I know we’re supposed to pray for our leaders and our nation but what good does it really do? As far as I can tell, the world just seems to be getting worse and worse, no matter how much we pray.

Today is our nation’s annual National Day of Prayer – a day when millions of people set aside time to pray for our nation and its leaders. I hope you – and every person reading this – will be joining with them, because our leaders need our prayers, especially during these difficult days.

But this annual event should remind us of something else very important: We need to pray every day for our nation, not just once a year. Why pray for our nation’s leaders (and the leaders of other countries, as well)? One reason is because the Bible commands us to do this. The Bible says, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

You say you doubt if it does any good to pray for our nation. but have you ever asked yourself what our world might be like if everyone stopped praying? Or have you ever asked yourself what our world might be like if everyone actually did pray? God has promised to bless the prayers of His people – and by faith we need to accept this truth and live by it.

The devil would like nothing greater than for us to stop praying. Don’t give in to that temptation, but thank God for the privilege of prayer, and make it part of your life every day.