^“I am your servant, Lord God, and I beg you to answer my prayers and bring honor to yourself by having pity on your temple that lies in ruins. Please show mercy to your chosen city, not because we deserve it, but because of your great kindness. Forgive us! Hurry and do something, not only for your city and your chosen people, but to bring honor to yourself.”  Daniel 9:17-19 (CEV)

When Daniel was young, he was taken into Babylonian captivity. However, he never converted to their ways. Through divine wisdom from God, Daniel was able to interpret dreams and the visions of kings and became a prominent figure in the court of Babylon.

While we may never become a prominent figure in our government, we do need to pray for our leaders, especially our president. During Daniel’s time, God’s people were in turmoil. Jerusalem had been destroyed and its people taken into captivity.

Today our country is in turmoil with high unemployment rates, high gas prices and the rising cost of necessities. Many have lost hope as home foreclosures continue to increase and more families seek assistance from social agencies and churches. Our country has the highest number of homeless at 13 percent than any other industrialized nation.

Recently, I read a newspaper article buried on the back page of a section. However, it gave me hope because two members of Congress, Reps. Dan Boren and James Lankford, recently presented copies of the book, Obama Prayer: A Book of Prayers for the 44th President,  to the other 434 U.S. House members. The book, written by Chuck Garriott, was received by the members with positive feedback.

Lankford said, “It’s a nonpartisan issue to me to say we have a responsibility to pray for our leaders.”

Whether we like our president or not, we need to pray for him. In fact, it is in our country’s best interests to pray for all of our leaders. As God’s servants, it is our responsibility. Will you join me in praying for President Obama?