Throughout the day today we’ll throw up statements and prayers from various religious leaders as Barack Obama takes the oath of office.

Here’s the first, from Nancy Wilson, head of the predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Churches:

GOD OF CHANGE AND GLORY:

We thank you for your goodness and mercy.

We ask you to bless the new President of the United States, Barack Obama, as he takes the oath of office. We bless you for the millions of young people whose hearts are filled with wonder and excitement, and for all the people who have gathered in the streets of Washington, D.C.

We pray for peace, hope and confidence in our new, young President.

We are in awe today. A little over forty years since Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, Barack Obama is elected President, the fulfillment of so many dreams.

Keep him and his family safe. Give him energy, wisdom and strength, especially in these first few critical months. Help us to live up to the ideals of our country once more. Help us reach across and bridge differences with new energy and resolve. May there be a renewed spirit of justice and generosity that reaches out to all who are affected by the economy.

We pray todayâÂ?¦ for people around the world, especially in troubled places such as Gaza, the Congo, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. We know their destiny is tied to this moment, as well, and the whole world is watching.

We remember to prayâÂ?¦ for George and Laura Bush, as they return to private life.

We also give thanksâÂ?¦ for the amazing process of transfer of power that is taking place in a peaceful and seamless way.

As people of faith, let us be in prayer today, and in the days to come, that change may be substantive, visible and sustained. Let us humbly remember that this cannot be accomplished by one person, but by a broad coalition of leadership, and by many people willing to join hands and work together for a new day.

In Your Many Names we pray,

Amen.