Obamas, Bidens attend Cathedral prayer service

Posted: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 8:00 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Obama began the first full workday of his second term with a rousing, spiritual appeal for unity and strength from church leaders of different faiths.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were joined by their wives Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral for the traditional post-inaugural national prayer service. There were prayers for those who govern, those in the armed forces and the nation as a whole.  For Obama and Biden: “Make them bold for the work you have set before them,” said Kathryn Lohre, president of the National Council of Churches.
And “when you feel your lowest, don’t give up,” Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., told the president in an engaging sermon that drew laughter and applause among the 2,200 people gathered at the soaring cathedral.
Hamilton said the nation, its leaders and people need to rise above their differences and find common ground — a national vision that unifies the country.
He said Obama has been blessed with a unique vision. “You should have been a preacher,” Hamilton told Obama.

Published in The Messenger 1.23.13

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