There are times I want to take an eraser to the Bible! Like the other day when I read I Timothy 2: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Does that mean I have to pray for President Trump? When I mentioned it to a friend whose husband works for the National Park, she said, “I can’t pray for him.” It is hard! I thought at first I couldn’t either. But then another troublesome part of the scripture showed up in Matthew 5 — the words of Jesus himself: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. That is even harder. But prayer is the answer to hard stuff, so here is my attempt of a prayer for President Donald Trump.

God, be with Donald Trump today. Stand beside him as he works to rule this nation. Give him wisdom and compassion. Amen.