Inauguration Day: Prayers and Promises for America

America's strength lies in unity and the collective resolve to serve its citizens.

### Inauguration of the 45th President: A Call for Unity and Restoration
* 🙏 The ceremony begins with a prayer in the name of **Jesus Christ**, followed by a performance from the Missouri State University Choral, highlighting the **importance of faith and community**.
* 🎤 Senator Chuck Schumer addresses the nation, acknowledging the challenges faced in a divided political landscape and emphasizing the need for **unity among Americans as "brothers and sisters."**
* 🕊 He prays for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, asking for **wisdom and strength to guide the nation**, invoking biblical figures like **Solomon and Christ** to illustrate his points.
* 📜 Samuel Rodriguez reads from the Gospel of Matthew, reminding everyone of the **blessings bestowed upon those who are humble and seek justice**.
* 🇺🇸 President Trump then takes the oath of office, marking a historic moment where he declares, "**America first**," and pledges to prioritize the needs of **American workers and families**.
* 🔨 He emphasizes a commitment to rebuilding the nation's infrastructure and restoring American jobs, declaring that the "**American carnage stops right here and stops right now**."
* 🤝 The President calls for a collective effort to unite the nation, stating, "**We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny**," and vowing to make America **strong, wealthy, and proud again**.
* 🎉 The ceremony concludes with blessings and prayers from various religious leaders, reinforcing the message of **hope and the significance of a united America under God**.

Male Speaker: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee for Inaugural Ceremonies, the Honorable Roy Blunt. (applause) Roy Blunt: Thank you all. If you -- if you have a seat, you can sit down. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Mr. President-Elect, Mr. Vice President-Elect, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America. (applause) Today, the legislative, the executive, the judicial branches of our Constitutional government come together for the 58th inauguration of the President of the United States. Millions of people all over the world will watch and will listen to this event. Thirty-six years ago, at his first inauguration -- it was also the first inauguration on this side of the Capital, President Ronald Regan said that, What we do here is

both commonplace and miraculous. Commonplace every four years since 1789 when President George Washington took this exact same oath. Miraculous because we've done it every four years since 1789 and the example it sets for democracies everywhere. Washington believed the inauguration of the second President would be more important than the inauguration of the first. Many people had taken control of a government up until then, but few people had ever turned that control willingly over to anyone else. And as important as the transfer -- the first transfer of power was, many historians believe that the next election was even more important when in 1801, one group of people, arguably for the first time ever in history, willingly, if not enthusiastically, gave control of the government to people they believed had a dramatically different view of what the government would, should, and could do. After that election that actually discovered a flaw

in the Constitution itself -- which was -- which was remedied by the 12th Amendment -- Thomas Jefferson, at that inauguration, beyond the chaos of that election that had just passed, said, We are all Republicans. We are all Federalists. After four years of civil war, Lincoln's second inaugural speech tried to find reason for the continued war when he pointed out that both sides prayed to the same God. He'd earlier written about those fervent prayers that one side must be and both sides may be wrong. But in 1865, he looked to the future and the memorable moment in that speech was, With malice toward none and charity for all. In the middle of the Depression, the country was told that the only thing we had to fear was fear itself. And President Kennedy talked about the obligation in democracy to country. The great question that day was, Ask what you can do

for your country. So, we come to this place again, commonplace and miraculous. A national moment of celebration, but not a celebration of victory, a celebration of democracy. And as we begin that celebration, I call on his eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Reverend Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, and Pastor Paula White-Cain to provide readings and the invocation. (applause) Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan: The Prayer of King Solomon from the Book of Wisdom. Let us pray. God of our ancestors and Lord of Mercy, you have made all things and, in your providence, have charged us to rule the creatures produced by you, to govern the world in holiness and righteousness, and to render judgment with integrity of heart. Give us wisdom, for we are your servants weak and short-lived, lacking in comprehension of judgment.

and of laws. Indeed, though one might be perfect among mortals, if wisdom, which comes from you, be lacking, we count for nothing. Now, with you is wisdom, who knows your will and was there when you made the world, who understands what is pleasing in your eyes, what is conformable with your commands. Send her forth from your holy heavens. From your glorious throne, dispatch her that she may be with us and work with us. That we may grasp what is pleasing to you. For she knows and understands all things and will guide us prudently in our affairs and safeguard us by her glory. Amen. Samuel Rodriguez: From the Gospel of Matthew, the fifth chapter. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him. For the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will

inherit the Earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. He blesses those who are pure in heart, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. And God blesses you when people mock you, and persecute you, and lie about you, and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. For you are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hit. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on its stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all

to see that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Respectfully, in Jesus' name. Paula White-Cain: We come to you, Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus with grateful hearts, thanking you for this great country that you have decreed to your people. We acknowledge we are a blessed nation with a rich history of faith and fortitude, with a future that is filled with promise and purpose. We recognize that every good and every perfect gift comes from you, and the United States of America is your gift for which we proclaim our gratitude. As a nation, we now pray for our President, Donald John Trump; Vice President, Michael Richard Pence; and their families. We ask that you would bestow upon our President the wisdom necessary to lead this great nation, the grace to unify us, and the strength to stand for what is honorable and right in your sight.

In Proverbs 21:1, you instruct us that our leader's heart is in your hands. Gracious God, reveal unto our President the ability to know the will, your will, the confidence to lead us in justice and righteousness, and the compassion to yield to our better angels. While we know there are many challenges before us, in every generation you have provided the strength and power to become that blessed nation. Guide us in discernment, Lord, and give us that strength to persevere and thrive. Now bind and heal our wounds and divisions and join our nation to your purpose. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, the psalm has declared. Let your favor be upon this one nation under God. Let these United States of America be that beacon of hope to all people and nations under your dominion. A true hope for humankind. Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Male Speaker: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Missouri State University Choral. (gospel music) Roy Blunt: Well, the Missouri State University Choral practices and performs about two blocks from my home in Springfield, Missouri, so it was easy to find them, and we're pleased they're here. (applause) It's also a great opportunity for me to introduce my colleague, the Senator from New York, Chuck Schumer. (applause) Chuck Schumer: My fellow Americans, we live in a challenging and tumultuous time. A quickly evolving, more ever interconnected world, a rapidly changing economy that benefits too few while leaving too many behind. A fractured media, a politics frequently consumed by rancor. We face threats -- foreign and domestic -- in such times faith in our government, our

institutions, and even our country can erode. Despite these challenges, I stand here today confident in this great country for one reason: you, the American people. (applause) We Americans have always been a forward-looking, problem-solving, optimistic, patriotic, and decent people. Whatever our race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity -- whether we are immigrant or native-born, whether we live with disabilities or do not, in wealth or in poverty, we are all exceptional in our commonly held, yet fierce devotion to our country. And in our willingness to sacrifice our time, energy, and even our lives to making it a more perfect union. Today, we celebrate one of democracy's core attributes -- the peaceful transfer of power. And every day, we stand up for core democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution, the rule of law, equal protection for all under law, the freedom

of speech, press, religion. That -- the things that make America, America. And we can gain strength from reading our history and listening to the voices of average Americans. They always save us in times of strife. One such American was Major Sullivan Ballou. On July 14th, 1861, when the North and South were lining up for their first battle, a time when our country was bitterly divided and faith in the future of our country was at a nadir, Major Ballou of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry penned a letter to his wife, Sarah. It is one of the greatest letters in American history. It shows the strength and courage of the average American. Allow me to read some of his words, which echo through the ages. My very dear Sarah, he wrote, The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow.

If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt. Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence can break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. Sullivan Ballou gave his life on the battlefield a

week later at the first battle of Bull Run. It is because Sullivan Ballou and countless others believed in something bigger than themselves and were willing to sacrifice for it that we stand today in the full blessings of liberty in the greatest country on Earth. And that spirit lives on in each of us -- Americans whose families have been here for generations and those who have just arrived. And I know our best days are yet to come. I urge all Americans to read Ballou's full letter. His words give me solace, strength. I hope they will give you the same. Now, please stand while the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas, administers the Oath of Office to the Vice President of the United States. (applause) The Vice President: Thank you for doing this. Clarence Thomas: Place your hand on the Bible. Mr. Vice President-Elect, would you raise your right

hand and repeat after me? I, Michael Richard Pence, do solemnly swear. The Vice President: I, Michael Richard Pence, do solemnly swear. Clarence Thomas: That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States. The Vice President: That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Clarence Thomas: Against all enemies foreign and domestic. The Vice President: Against all enemies foreign and domestic. Clarence Thomas: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. The Vice President: That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. Clarence Thomas: That I take this obligation freely. The Vice President: That I take this obligation freely. Clarence Thomas: Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. The Vice President: Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. Clarence Thomas: And that I will well and faithfully

discharge. The Vice President: And that I will well and faithfully discharge. Clarence Thomas: The duties of the office on which I'm about to enter. The Vice President: The duties of the office on which I'm about to enter. Clarence Thomas: So, help me, God. The Vice President: So, help me, God. Clarence Thomas: Congratulations, Mr. Vice President. (music playing) (applause) Male Speaker: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir accompanied by the President's Own United States Marine Band. (music playing) (America the Beautiful) (applause) Roy Blunt: Ladies and Gentlemen, it's an honor to introduce the Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts, Jr., who will administer the Presidential Oath of Office. Everyone please stand. (applause) John Roberts: Please raise your right hand and repeat

after me. I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear. The President: I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear. John Roberts: That I will faithfully execute. The President: That I will faithfully execute. John Roberts: The office of President of the United States. The President: The office of President of the United States. John Roberts: And will, to the best of my ability. The President: And will, to the best of my ability. John Roberts: Preserve, protect, and defend. The President: Preserve, protect, and defend. John Roberts: The Constitution of the United States. The President: The Constitution of the United States. John Roberts: So, help me, God. The President: So, help me, God. John Roberts: Congratulations. (music playing) (applause) Roy Blunt: What a great honor to be able to introduce for the first time ever anywhere, the 45th

President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump. (applause) The President: Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world, thank you. (applause) We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people. Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come. We will face challenges, we will confront hardships, but we will get the job done. Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power. And we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent. Thank you. Thank you. (applause) Today's ceremony; however, has very special meaning.

Because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the people. (applause) For too long, a small group in our nation's capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs. And while they celebrated in our nation's capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. (applause) That all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and

everyone watching all across America. This is your day, this is your celebration, and this -- the United States of America -- is your country. (applause) What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. (applause) The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now. You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before. (applause) At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction that a nation exists to serve its citizens. Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are just and reasonable demands of

righteous people and a righteous public. But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists. Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities, rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation, an education system flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge, and the crime and the gangs and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now. (applause) We are one nation, and their pain is our pain, their dreams are our dreams, and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans. (applause) For many decades, we've enriched foreign industry at

the expense of American industry, subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military. We've defended other nation's borders while refusing to defend our own. (applause) And spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. We've made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has dissipated over the horizon. One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores with not even a thought about the millions and millions of American workers that were left behind. The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed all across the world. But that is the past and now we are looking only to the future. (applause) We, assembled here today, are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and

in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only America first. America first. (applause) Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. (applause) Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. I will fight for you with every breath in my body, and I will never, ever let you down. (applause) America will start winning again -- winning like never before. (applause) We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams. (applause) We will build new roads and highways and bridges and

airports and tunnels and railways all across our wonderful nation. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work, rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. We will follow two simple rules: buy American and hire American. We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example. We will shine for everyone to follow. (applause) We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth. (applause) At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover

our loyalty to each other. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. (applause) The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity. We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. (applause) There should be no fear. We are protected, and we will always be protected. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement. And most importantly, we will be protected by God. (applause) Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger. In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving. We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action, constantly complaining, but never doing anything about it.

(applause) The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action. (applause) Do not allow anyone to tell you that it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again. We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries, and technologies of tomorrow. A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions. It's time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget -- that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots. (applause) We all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American flag.

And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty creator. (applause) So, to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words: you will never be ignored again. (applause) Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And yes, together we will make America great again. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.

Thank you. God bless America. (applause) Roy Blunt: At this time, I call on Rabbi Marvin Hier, Reverend Franklin Graham, and Bishop Wayne T. Jackson to provide readings and the benediction. Rabbi Marvin Hier: Eternal God, bless President Donald J. Trump and America, our great nation. Guide us to remember the words of the psalmists, Who may dwell on your holy mountain? One who does what is right and speaks the truth. Who knows that when you eat the labor of your hands you are praiseworthy. That he who sows in tears shall reap in joy because the freedoms we enjoy are not granted in perpetuity, but must be reclaimed by each generation. As our ancestors have planted for us, so we must plant for others. While it is not for us to complete the task, neither are we free to desist from them. Dispense justice for the needy and the orphan for

they have no one but their fellow citizens. And because a nation's wealth is measured by her values and not by her vaults. Bless all of our allies around the world who share our beliefs. By the rivers of Babylon, we wept as we remembered Zion. If I forget the Old Jerusalem may my right hand forget its skill. The doer of all these shall never falter. May the days come soon when justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness will abide in the fertile fields and the work if righteousness will be peace, quietness, and confidence forever. Amen. Reverend Franklin Graham: Mr. President, in the Bible, rain is a sign of God's blessing. And it started to rain, Mr. President, when you came to the platform. And it's my prayer that God will bless you, your family, your administration, and may he bless America. The passage of scripture comes from 1 Timothy 2.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people. For kings, for all those in authority, that we may live peacefully quiet lives in all Godliness and holiness. This is good, and it please God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. Now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honor and glory for ever and ever in Jesus name, Amen. (applause) Bishop Wayne T. Jackson: We thank you, Father, for letting us share this great moment together. Let us not take for granted the air we breathe or the life you've given us. We were all created by you with one blood, our nation

to dwell upon this land together. We are not enemies, we're brothers and sisters. We're not adversaries, but we're allies. We are not foes, but we're friends. Let us be healed by the power of your love and united by the bond of your spirit. Today, we pray for our 45th President, the Vice President, and their families and give them the wisdom to guide this great nation, the strength to protect it, and the hands to heal it. We bless President Donald J. Trump. We ask that you give him the wisdom of Solomon, the vision of Joseph, and the meekness of Christ. Solomon, who kept peace among many nations; Joseph, who dreamt better for the people; and Christ, who accepted us all. Oh Lord, mend our hearts and stitch together the fabric of this great country in the spirit of the legendary gospel songwriter Mahalia Jackson, Oh deep in my

heart, I do believe. The Lord will see us through, I do believe. We are on our way to victory, I do believe. We will walk hand in hand, I do believe. We shall live in peace, I do believe. Oh, deepen my heart, I do believe. America, we shall overcome. And may the Lord bless and keep America and make his face shine upon us and be gracious unto us and give us peace in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. (applause) Male Speaker: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Jackie Evancho, accompanied by the President's own United States Marine Band. Please stand for the singing of the national anthem. (The Star Spangled Banner)

The Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States

Trump White House Archived

The Missouri State University Choral performed, setting a positive tone for the event.

Senator Chuck Schumer addressed the challenging times the nation is facing, emphasizing the need for unity and healing.

The prayer for President Trump and the nation highlighted the importance of wisdom, justice, mercy, and peace, calling for divine guidance and support for all.

The Power of Unity and Sacrifice in America

The speaker expresses confidence in the American people, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and common devotion to the country.

They emphasize the importance of the peaceful transfer of power and the sacrifice of individuals like Sullivan Ballou for the greater good.

The speaker calls for action and unity, reminding everyone that despite differences, all Americans share the same blood and freedoms.

Donald Trump solemnly swore to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and protect the Constitution.

He emphasized the importance of unity, patriotism, and protecting American borders while criticizing past political actions that harmed the country.

The inauguration included prayers and readings, calling for wisdom and integrity in governance.

The speech emphasizes the importance of the people's control over the government, marking January 20, 2017, as a historic turning point.

It highlights the common dreams and struggles of Americans, vowing to address their needs and restore their voice.

The speaker pledges to transfer power from Washington, D.

, back to the people, aiming to unite the nation and tackle issues like poverty, crime, and failing education.

The speaker emphasizes an "America first" approach, prioritizing American workers and families in decisions on trade, taxes, and immigration.

They pledge to protect the country's borders and bring back jobs, wealth, and dreams.

The speech also highlights the importance of the peaceful transfer of power in democracy and concludes with a prayer for the President and the nation's unity and strength.

Rabbi Marvin Hier, Reverend Franklin Graham, and Bishop Wayne T.

Jackson provided readings and a benediction, emphasizing the importance of justice, truth, and the responsibility to reclaim freedoms for future generations.

Hier highlighted the strength and courage of average Americans, referencing Major Sullivan Ballou's poignant letter to his wife during the Civil War.

The ceremony included the Vice President's oath and a musical performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the United States Marine Band, before Chief Justice John G.

Roberts administered the Presidential Oath of Office.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of praying for all people, especially those in authority, to live peaceful lives.

The message highlights the desire for everyone's salvation and the role of Christ as the mediator between God and mankind.

The President acknowledges the challenges ahead in rebuilding the nation and expresses gratitude for the peaceful transfer of power, while also seeking God's blessing for his administration and the country.

Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States

The event features a prayer for America and a call for peace and unity.

Jackie Evancho sings the national anthem, followed by Vice President Michael Pence taking the oath of office.

The new administration promises to prioritize American labor, reinforce alliances, and combat radical Islamic terrorism.