obama prayer: prayers for the 44th president

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An historic perspective on Obama Prayer

“When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”

— K i n g Dav i d o f I s r a e l , 1 0 1 0 - 9 7 0 B . C .

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

— A p o s t l e Pau l , 1 s t C e n t u ry

“What is this, except that God has entrusted to them the business of serving him in their office, and…of exercising judgment not for man but for God?”

— J o h n C a lv i n , 1 6 t h C e n t u ry

“For, if we consider how heavy the burden of government is, and how much the welfare of any people depends on the zeal and godly conversation of those that have the rule over them: if we set before us the many dangers and difficulties, to which governors by their station are exposed, and the continual temptations they be under to luxury and self-indulgence; we shall not only pity, but pray for them. . . .”

— G e o rg e W h i t e f i e l d , 1 8 t h C e n t u ry

“Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray….”

— A b r a h a m L i n c o l n

L incoln’s 1865 inaugural address was as much about God and prayer as

it was the circumstances of a nation in civil war. The president’s words reflect a country that believed in prayer. Have we as a people shed our passion for praying? Are we now less prone in this 21st century to seek God for the benefit of others and ourselves? Would we ignore the call to pray for the President of the United States of America?

Charles Garriott’s Obama Prayer is a reminder that little has changed when it comes to our nation’s prayer posture. It has been said that within a given week over 80% of our nation will humble themselves before God. This well-crafted and insightful book provides timely encouragement and insights in how to effectually pray for our president, his family, work, and soul.

Charles Garriott was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and educated at the University of Baltimore and Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. For over twenty years he pastored in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has traveled and preached extensively throughout South Africa, Central Europe, Asia and Haiti. He develops ministry to those in government in Washington, D.C., state, and international capitals, under the auspices of Mission to North America, Presbyterian Church in America.

He lives with his wife Debby in the District of Columbia. They have four children and four grandchildren.

w w w. o b a m a p r ay e r . c o m

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O B A M A P R A Y E R

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ALSO BY CHAR LES GAR R IOT T

Work Excellence: A Biblical Perspective of Work

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P R A Y E R S F O R

T H E 4 4 T H P R E S I D E N T

C H A R L E S M . G A R R I O T T

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Copyright © 2011 by Charles M. Garriott

Obama Prayer: Prayers for the 44th President

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including

photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, Riott, Washington, D. C.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission

of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Italics within Scripture quotations indicate emphasis added.

Interior design by Je!rey M. Hall, www.iongdw.com

ISBN: 978-0-9762004-3-7

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Printed in the United States of America

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First Printing 2011

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To My Children

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When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness

a!er rain that brings grass "om the earth.

—King David, 1010-970 !.".

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P E T I T I O N S

Prologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

ONE Petition for Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

TWO Petition for Reverence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

THREE Petition for Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

FOUR Petition for Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

FIVE Petition for Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

SIX Petition for Favor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

SEVEN Petition for Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

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EIGHT Petition for Truth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

NINE Petition for Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

TEN Petition for Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

ELEVEN Petition for Mercy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

TWELVE Petition for Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

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P R O L O G U E

T!" sun had just set when the #rst dinner guest arrived on a cool April night in 2009. Our home on 18th Street in north-

west Washington, D.C., is an old federal-style row house common for that part of the city. $e décor is simple, yet warm and invit-ing. Debby, my wife, was busy putting the #nishing touches on the meal. She has prepared countless times for such occasions over the course of our thirty-six years of marriage, but this gathering had a particular and unique purpose.

We had dedicated the evening to a theme: the recently-installed President Obama. He now lived a short ride south of us, o% of 16th Street. Although certainly welcome, he and Michelle were not expected. Some of those present that evening had not

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voted for him, some had. I don’t believe anyone showed up that night expecting a lecture rehashing the high points of his cam-paign. Nor did anyone expect that the conversation would com-pare his !rst hundred days in o"ce to those of his predecessor. Instead, as a means to better understand his story and beliefs, we discussed his book, Dreams !om My Father. #is was an evening to better appreciate the president and spend the remaining part of the night praying for him, his family, and his work. It was an Obama prayer dinner.

To guide the season of prayer, I had prepared a handout with a list of passages from both the Old and New Testaments highlight-ing exhortations and reasons to pray for a head of state. Some of the passages from the Apostle Paul, the Psalms of David, and his son, Solomon, were long. Others were barely a verse. #ey covered a wide selection of concerns for a leader. One passage was a warn-ing. Another reminded us of God’s perspective and expectations of a ruler. #e idea was to allow the Scriptures to dictate the focus and nature of each petition to God. #e passages seemed to help, and some of our guests expressed appreciation for the format and tone of the gathering. #e evening ended, but not before more co$ee, dessert, and conversation. By midnight our friends had returned to their homes, and with dish towel in hand, I joined Debby in clean-ing up the kitchen.

A%er that evening, I wondered if others in our country had had such gatherings. Did conservatives and liberals, Democrats and Republicans, small and large churches meet for the same

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P R O L O G U E

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purpose? Would such an evening ever be considered? Perhaps for many it would be too divisive; they would consider such a dinner theme politically tainted. Some churches are very cautious when mentioning from their pulpit the need for corporate prayer for the president by name. Yet, even they o!er prayer on occasion. It occurred to me that further encouragement to pray for this presi-dent, and not just presidents or leaders in general, was in order; thus, the genesis of Obama Prayer.

Some no doubt will disdain the concept of this prayer book. "e political era of this new century is nauseating, and many of us are weary of the lack of civility. I suspect some would prefer a constitutional clause separating politics and prayer. For others, to seek God’s presence on behalf of someone with whom they are at political odds makes no sense. (Of course, they might pray as the ancient King of Israel did when he said, “O, that you would slay the wicked, O God!” (Psalm 139:19a) While there are other reasons for not engaging in real prayer for President Obama, they are not good reasons. "is prayer book is a call for every thoughtful Chris-tian in our land to respond to this administration as our Lord has intended. Christians may not get their political way. But they are expected to represent the Gospel in every sphere of life. "ought-ful, intelligent and persistent prayer for our leader is part of what it means for us to be salt and light in a needy world.

"is prayer book is not based on my personal agenda, but on the concerns speci#cally expressed in the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Solomon, the third king of Israel, penned much of the

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content of this ancient book. Anyone who knows a little about this king also understands that he himself needed a great deal of prayer. Each of the twelve petitions (prayers), as you will note, is based on a proverb. Please understand that I am not implying that our president be looked upon as a king. Yet, I believe the passages have some application for those in positions of leadership today. I hope that the material presented will not be viewed as a book to be read and then put aside. Instead, it would be my desire that individuals, groups, congregations and even those in o!ce, would use the book to pray independently and corporately for the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.

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T H R E E

D I R E C T I O N!e king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD;

he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.—Proverbs 21:1

“I will pray for you,” she said. “I will pray that you have a change of heart.” Neither my mind nor my heart changed that day, nor did they in the days to come.2

—Barack Obama

I! the president’s best-seller, !e Audacity of Hope, he shares his views on faith as it relates to the public square and to his

own life. In a limited manner, the chapter gives the reader a quick look at his profession of faith as a Christian. "e above quote was his recollection of a conversation with a protester during his cam-paign. "e brief exchange impacted the president.

Surveys taken a#er his $rst 18 months in o%ce revealed that considerable portions of the American public questioned the nature of his faith. It is not the purpose of this petition to address


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our president’s beliefs. What is essential is that we discern the implications of what was written some three millennia ago about the hearts of those who rule, including President Obama.

!e proverb states, “!e king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (Prov-erbs 21:1). When considering this passage, we are struck with what is not said as much as what is stated. It is not oriented to a par-ticular king in a speci"c place, time, or circumstance. !e writer is conveying a general truth that applies to all kings everywhere and is consistent with the rest of Scripture.

Many rulers have little or no interest in the God of the Old and New Testaments. !e proverb above is not necessarily speak-ing about kings who make a profession of faith. For some, it may seem odd that God would be involved in the lives of those who have not requested his presence. But God is not only interested in a king’s life and work, he participates in a ruler’s thoughts and rule. !is passage is a declaration that the desires and activities of man are not all that they may seem. First, he does not belong to himself alone, even though he may think otherwise. To a national leader, there is no uninvited outside in#uence shaping his will. A leader consults his advisors and the political environ-ment, all of which in#uence his decisions. At the end of the day, the direction of the administration is in accordance with his or her will. Yet this small verse informs us that another dimension exists that is not discernable with our natural abilities. !e liv-ing God is directly involved in the decisions of every aspect of

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each administration. For most, this belief invites questions, con-fusion, and objections. Is God to be held responsible for a king’s evil edict? Is a king free from responsibility for his policies? !e proverb is silent when it comes to such questions. !e rest of Scripture gives us some help in understanding this mystery. God’s sovereignty and works of providence never free an indi-vidual from his or her responsibility; we are all held accountable for what we do or do not do. Yet at the end of the day, God’s pur-poses are accomplished even though the world seems at times to be ruled by tyrants.

What are the implications for us in light of this truth? We do not need to despair or become fatalistic. Our hope is never in gov-ernment, but in God. Our trust is in his goodness and care as has been revealed in the Gospel. For example, Christ’s arrest, trial and execution gave the appearance that Pilate was in charge. !e apos-tle Peter addresses this perception when he says in Acts 2,

Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. !is man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him


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from the agony of death, because it was impos-sible for death to keep its hold on him.

—Acts 2:22-24

Knowing that the heart of President Obama is ultimately in the hand of our God motivates us to pray. Our prayers need to be speci!c, regular and persistent. "e nature of his faith or obedi-ence does not alter the truth of the Scriptures.

How then shall we pray for the President of the United States?

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O!" Father in Heaven, whose name is to be hal-lowed, you have intrigued us with your work of

creation and history of providence. You are the Sover-eign LORD who comes with power and authority. We are in awe of your goodness, love and majesty. You have measured out the waters in the hollow of your hand and with your hand marked the expanse of the heavens. Your thoughts and ways are beyond our ability to completely understand. To you the nations and those who rule them are like a drop in a bucket or dust on a scale. You are Lord of every ruler, king, prime minister and president. #e United States of America and her president belong to you. For all that you are and all that you have done we give praise and adoration.

#ank you for the life and position of President Obama. May all his thoughts and actions be in concert with your Word and will. May he bring honor and glory to you in his private life as well as his public o$ce. He and his adminis-tration are confronted each day with matters that impact the lives of this nation and, indeed the world. #erefore we ask that you would direct his heart in accordance with your goodness and revealed will. We pray that the fruit of the Spirit would over%ow from his heart and work. Give


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him the wisdom, courage and grace to carry out his duties in a manner that would result in prosperity and peace. May all the days of his life be lived out in service and wor-ship of you. For your glory, we pray in the name of our Savior. Amen.

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A B O U T T H E A U T H O R

C!"#$%& Garriott was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and educated at the University of Baltimore and Covenant

'eological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. For over twenty years he pastored in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has traveled and preached extensively throughout South Africa, Central Europe, Asia and Haiti. Garriott develops ministry to those in government in Washington, D.C., state, and international capitals, under the auspices of Mission to North America, PCA.

He lives with his wife Debby in the District of Columbia. 'ey have four children and four grandchildren.

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Congregations that desire to use the prayers at the end of each petition as a part of their worship

have the permission of Riott, LLC.

!e prayers may be found at www.obamaprayer.com.

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O B A M A

P R A Y E R

OB

AM

A P

RA

YE

RG

AR

RIO

TT

C h a r l e s M . Ga r r i ot t


BBB




An historic perspective on Obama Prayer

“When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”

— K i n g Dav i d o f I s r a e l , 1 0 1 0 - 9 7 0 B . C .

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

— A p o s t l e Pau l , 1 s t C e n t u ry

“What is this, except that God has entrusted to them the business of serving him in their office, and…of exercising judgment not for man but for God?”

— J o h n C a lv i n , 1 6 t h C e n t u ry

“For, if we consider how heavy the burden of government is, and how much the welfare of any people depends on the zeal and godly conversation of those that have the rule over them: if we set before us the many dangers and difficulties, to which governors by their station are exposed, and the continual temptations they be under to luxury and self-indulgence; we shall not only pity, but pray for them. . . .”

— G e o rg e W h i t e f i e l d , 1 8 t h C e n t u ry

“Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray….”

— A b r a h a m L i n c o l n

L incoln’s 1865 inaugural address was as much about God and prayer as

it was the circumstances of a nation in civil war. The president’s words reflect a country that believed in prayer. Have we as a people shed our passion for praying? Are we now less prone in this 21st century to seek God for the benefit of others and ourselves? Would we ignore the call to pray for the President of the United States of America?

Charles Garriott’s Obama Prayer is a reminder that little has changed when it comes to our nation’s prayer posture. It has been said that within a given week over 80% of our nation will humble themselves before God. This well-crafted and insightful book provides timely encouragement and insights in how to effectually pray for our president, his family, work, and soul.

Charles Garriott was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and educated at the University of Baltimore and Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. For over twenty years he pastored in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has traveled and preached extensively throughout South Africa, Central Europe, Asia and Haiti. He develops ministry to those in government in Washington, D.C., state, and international capitals, under the auspices of Mission to North America, Presbyterian Church in America.

He lives with his wife Debby in the District of Columbia. They have four children and four grandchildren.

w w w. o b a m a p r ay e r . c o m

$18.99

J a c k e t D e s i g n : C h r i s t o p h e r To b i a sC o v e r P h o t o © C l a i r e G o w e n / i s t o c k p h o t o . c o m

p r i n t e d i n u . s . a . 9 7 8 0 9 7 6 2 0 0 4 3 7

5 1 8 9 9

ISBN 978-0-9762004-3-7

$18.99 RELIGION/SPIRITUAL



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obama prayer: prayers for the 44th president

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