January 20, 1981
Invocation/Benediction - Both given by Rev. Don Moomaw, Pastor of Ronald Reagan's Church - Bel Air Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, CA
Invocation:
Gracious God our Father, we need you today, maybe as never before. We have not lived up to our personal or national potential. We have seen our world from our own selfish, parochial point of view. We have lived as though everything depended upon us. We confess our sin and seek your forgiveness. In this historic moment, we would pray for our President-elect Ronald Reagan. We also pray for Vice-President-elect George Bush, the Cabinet and all others who are in positions of leadership in this new administration. May they measure well the shortness of time, and the length of eternity. May they see all people and things and nations from your point of view. We thank you, oh God, for the release of the hostages and for all of those who have made this moment possible. And so in this moment of new beginnings, our hearts beat with a cadence of pride in our country and hope in its future. Help us to stand proudly as American citizens and face every challenge with a confidence born of your spirit and humbly touched by your love and grace. So to this end we commit ourselves and to this end we pray. In the name of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings even Jesus Christ - Amen.
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace, both now and forever more. Amen.