Today’s the day – Presidents Day.  Makes me think about grade school, that was when we had separate days for Washington and Lincoln.  A favorite memory was cutting silhouettes of each from black construction paper to decorate the room.  They looked so dignified and so old-fashioned to a little girl.  Times changed and the two birthdays were consolidated to be observed on one Monday.  I guess it made fewer days off and one guaranteed three day weekend.  It also was wise to observe our presidents (plural,) not just those two.

Today I am reminded to pray for our president.  Now I must confess, he doesn’t often make it into my daily prayers.   Family, friends, a pandemic, racial discrimination – yes; but our president by name, not so often.  We live in a country where we can openly pray for our leaders, and for that we must be grateful.

The apostle Paul was a mentor to a young Christian from Asia Minor, Timothy.  Paul wrote his instructions and advice in the letter we now know as 1 Timothy.   In chapter 2:1-2 he writes, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live in a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.”

Yes Paul, we also need to heed those words.  Whether or not our current leader was our personal choice, he needs our prayers.   The task of the leader is formidable, but it’s not beyond God’s power.  Our God of unconditional love can strengthen and guide you and me, and he can strengthen and guide the president who leads us.  

Judy