In todays reading, Paul urges us to pray. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 he says, 1 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. Even though God already knows our needs and requests, He still wants to engage with us in a dialogue that expresses our need for Him in our lives. Paul also urges us to pray for those in authority over us, including rulers and governments. This is a remarkable request from Paul considering Nero was the Roman Emperor at the time (A.D. 54-68). Nero was a very cruel ruler who would later heavily persecute Christians (e.g., after Nero needed a scapegoat for the fire that destroyed much of Rome, he blamed the Roman Christians – A.D. 64). But Paul knew the importance of praying for those in authority. No matter how bad a ruler or government may be, only God can ultimately change them.