US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden attend a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral on January 22, 2013 in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (AP) - On the first full workday of his second term, President Barack Obama has heard a rousing, spiritual appeal for unity and strength, from church leaders of different faiths.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were joined by their wives today at the Washington National Cathedral for the traditional post-inaugural national prayer service.
There were prayers for those who govern, those in the armed forces and the nation as a whole.
The senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas told the president, "When you feel your lowest, don't give up." The Rev. Adam Hamilton also said the nation, its leaders and people need to rise above their differences and find a national vision that unifies the country.
Speakers represented the National African American Clergy Network, the Rabbinical Assembly and the Islamic Society of North America, among others.
This was the third day of religious worship for Obama surrounding his second inauguration.