For this day we have come

Today is the day! A new era begins, and with it, all the culminating blessings of what we have learned, hoped for, and believed in our heart of hearts was possible. Deep within the dream that has brought Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States is the inherent value and blessing of goodness--the equality of persons, the freedom of the spirit, the integrity of a shared life of service, the vision of a better day, the partnership that realizes and demonstrates the power of the Light: Where two or three are gathered...

Gracious, loving, all-present God, we thank you for bringing us to this moment when hearts are filled with hope, when a better future stretches before us all, when the goodness of being beckons us forward. We ask continual and steady blessings on our soon-to-be new president, Barack Obama, and ask that you continue to stir his heart and mind with the inspiration and wisdom he needs to lead us forward, that you continue drawing to him just the people, resources, ideas, and places that are needed in our collaborative effort to heal our country, our relationships, and our world. We pray for blessings on the entire Obama family, for Michelle, that she may continue in power and grace to listen to the dictates of her heart as she cares for her family and begins to find what calls her talents in her role as First Lady. We ask blessings for their precious girls, that your hand may be upon them that they receive only good from this great service their family provides; that their childhood may be blessed and lifted; that they may feel a special touch upon their lives with you as their protector, guide, and friend.

We pray for our country, O God, which has already begun to find its feet and its voice, discerning a path toward openness, healing, hope, and vision; may all Americans be united this day with a sense of belief, hope, and pride, but may we each and all carry forward a commitment to live out the ideals needed to truly manifest the ideals this country represents. And we pray for the entire world, at this blessed, joyous, and tender moment. As the world listens and watches, taking a breath together and praying a silent prayer of hope, may this be a joining and defining moment throughout the world. For this generation, for this time, for this day, for all people--before, around, and after us--we must open our hearts and fully welcome the changes that are ours to make. It is for this day we have all come, throughout the world, to make the world a better place for our children, grandchildren, and all beings everywhere.

God bless President Obama and his family, God bless every citizen throughout the world, and God bless us as a whole creation, One in Love, forever and ever. Amen.