Praying For the Powers That Be

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority. — I Timothy 2:1–2 , NLT Early on a Monday morning, my phone rings. “Mr. Borthwick, this is the White House calling. Please hold for the president of the United States.” “Is this a joke?” I ask, but another voice begins: “Paul, this is the president. I’ve got some huge decisions to make this week, both domestically and internationally. Would you pray that I’d have wisdom so that my decisions foster the greatest long-term good in our country and across the world?” I hang up, stunned. The phone rings again. It’s the secretary general of the United Nations calling