All the Bible verses in this edition of The Presidential Prayer Team
for Kids Update are from The New Living Translation of the Bible.
 Click here to learn how to print this page.
  • Inauguration Day—less than a week away!
  • What happens on Inauguration Day? Check it out here!
  • America's Once-Every-Four-Years Sermon—do you know what it is?

Things to pray for
President Bush is still working hard on America's education—a subject he may address in his inaugural address next week. This photo shows him after a speech he gave on improving America's schools. Photo courtesy of the White House.

  1. Do you know what an inauguration is? It's the special ceremony celebrated by a group of people when someone is officially put into office. Here in the United States, we are observing the Presidential Inauguration next week! So, it's a perfect time to pray for the President and Vice President as they take their Oath of Office. Pray that they will have God's mighty power and help to lead our nation in the direction He wants it to go. Pray also that God will give His powerful protection to the entire area of Washington, D.C., and that all the inaugural events will be honoring to God.
  2. The work of bringing help to all the people hurt by the earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Asia is still going on, and there are still many great needs. So pray first for all the victims that God will strengthen and comfort them and will bring them the help they need whether it is medical care, a new home, a new boat or finding their lost loved ones. Pray especially for our troops, many of whom have now been transferred to that region to bring needed supplies, medical care and more. Pray for all the workers bring needed help that they will be encouraged and strengthened by God in their work.
  3. The United States Supreme Court is back in session for the New Year, and they need our prayers as they hear new cases and make decisions. So pray for the members of the Supreme Court that they will have God's great wisdom and help in everything they do. Pray that they will honor God with every ruling.
  4. Pray for our troops around the world, especially those working hard to bring peace and freedom to Iraq.

Leaders to pray for

Members of the United States Supreme Court: Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Justice John Paul Stevens, Justice Sandra Day, O'Connor, Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Justice David H. Souter, Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Stephen G. Breyer

The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in our land. Its members are called Justices, and they are appointed to the Court by the President of the United States. They remain on the bench for life or until they choose to retire. When lower courts have their decisions challenged, they are moved to higher courts, and many cases end up at the Supreme Court. The cases that the Supreme Court hears are very important to our country because the rulings made there often become the standard for every other court in the land. That's why we must pray for the members of the Supreme Court, because their decisions affect much of what happens in our nation—for kids and for adults!

Bible Verses of the week

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."
—Jeremiah 29:11-13

This photo shows President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush at one of the many Inaugural Balls in January, 1989. This one was held at the Smithsonian Institution, America's official museum. Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.

Our nation's capital is getting ready for the big, huge, once-every-four-years party that happens only there! All kinds of special events are planned for inaugural week, from concerts and dinners to worship and prayer services. A special committee of the Senate chooses the theme for the week and does much of the planning. Much of the money for the big celebrations comes from private donors and businesses.

This photo shows president-elect John F. Kennedy leaving Mass at Holy Trinity Church on his inauguration day, January 20, 1961. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

It's really great to think that two of the most important events of the inauguration are services held to honor God and ask His blessing! The first is a private morning worship service that is held at a local church in Washington. In President Bush's case, it's St. John's Episcopal Church right across Lafayette Square from the White House. Many presidents have had their services there, from Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan to George H.W. Bush.

St. John’s Church as it looks today. Image courtesy of St. John’s Church.

Next Thursday, President and Mrs. Bush and Vice President and Mrs. Cheney will begin their inaugural day by attending worship at St. John's Church. The service, which will be led by Rev. Luis Léon, Rector, is private and closed to the public. St. John's is a great place to have this service because it is called the "Church of the Presidents." Most every president since James Madison has worshiped there. When St. John's was formed in 1816, a committee was begun whose job it was to serve the President and his spiritual needs. They offered President Madison a pew, and he chose pew 54. Many presidents who followed Madison used pew 54 as well, and today that spot is set aside for America's Chief Executive.

That's a great way to start the day, isn't it? It's really important to know that our President and Vice President will start their term in office by worshiping and honoring God.

The Bible reminds us that it's really good to start the day by honoring and worshiping God. Can you think of a verse that encourages you to begin each day with the Lord?

Hover here to read.

This photo shows what the Capitol Building looked like all dressed up for President Clinton's inaugural swearing-in ceremony in 1997. Photo courtesy of the William Clinton Presidential Library.

After worship, the President and Vice President will be accompanied by members of the Senate who planned the inaugural events as they go to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony. There is great tradition surrounding this part of the day, and President and Mrs. Bush and Vice President and Mrs. Cheney will ride in limousines for the short trip to the Capitol. When they arrive there, a huge crowd will be gathered, and many wonderful musical groups will be ready to play their parts in consecrating the day to God. Also very important, the whole ceremony will be opened with a prayer. Rev. Luis Léon will give the invocation, and will invite God to bless the entire ceremony.

In this photo, President Bush is seen taking the Oath of Office as administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The Bushes' twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna are watching along with First Lady Laura Bush. Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense.

Do you know what an oath is? An oath is a very serious and solemn promise made by someone before an audience and before God Himself. It's like a promise, only much more serious. Presidents in the United States must take an Oath of Office using the words given in our Constitution.

Next Thursday, both the President and Vice President will recite the Oath of Office for their positions. The Vice President goes first, being sworn in by Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert. Plans call for Supreme Court Chief Justice Rehnquist to administer the Oath of Office to President Bush. Do you know the words President Bush will use when he takes the Oath of Office? Did you know most presidents end the oath with a prayer? Hover here to read.

This photo shows President George Washington taking the Oath of Office at the very first inaugural ever! Do you know where it took place? New York City! Image courtesy of the National Archives.

Did you notice the words at the very end of the Oath of Office? That's right—a prayer! The Constitution doesn't include the words "So help me God," but they come from a rich tradition of American faith in God.

When George Washington finished the Oath of Office at that very first inauguration ever, he spontaneously added those important words asking God to help him. And with that act, he began a tradition that has been followed by every president since. The job of being president is very big—some feel it's the most difficult job in the world. So it makes sense that the president would ask for help from God to carry out his responsibilities.

The words, "So help me God" are also really great for members of The Presidential Prayer Team for Kids because we've made a commitment to pray for the president, asking God to guide him with wisdom. It is really good to know that the president is joining us in that prayer by asking for help from God!

Have you ever made a serious promise or taken an oath? Perhaps you promised to live by specific rules for an organization like scouting. There are many places in the Bible that show how important the making of an oath is to God. Hover here to read one.

Once the Oath of Office has been given to the Vice President and the President, it's the President's turn to speak. He delivers a speech called the Inaugural Address. This is one of the great traditions in our country because in that speech the President tells everyone just how he views the presidency. He shares his hopes for the country; he reaches out with good will and tries to unite the country after the sometimes-divisive elections.

Author and Professor James P. Moore calls the Inaugural Address "Our National Sermon" because so many presidents have used it as a way to show their reliance on faith and prayer. If you'd like to read Mr. Moore's article, click here.
This image shows President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivering his Inaugural Address on January 21, 1957. The President began his address by asking the huge crowd to join him in prayer. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Most every president says in his Inaugural Address that he will need God's help to do his job. When President Dwight D. Eisenhower began his Inaugural Address, he asked everyone to join him in prayer. That's right, he began his speech with prayer. Here are the words he used:

My friends, before I begin the expression of those thoughts that I deem appropriate to this moment, would you permit me the privilege of uttering a little private prayer of my own. And I ask that you bow your heads:

Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment my future associates in the executive branch of government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng, and their fellow citizens everywhere.

Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race, or calling.

May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of our Constitution, hold to differing political faiths; so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory. Amen.

By beginning his message with prayer, President Eisenhower set a great tone for his presidency.

QUESTION 1

Read President Eisenhower's words again. Which of the following would you say is true?

  1. President Eisenhower thought that the crowd was so big, he would ask God's help to calm his fears as he spoke to them.
  2. He claimed that only the government could tell people what was right and what was wrong.
  3. President Eisenhower asked God's help because he knew that the challenges he and his team were about to face would be really tough, so he wanted God's strength and help from the very start.

President George H.W. Bush at his inauguration in January 1989. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

President George H.W. Bush also invited the crowd to join him in prayer during his address. Here are his words:

And my first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to bow your heads:

Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen.

QUESTION 2

True or False President Bush asks for God's help in his inaugural address because America is at war and he knows that will be a big challenge for him and his advisors.

  1. True
  2. False

QUESTION 3

True or False President Bush believed that the power given to government leaders should help them get their own way in most decisions.

  1. True
  2. False

Jesus Himself talked about how important it is to serve others when you are a leader. Can you think of a verse about that? Hover here to read.

This photo shows the huge crowd that gathered for President Lincoln's Second Inauguration. He called the nation to unite and heal from the destruction of the Civil War. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Presidents Eisenhower and Bush offered words of prayer, but many, many presidents have called on God, quoted Scripture or asked for the nation's prayers as they gave their inaugural addresses.

When President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Second Inaugural Address in March 1865, the country was torn by the horror of the Civil War. No one knew if the nation could heal, but President Lincoln knew where he would turn for help. Here are the final words of his speech:

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

QUESTION 4

Read President Lincoln's words again. Which best describes what he is saying to the nation?

  1. Lincoln believes that those who fought against the Union should not have the same level of respect as others in the nation.
  2. Lincoln believes firmly that the nation is too wounded to save.
  3. Lincoln calls for kindness, love and attention to God's Word and will. If America will do that, she will definitely heal.

Kirbyjon Caldwell will give the invocation at Thursday's presidential inauguration. Isn't it great to know that the whole Inauguration Day is committed to God in prayer? Image courtesy of Southern Methodist University.

We don't know exactly what President Bush will say in his inaugural address next week, but we do know that he will call on God for help. We also know that the whole day will be hemmed in by prayer. That's right. After the President's speech, yet another prayer will be offered to God. This one will close the whole ceremony, and it is called a benediction will be given by Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, a pastor and businessman from Houston, TX. Several musical pieces will be played at the end of the official ceremony. Then the President, Vice President and many dignitaries will head into the Capitol Building for the Inaugural Luncheon, after which they will leave to take part in the Inaugural Parade. The day closes with a number of formal dances or balls, held at many locations around Washington. Sounds really fun, doesn't it?

This photo shows the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. as it looks on a pretty summer day. Of course the flowers won't be blooming next week when hundreds flock to this homeland house of worship to ask God's blessing on the next four years-but God's blessing and love will be blooming inside, and people gather to consecrate the President and his team to God! Photo courtesy of the National Cathedral.

While it may seem like that's more fun than any bunch of people could have in a short few days, there is still one more really important event related to the Inauguration. Can you guess? That's right—another worship service! This one takes place the next morning and it is held in the National Cathedral! What a great place to pray for the President and the nation! The service will be full of fantastic music, heartfelt prayers, wonderful Scripture readings and probably a few unpredictable, extraordinary moments. Above all, we know that God Himself will be there to encourage President and Mrs. Bush and all the members of their team as they begin their new term of service.

We hope by now you have an excellent understanding of what will happen next week during the Inauguration! There are a lot of really great events, and it's important that we pray for every one of them! As a kid who prays you will want to join with all the other prayer efforts throughout the Inauguration. Whatever you do, remember how important your prayers are to God. He hears you and He loves it when you pray!

Home | Sign Up | Downloads | Radio Program | Archives | Contact | Last Week
Presented by the sustaining partners of The Presidential Prayer Team.
© Copyright 2004 The Presidential Prayer Team, Inc.

INTERNET SECURITY NOTICE: For your safety, The Presidential Prayer Team for Kids will never phone or initiate personal correspondence. If anyone saying they are from The Presidential Prayer Kids contacts you (other than to respond to your question or request or to send you birthday greetings or updates), please tell your parents or the authorities. Never give your address, phone number or personal information to anyone you don't know (or anyone else on the Internet). Membership is free and members' names and email addresses will never be shared with any other entity or individual.

The Presidential Prayer Team for Kids is a division of The Presidential Prayer Team (www.presidentialprayerteam.org), a nonprofit, charitable organization. The Presidential Prayer Team is not affiliated with, nor does it receive funding from, any political party or office of the government.