Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

I pray for Barack Obama as he assumes the responsibility of the presidency today.

I pray that you will guide him. I pray that, before he seeks the counsel of any adviser, he will seek your will. I pray that you will empower him to make good and right decisions for our nation. Bring him times of joy and success. In the hard times, draw him close. Allow him to hear and heed your voice.

Many people are very focused on the color of his skin. As the first black president, I suppose that is inevitable. And I celebrate the fact that our country has made incredible strides toward racial harmony and peace. But God, you have said in your Word that you judge by a completely different standard. You have said that, while we judge a man by his appearance, you judge his heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) That is why I pray for the heart of our new president. I pray that he will have a heart that beats in tune with yours. On issues where his political stance is opposed to your will, I pray that you will change him. On issues where his decisions are in accordance with your will, give him a resolve as strong as steel.

I pray for you to bless Mr. Obama, along with his wife and their girls. I can't imagine the scrutiny of raising a family in the White House. Lord, protect his girls. Protect his marriage. The temptations he will face will increase a thousand times. Give him the strength and moral courage to be a faithful husband and father.

And Lord, I would be remiss if I didn't also pray for the outgoing president. I pray that you bless President and Laura Bush as they transition back to a private life. I pray for rest and rejuvenation for them. I am thankful for the decisions President Bush made that honored you. However, he is not perfect…so for decisions that didn't bring honor and glory to you, I pray for your grace to be upon him.

God, today represents an amazing day in our country. The peaceful transfer of power is really a spectacular thing to witness. I am incredibly grateful that you have allowed me to live in this nation at this time. In so many other countries, power is transferred with violence and bloodshed. In our country, different people and political parties can take control in complete peace. And if we don't like the outcome, we can change our mind every four years. It is an incredible privilege that we often take for granted. I am thankful for the blessing of living in this amazing country.

I pray this in the Name of Jesus, the Name that is above any power or ruler or authority ever devised by man…