Historic inauguration preserves tradition of prayer

U.S. Senate chaplain on spirituality of nation's leaders; an Adventist's privilege

January 20, 2009 Washington, D.C., United States

Elizabeth Lechleitner/ANN

As spiritual guide for members of the U.S. Senate, Chaplain Barry C. Black says he's impressed by the level of spirituality present on Capitol Hill. Black will deliver a prayer for the traditional luncheon immediately following today's inaugural ceremonies. [photo: ANN file photo]

Government officials and United States citizens who have gathered in the nation's Capitol today for the inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama will celebrate many firsts, but they'll also rely on a framework preserved for more than 200 years, bolstered by such standbys as the inaugural prayer, says United States Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black. 

A prayer isn't something to take a red pen to, he says. Unlike speeches, prayers are not "another act in the drama," says Black, a Seventh-day Adventist and former U.S. Navy chaplain. Rather, prayers ought to be reflective and deeply sincere. "I would be very concerned if someone or some committee was standing by to scrutinize what someone had passionately felt compelled to say to God on behalf of the people for a particular occasion," Black says. 

Black, who will deliver the invocation for the traditional inaugural luncheon immediately following today's inauguration, says those on Capitol Hill have heard him pray enough -- he opens every session of Senate with a prayer -- to be assured he won't say anything "out in left field." 

Plus, Black says, the vetting process for hiring a chaplain or, in the case of Rick Warren and Joseph Lowry -- both of whom are offering prayers during today's inaugural ceremony -- is "sufficiently rigorous that you have confidence that the individual will offer an appropriate prayer." [Continue..]