PRESIDENT OBAMA AT NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Episcope has a roundup of the National Inaugural Prayer Service at Washington's National Cathedral. I was just swept away by the Rev'd Sharon Watkins' sermon (which you can read here) and the music, which you can hear by watching a rebroadcast of the service.

The closing prayer spoken by the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church

On this radiant day we give thanks to you, o God,
for the freedom to gather united in prayer.
Strengthen and sustain Barack, our President,
that in the days to come he may lead your people
with confidence and compassion.
Grant patience and perseverance to the people of this Nation.
With malice toward none, with charity for all,
may we strive to finish the work you have given us to do
that we may achieve a just and lasting peace.
In this time of new beginnings, new ventures, and new visions,
light in us the fire of justice, and the passion for forgiveness.
Give us the strength to hold fast to what is good
that we may go forth renewed and committed to make hope a reality.
Amen.

Drawn in part from Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
March 4, 1865