Obama, Biden attend prayer service

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama began the first full workday of his second term with 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 Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral for the traditional postinaugural national prayer service. There were prayers for those who govern, those in the armed forces and the nation as a whole.

The Washington Performing Arts Society’s children’s choir sang “Determined to Go On” to delighted guests as Obama and first lady Michelle Obama bobbed their heads along with the music.

Later in the day, the president and first lady, along with Bo the dog, welcomed surprised tourists to the White House.

Mrs. Obama put out word about their surprise receiving line in the Blue Room by Tweeting: “Shhhh! Barack, Bo and I are about to surprise folks on (at) WhiteHouse tours! I love doing this.”