This week marks the end of an era for our country as the greatest president ever—Barack Obama—leaves office. There has been much trepidation and angst across the country since the election results came in on November 8, but really, what many of us are feeling is no different than what some people felt when President Obama was elected eight years ago. Just like we had hope then, we have hope now. Please join me in saying a praying for our country.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for another opportunity to come before your throne of grace. We thank you for bringing us into another year and for keeping us over the last eight years as we watched history unfold right before our eyes. We ask your blessings upon President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their family as they leave office. We thank you for their leadership, for the example they set and for the things they did for our country.

We also come before you asking that you be with Donald Trump as he takes office. Regardless of how we may feel about the incoming president, your word tells us in Romans 13:1 that we are subject to the governing authority. We ask that you be with him. Guide his decisions, his thought processes and the people surrounding him. Bless him to make informed decisions that are good for our country.

We ask that you calm our hearts and our minds. Free us of any angst, trepidation or fear we may feel with this new transition of power. Help us to know that no matter who wears the title of President of the United States of America, ultimately, you are in control.

Lord, we thank you for what was, and we thank you for what is to come for our country. We put our faith in you, knowing that just like we had hope eight years ago, we still have hope now. Our hope, our faith, our trust are in you today and every day. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.