A Prayer for Those Who Lead Our Nation: 12 Verses for Inauguration Day

On January 20, 2017, President-elect Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, and Mike Pence as the 48th Vice President.

For many in our nation, this season of change brings much hope.

For many others, it brings fear and uncertainty.

Wherever you may be on that spectrum, we can be reminded of this from God’s word: He calls us to pray for our leaders. He reminds us that He alone has the power to change the heart of a leader, to guide them in His ways. He reminds us to honor all those in authority. He reminds us that He is our true stability. His encouragement continues through all generations - No matter who is President, Christ is still King. Always and forever, He reigns supreme. 

So as crowds gather on this monumental day, as leaders stand, and people pray, may God help us to remember that He promises to hear the prayers of His people. And He works on our behalf. He is close and He is with us.

Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Association and one of the six ministry leaders who has been asked to pray at the Inauguration says this, “I am very thankful that prayer and reading from God’s Holy Word will be a part of this important ceremony as the world watches. We need God’s blessing and favor on this nation and our new president, Donald J. Trump. I’m praying for that—will you?”

Prayer is powerful and God’s Words are true…

A Prayer for Those Who Lead Our Nation

Dear God, 

On this important day, we’re aware, more than ever, that our times are in your hands. We need your Presence and your power to be displayed in our nation. We need your unity and your love to stir our hearts and give direction to our days. We need your wisdom to guide us, we need your Spirit to lead us, to live out godly lives that would bring honor first to you.

We know that you are with us and you fight for your people. We believe that it’s not by might, nor by power, but by your Spirit, that you make a difference in our world.

We pray for all those in authority, for every leader of our nation, that you would give them your wisdom and discernment as they lead. We pray that their hearts would be directed first to you, that they would recognize where their true help and strength come from. We ask that you would guard their coming and going, that you would be their refuge and their peace. We pray that you would surround every leader with wise counsel, that they would be humble and kind, patient and loving through their actions and words. We pray that their faith in you would be unwavering, strong, resolute, and firm.

We pray for their families, that you would give them great strength, protection, and grace for the days ahead. We ask that you would continue to pave the way for strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people. We pray that you would open doors that no one can shut, and that you would close doors that no one could open, when it comes to the leadership of our nation and the important decisions that will be made in the coming months. 

We pray for your protection as one nation under God. We ask that you would surround this country and cover us with your Mighty hand. We pray for unity in our land, that in spite of our differences, we would be willing to stand strong together and live out our days with compassion and grace. We ask that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and that you would thwart the attacks of the enemy hurled our way.

We pray for your great healing on our land. Shine your face on us dear Lord. Give us courage to go into all the world and take the message of the Gospel of peace. We need you now, more than ever before. Our times are in your hands.

Thank you that you are rich in mercy and full of grace. Thank you that you are forgiving and merciful. Thank you that you are strong and mighty. Thank you that you are for us and that you fight for us still today.

Wake us up Lord! Remind us to live aware, to redeem the time, listen to your words, and be willing to make a difference in this land. Give us courage to speak out. Help us not to stay silent but to do all things through your wisdom and love.

Bring honor to your Name today, for You alone are worthy.

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

12 Verses of Hope for Inauguration Day:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” (1 Kings 8:28)

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

"For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations." (Psalm 22:28)

"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." (Proverbs 21:1)

"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He choose for His inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

“He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge…” (Isaiah 33:6)

It is “God who changes the times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:21)

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." (Romans 12:12)

“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.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

May God bless America, this day, and every day.

Written by Debbie McDaniel of Fresh Day Ahead, Crosswalk.com contributor. Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at on Twitter and at www.debbiemcdaniel.com.

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Publication date: January 17, 2017