1271) I have had the privilege of traveling in ten different countries. Each one of them gave me a view of the world I had not had previously. Some of these countries had large populations of very poor people and others had strict government policies, making me grateful that I live in the United States.

For those of you who share my home country, have you ever considered that you could have just as easily been born in a country that restricts your freedoms, even infringing on your religious rights? I marvel that I have my roots grounded in this country, yet recognize that history shows us things could change quickly and not necessarily for the good.

These thoughts came to mind as I read 1 Timothy 2:2. Here, Paul is urging us to pray for those in authority over us, including our leaders. I wonder how our United States politics (or those of any country) would change if we did so, regularly.

One of my goals this year is to pray for our leaders. They are humans like us and need the wisdom and guidance that only God could give. Would you join me?