But America needs leaders who are willing to face the storm head on, even as they pray for God's strength and wisdom so that they can do what they believe is right.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at the Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library | The White House

Some members of the public joked about wearing masks and goggles to brave the incense fumes and smog to pray for blessings from the God of Wealth, an especially popular deity during Chinese New Year, the newspaper notes.

BBC: China media: Wukan frustration

And I pray to offer my thanks for a kind and generous Almighty God.

WSJ: Gut Time

Gathering in fields or villages during community festivals, members of the Korean ethnic group in Jilin and other provinces in north-eastern China offer a traditional sacrifice to the God of the Land to pay homage to nature and pray for good fortune and a plentiful harvest.

UNESCO: Culture