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A Prayer for Inauguration
January 20, 2017
PSALM 2 — A LAMENT
Why do the nations rage
And the people imagine vanity
The kings of the earth set themselves
The rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord
Against God’s anointed
Saying
Let us break their bonds
And cast away their cords from us
The one who sits in the heavens will laugh
The Lord will hold them in derision
Then God will speak to them in God’s wrath
And terrify them in God’s fury
Saying
I have set my king on Zion
My holy hill
I will tell of the decree
The Lord said to me
You are my son
Today I have begotten you
Ask of me
I will give you the nations for your inheritance
The uttermost parts of the earth for your possession
You will break them with a rod of iron
You will dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel
Now therefore
Be wise o kings
Be instructed you judges of the earth
Serve the lord with fear
And rejoice with trembling
Kiss the son
Lest God become angry
And you perish in the way
For God’s wrath may soon be kindled
Blessed are all who take refuge in God.
†
from John 16
Jesus said:
I have loved you as the Father has loved Me. Abide in My love. Follow My example in obeying the Father’s commandments and receiving His love. If you obey My commandments, you will stay in My love. My commandment to you is this: love others as I have loved you. There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends.
Remind us:
We are all made in your image.
We are all prodigals wandering far from home.
We are all hurting
And We all find mercy in your hands.
Abba, our Father in heaven
Let your name be hallowed.
†
Isaiah prophesied a day when God’s kingdom would be restored. He saw a day when the people walking in darkness would see a great light; when light would shine on those dwelling in a land of deep darkness:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
from Isaiah 9
Abba, Our Father in heaven
We look to you for governing.
We follow the way of your son,
King Jesus,
Who taught us
To Love God
To Love our neighbor
To Love our enemy
To Love the stranger
This is the greatest commandment.
Make it real
Move us beyond commenting
Make us people of ACTION
People who LOVE
People who practice the way of Jesus
To see your kingdom come,
To see your will be done;
To see it be on earth
As it is in heaven.
†
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will y