation. Help us to foster deep love and support for them, for you call us to love others in your name. Romans 13:5-7 tells us we must submit to “the authorities,” among them our nation’s leaders, as a matter “of conscience,” paying taxes and showing them respect and honor. Help me and others in our nation to do this, and furthermore, to cultivate a heart of authentic care and compassion for them.
In your name I pray,
Amen.
3. A Prayer for Unity Among the People
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).
Father God,
We know we are a people divided in many ways, whether by race, gender, age, or religious or political beliefs. Yet you have told us we are not separate but united as one, regardless of how different we may be. As you tell us in 1 Corinthians 12, together we make up the body of Christ. Even if the foot or the hand or the eye or ear were to deny it is part of the body, still, it remains part of the whole. And indeed, God has created these differences for a reason according to his wishes. As 1 Corinthians 12:19-20 asks, “If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
Help us all to remember this. The United States of America is meant to be united. Even though its people might have different views and opinions – even vastly different values or ways of thinking – its people still are one body, intended to be united in you.
Please help your people to remember this and look to you for guidance and authority as we all strive to be one in you. Help us set aside differences as we serve you, Lord, together.
Amen.
4. A Prayer for Those Feeling Anxiety
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Heavenly Father,
You know the worries of my heart, the anxieties that take root and fester. Yet you also know the plans you have for me, and for this nations and its leaders. Help me to rest in the peace of Christ, knowing nothing happens without your knowledge, and that you work all things out for the good of those who love you and who have been called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28).
Help me remember the words Jesus spoke to his followers in Matthew 6:25-34, when he realized the worries of their hearts and reassured them that, just as you care for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, so too you care for us, your children. We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. We only need to focus on today, trusting in your kingdom and your righteousness, and have faith that you will provide for our needs. Indeed, he tells us, “Do not worry” (v. 25).
Help me, Lord, to push aside anxiety, fear, worry, and concern and focus only on you and your kingdom, knowing all will go according to your perfect plan.
Amen.
5. A Prayer for Justice
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Holy Lord,
You are creator of the universe and all within it. You created the earth, the sun and the stars, the people and the animals. You love us all, and so much so that throughout Scripture, your Holy Word is peppered with numerous directives that humans act justly. You call for us to care for each other and to love well. As you say in John 13:34-35, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” And in both Matthew 22:39 and Leviticus 19:18, you command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
This love includes acting on behalf of those whose rights are denied or who are powerless to defend themselves, from widows and orphans to the poor.
Help our president- and vice president-elect to behave in loving and just ways as they lead our nation, doing what is morally right and fair at all times and to all people.
In your name I pray,
Amen.
6. A Prayer for a Peaceful Transition
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Lord God,
Every four years, America selects a national leader, enabling its people to exercise one of their fundamental rights: the right to vote. We know change can be difficult, especially as power changes hands. Feelings can escalate quickly.
As our new president- and vice president-elect are sworn in and officially begin their new terms, be with them and grant them a spirit of peace and protection. Help the transition be smooth, both for those entering and those exiting the office. Enable a peaceful, gentle spirit to rest upon the hearts of all people during this time, granting us all patience and steady temperaments as we move into a new future. Help us remember to look to you first as the ruler of all creation, understanding that our elected leaders are human beings just like us. You are the almighty, all-powerful, triune God, perfect and holy and true, now and forevermore.
As long as we look to you and serve you, all will be well.
In your name we pray,
Amen.
These are just a few prayers offered in this exciting and historic time in the life of this nation. However you pray, know that God hears you and remains with you.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Quick PS
Originally published January 15, 2025.
