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Dear Mr. President- In January you will take the oath of office and have become our 47th president of the United States. In light of the bitter divisiveness and anger that our country is experiencing the duties and responsibilities that lie before you are especially daunting. I think being President must be a bit like being a pastor. As a pastor of over 20 years, I know two things: First, the responsibilities are way beyond me. And second, I cannot do this job alone. Therefore, I want to commit to you three specific things I will do as you lead our country for the next four years. I will pray for you. The Apostle Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) You cannot do this job alone. You will not only need others to help you carry out your duties, but you will also need wisdom, power, and guidance beyond what will be provided around you. I believe in the power of prayer, and I commit to pray that you lead well and listen to and follow the wisdom of God. I will also pray for your family and your administration. Finally, I will pray that God will instill in you a servant’s heart and that you will be successful in bringing healing and peace to our fractured country. I will respect your authority . I will not agree with everything you do or with every policy you enact. Regardless, I will in the words of 1 Peter 2:17, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” I will respect your authority as the leader of our country. And where I do disagree with you, I will do so respectfully and peacefully. I also commit to encouraging and leading those in my sphere of influence who may not agree with you to do the same. And as you work toward healing our nation, I commit to doing my part to bring about peace and unity. I will hold you accountable . The office you are about to assume comes with it not only great responsibility but also great accountability. You have committed to do many things during your time in office, but most importantly you have committed yourself to work to bring unity and to restore the soul of America. Not only will you be held accountable to God (Hebrews 13:17) for how you discharge the duties of your office and the commitments you have made, you will also be held accountable to the people you lead. Our form of government is built on the precious foundation of self-governance in which we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. As a voter, I have more than just a say, but a role, along with my fellow Americans, to help choose those who lead us, including you. I confess that I may at times fail in these commitments. I may put my politics before my theology. In those moments, I will repent and ask forgiveness and recommit myself to the commitments I have made. May God bless you as you lead and may God bless this country of ours. In Christ, Dan Acker Christ-Follower and Fellow Citizen of the United States of America