I think I had the best seat in the house yesterday for the inauguration of our new President Barack Obama. Please don't misunderstand. I wasn't actually there on the Mall. Even though I live in the Washington DC area and could have received tickets, I wasn't present for this historic event. Instead I was in Louisville spending three days with my good friends Al Mohler, Mark Dever, Lig Duncan, John Piper, and Thabiti Anyabwile.

Once again we are together for the gospel (regretfully R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur weren't able to join us this time). We are together caring for each other, encouraging each other, correcting each other, and laughing together. This time together is a unique gift from God to me. I learn so much from these men and as the least deserving man to be included in this gathering I would argue I am the most grateful to be here.

So I think I had the best seat in the house yesterday (except I wish Carolyn was sitting next to me so I could hold her hand) as we watched this historic event with the rest of the world. And after the inauguration concluded we spent time (as I'm sure you did) immediately praying for our President, his cabinet, and our country. We spent time thanking God for the many evidences of common grace and appealing to God for the mercy we so desperately need.

And as Christians, we can serve our President by praying for him (1 Timothy 2:1–2). And if you are wondering just how to pray, let me direct you to a most effective prayer crafted by my good friend Al Mohler. Al has served us all and served us well by composing this theologically informed, humble prayer that I pray our merciful Father will hear and answer for his glory.

Read "A Prayer for President Obama" here.