Sometimes among all the voices of celebration and consternation, we need to stop long enough to hear the quiet voice of prayer. For in prayer, there is hope for wisdom, understanding, guidance, healing, and a better tomorrow.

To me, this prayer by Peter Marshall (Senate Chaplain from 1947 - his death in 1949), seemed appropriate for our nation, our world, and all peoples on this historic occassion of tomorrow's inauguration.



"O Lord, when we, Thy children, are apprehensive about the affairs of our world, remind us that Thou art in Thy world as well as above and beyond it. Remind us that Thou art not indifferent. For Thou art not a spectator God, high and lifted up, serene and unperturbed. The feet that were wounded are still walking the trails of earth. The heart that was broken on the tree still feels every human woe.

Thus shall we not feel forsaken, nor give way to hopelessness. Thus we shall know that Thou hast a plan, and that Thy will shall one day be done on earth, not alone by those who love Thee and know Thee to be God, but by all, not in one nation or two, but in all the nations of the earth. Then shall every tongue confess that Christ is Lord, and every knee shall bow before Thee.

Sustain us with that hope and encouragement, that our prayer be not in vain when we pray "Thy Kingdom come." Come it will, however dark may be the prospects for peace on earth --- in the darkness of men's minds and the hardness of men's hearts." - Peter Marshall