Rev. Deborah Tinsley Taylor, pastor at Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora, prayed Sunday for President Donald J. Trump and his new government. In a prayer adapted from several sources for federal, state and local leaders, she said:

“It is appropriate to offer prayers in liturgical settings for our civic leaders, as the prayers for the needs of the faithful and the world are lifted up and offered to the Lord. The inauguration of the President of the United States is a particularly significant moment which draws the attention of all citizens of our land. It is fitting that the prayer of the Church, as we gather for worship, be attuned to the occasion.

“Let us pray:

“For the nations of the world, to engage in a cooperative spirit toward lasting peace and justice for all, we pray to the Lord.

“For our nation, to continue to promote liberty and freedom, justice and peace for all, we pray to the Lord…

“For the people of the United States, to engage in a spirit of cooperation, tranquility, and respect for one another and for all human life as good stewards of the gifts God has given us, we pray to the Lord.

“For our new President, to have before him at all times the charge to protect and defend the rights of all citizens,especially the weakest and most vulnerable among us, we pray to the Lord.

“For all civic authorities, entrusted with care for the common good, to act with loving care in all they do, we pray to the Lord.

“For the Church and its leaders, to serve as beacons of the light of Christ in a world in the shadows of fear, violence, poverty, and death, we pray to the Lord…

“Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. With your kingdom in mind, Heavenly Father, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our nation.

“Your Word states that we are to pray for kings and all people who are in authority, so that we can live peaceful and quiet

lives that are marked by godliness and dignity. We know that this is good and acceptable in Your sight.

“Today, we pray for our new President, Donald J. Trump, and his presidential administration. We declare that as they prepare to lead our nation, they will trust in You with all of their hearts. They will not depend on their own understanding, but they will seek Your will in all they do and we expect that You, Lord, will show them which path to take when making decisions for the American people.

“We decree that our local, state, and national leaders will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful; but their delight will be in the law of the Lord and in His law they will meditate day and night.

“They will be like trees planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf will not wither and whatever they do will prosper. Gracious Father, some nations boast of their chariots and horses; but we boast in the Name of the Lord, our God.

“We ask you to assist President Trump, and his Vice President, Michael Pence, with your spirit of counsel and fortitude that their administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to your people over whom they preside. May they encourage due respect for virtue and religion. May they execute the laws with justice and mercy. May they seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.

“Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, especially we ask you blessings on US Senators Nancy Pelosi, Paul Ryan, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and Congressmen Bill Foster and Randy Hultgren. May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.

“We pray for Bruce Rauner, the governor of this great state of Illinois, for the members of the legislature, Senators Linda Holmes, and Jim Oberweis as well as our Representatives Linda ChapaLaVia, Stephanie Kifowit, and Keith Wheeler, for judges, elected civil officials, especially, Mayor Robert O’Connor, and Alderman Bill Donnell, and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare. May they be enabled, by your powerful protection, to discharge their duties with honesty and ability.

“Holy Spirit, unite this new administration and remind all of our leaders that they are working for the good of the nation and not for the advancement of self. Please help our leaders to put aside politics and operate in the best interest of the American people. Heal the wounds that negative politics, fear and ignorance have created within our nation.

“Empower us, the Body of Christ, to lead the effort in the healing process. Eternal God, Lord of heaven’s armies, we ask You to bless and protect our leaders’ families. Please continue to protect our troops and our borders. Increase the courage and strength of our servicemen and women as they fight courageously for our country.

“Merciful Father, we repent on behalf of our nation for our many sins. We acknowledge that our actions have created problems that only You can solve. Forgive us for all sin, including greed, arrogance, selfish ambition, disobedience, rebellion, hypocrisy, injustice, jealousy, hatred, violence, ageism, sexism, racism, and dissension.

“Father, forgive us for shedding innocent blood and denying Your power. We confess that we have not loved the world as You love the world. We ask You to heal our land and make us one, even as You and Jesus are One.

“Please have mercy upon all of us and help us! As a nation, show us those we need to forgive and help us to forgive. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one. Now, unto You, the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

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Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.