Obama Begins, A New Era

"Obama Begins, 'A New Era'” as printed in the full front page article of the Birmingham News, January 21, 2009. There is no questioning this reality. Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America. While I join with countless numbers of others who congratulate him for his history making victory, I do question just what this “New Era” will hold. President Obama has promised “change,” “hope” and “we will get there,” to the millions who helped to elect him to the highest office in the free world. Just what kind of change, hope and just where we are heading remains to be seen?
As Christians the Bible is clear as to our response to elected or governmental leadership. First Timothy 2 begins, therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Tim 2:1-2 (NKJV)
We are exhorted to lift up our President in our prayers. Each one of us must bring our new President before our Eternal and Sovereign God each day when we pray. May I suggest the following guide when praying for President Obama?
· Pray that our President will seek the wisdom of God’s word and godly men, Proverbs 2:1-9.
· Pray that our President will “lean not on his own understanding but in all his ways acknowledge God.” Proverbs 3:4-5.
· Pray that our President will be lead to value the sanctity of human life and the rights of the unborn, Psalm 139:13-16.
· Pray that our President, his wife, Michelle; and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha will be protected from evil and harm, Psalm 17:8. Finally,
· Pray that our President will be the President of all Americans, to the black, yellow, red, brown and white Americans; to the liberal and the conservative Americans; to the Christians, Islamic, Hindus, Buddhists, and all men of faith; even the Atheists.
Why this kind of prayer? Because the President of the United States has to represent all Americans regardless of race, color, creed or religious perspective, and not just those who agree with the President’s political platform.
So we will pray for our new President Barack Obama. But we will also heed the other commands of Holy Scriptures such as 1 John 4:1, that teaches us to “test the spirits whether they are of God. God has certainly allowed Barack Obama to ascend to the office of President of the United States, for that we owe him our respect and prayers. But only time and his action will truly tell us the extent of “change,” and “hope” for which we may be destined.