David Swanson

David Swanson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Fla., will be among 26 faith leaders from across the country taking part in the National Prayer Service on January 21 at 10 a.m. at the Washington National Cathedral.

Swanson said he is praying “that God will give me the humility and godliness necessary to communicate the hope, unity, and wholeness that comes through God alone, when he prays with those gathered at tomorrow’s National Prayer Service.”

In an interview with Carmen Fowler LaBerge, president of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and host of The Reconnect radio show, that the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) told him that the President-elect and Vice President-elect wanted a Presbyterian among the wide representation of faith groups that will lead a service focused on unity and wholeness.

Swanson said someone on the PIC knew a member of First Presbyterian Church in Orlando. When he was contacted about participating, he agreed. “When a person asks a Christian to pray, we pray,” he said, referencing 1 Timothy 2:1-2:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

The full interview between Swanson and LaBerge will air at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, on Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge.