I first became a Christian when I was five years old. I’ve prayed to God since then (and probably before, though any prior memories are foggy). I never prayed out loud though, not in front of people, not until a couple of years ago. Though I knew God heard and answered my silent prayers, and I often prayed along in my heart to the spoken prayers of others, I was self-conscious of what other people would think, and afraid I was “doing it wrong.” By the grace of God, that has changed. Through my participation in a small weekly meet-up of Christian women in my home, and our practice of praying for each other, out loud, I have learned to let go of any most self-consciousness- and I’ve learned that I’m not alone in these feelings about prayer.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Paul wrote the verse above to Timothy, during a time when the Christian church had considerably less freedom than it does today, here in the United States. It was a time of Roman rule, when the prevailing culture and the government were strongly antagonistic towards those who followed Christ. Paul wrote those words, but God inspired them. There is no question that, as Christians, we are to pray for our country and those in authority.