President Offers Prayer at Inauguration

While there has become a nearly traditional war of words (and lawsuits) over the presence of a prayer at US presidential inaugurations, it is interesting to be reminded that one President prayed on his own. From Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953:

I ask that you bow your heads. Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment my future associates in the Executive branch of Government join me in beseeching that Thou will

make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng, and their fellow citizens everywhere.

Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race or calling. May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of our Constitution, hold to differing political faiths; so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory. Amen.

Via the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Nelson Price.

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