feel cynical about such prayers. Does God listen to them? Do they make a difference? Would it make a difference if we gave up praying for the nations (many churches do not do it)? But I remember someone suggesting that churches praying for peace and justice in the world may do more to hold back the forces of disorder than all our diplomatic activity to this end. At least Christians need to be wary lest being active in politics and social action alongside agnostics and atheists makes us forget also