Yes, the world is in great difficulty, and almost everywhere we look we see problems that seem almost hopeless. Perhaps these are the days of which Jesus spoke when He said, “Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world” (Luke 21:26).

But have you ever asked yourself what the world might be like if people didn’t pray? Have you ever thought about how much worse off we would be? You see, God is active behind the scenes—whether we see it or not. God is sovereign, and He has not abandoned this world or removed His hands from it. The Bible says, “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10).

The Bible commands us to pray for our world, including its leaders. In just a few months, those of us in the United States will be voting in our national elections, and even now the campaigns are in full swing. Shouldn’t we pray now, asking God to bring the people of His choice to office? Yes, we should—and I hope you will.

The Bible says, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions 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). Pray daily for our nation and our world, especially during this difficult time.