On Friday, January 20, Donald John Trump will be inaugurated as the forty-fifth president of the United States of America. A global audience will view the solemn ceremony. Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr. will administer the oath of office on the west steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. After the playing of Hail to the Chief and a twenty-one gun salute, President Trump will address the nation in his inaugural address.

The glitz and glamour of the inauguration may mask the most significant part of the day. We will once again witness the peaceful changeover of power in our republic. Such an ordinary transition is extraordinary in the history of the world. Our nation settles political disputes with ballots rather than bullets, and the people’s will ultimately rules.

Although I closely follow national news, I seldom discuss politics from the pulpit. I certainly possess strong convictions. In fact, those who know me best suggest that I am occasionally in error but never in doubt! However, a sporadic spirit of humility allows me to concede that the Almighty’s viewpoints might differ from my own.

I sincerely doubt that the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth fully endorses the political platform of any particular party. History is filled with people who mistook their political beliefs for God’s will.

The Democrat presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, campaigned vigorously to win her party’s nomination and the nation’s support. In her concession speech, Clinton called for all Americans to unite in their support of the candidate elect.

She said:  Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead.

I echo Secretary Clinton’s words. On Friday, Donald Trump will become OUR president. We pray that he will be a faithful leader for ALL Americans.

In 1 Timothy 2: 1-2, Paul wrote: I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Let us be faithful to Paul’s admonition. This Friday I encourage all Christians to pray for the leaders of our community, state, nation, and world.

May God continue to bless America—land that we love.