Congratulations to our President elect, Barack Obama.  I encourage you to pray for him and his family as he prepares to assume the office that the American people have entrusted to him.  This is a very historic moment that we will talk about for the rest of our lives and our children will remember to their children.  Obama’s charisma and vision for America transcended race, politics, generation, religion and class.  Although there are some very important things that I disagree with the President elect about, he will have my prayers and my promise to work with him and others on the issues we agree on.

Also, I thought that Senator John McCain’s concession speech was humble, classy and the act of a statesman.  I will never forget his words, “The failure is mine not yours.”  There can be do doubt that Senator McCain and Governor Palin love this nation.

Before I pray, just a few brief thoughts.

I was going to vote by absentee ballot, but after listening to Peggy Noonan, I decided to stand in line with my wife and neighbors.  I’m so glad that Ms. Noonan encouraged us by reminding us of our privilege to vote with our neighbors.  I talked with neighbors and strangers at the polling place.  One dad had already stood in line but returned to stand in line to support his daughter while she cast her first vote.  Another man, who was accustomed to a holiday for voting but due to recent contract negotiations, left after work to stand in line and vote.  I thought that was cool, that he didn’t allow, the loss of a holiday to keep him from voting.  People were friendly, courteous and conversational. The polling volunteers, were helpful and happy about the huge turnout. I love this community.

My oldest son, Andrew cast his vote from Iraq, with others who are defending the freedom that we enjoyed today.  I’ve enjoyed his thoughts from Iraq on the election and the direction of our nation.

My second son Christopher stood in line a hour between work and classes to cast his vote.  He woke up ready to vote.  He has little free time, but with many other working students, he took time to vote.

Religion and politics are not always the best topics for table conversation, but in our home, both topics are frequently, freely and passionately discussed.  Becky and I love it!  We talk about the local issues and candidates as well as the state and national issues.  We are free to agree and disagree.  We are not bound to a straight ticket either.

I “felt good” about my vote yesterday.  I voted my conscience after careful study of the issues and candidates yesterday.  God bless America!

There is very clear political direction for followers of Jesus Christ.  “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT)  Would you join me in prayer for him and feel free to add your prayers with mine.

“Our gracious heavenly Father, you are the infinite source of all true wisdom and understanding.  Please grant to him wisdom and understanding for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.  You are love and I pray that you will help him to love you with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength, to love others including our enemies.”

“You are just and true and we pray for him that he will pursue justice and truth in all that he does.”

“You are the solid rock on which we build our lives, we pray that you will help him lead during this period of uncertainty the world is living through.”

“You are Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer.  Help the new President elect to work towards healing the broken relationships politically and socially in our nation.”

“You are the Creator and Sustainer of life.  Help him to guard and protect human life including the lives of the unborn and infirm, for you have created life in your image.”

“You are the God of all comfort and peace.  Grant him time and space to lovingly father his daughters and love his wife.  Comfort him in the recent loss of his grandmother.”

“I pray all of this in the name of your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen”