Adapted from the prayer offered by the chaplain, Rev. Edward G. Latch on July 3, 1974 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalms 33:12).
Great God,
On this day of the inauguration of President Biden,
stir our minds and stimulate our hearts with a high sense of patriotism.
May all that this day symbolizes renew our faith in freedom,
our devotion to democracy,
and redouble our efforts to keep a government
of the people,
by the people,
and for the people
truly alive in our country.
Grant that we may highly resolve on this great day
to dedicate ourselves anew to the task of ushering in an era
when good will shall live in the hearts of a free people,
justice shall be the light to guide their feet,
and peace shall be the goal of humankind:
to the glory of thy holy name
and the good of our nation and of all humankind.
Amen.