It's fair to say that Barack Obama has more on his plate than most people. But today Obama admitted that when he kneels to pray for help, it is not always on the weightiest affairs of state.
The US president told the national prayer breakfast in Washington that he prays for peace in the Middle East – and that he also asks for God's assistance with his 12-year-old daughter, Malia.
"Lord, give me patience as I watch Malia go to her first dance, where there will be boys. Lord, let her skirt get longer as she travels to that place," Obama recounted.
Obama's speech today was laced with Biblical references in his most public affirmation of his faith. With many Americans under the illusion that he might be a covert Muslim, Obama explained: "I came to know Jesus Christ for myself and embrace him as my Lord and Saviour."
Obama described his upbringing as "not religious", his father as a non-believer and his mother "grew up with a certain scepticism … she only took me to church at Easter and Christmas – sometimes".
It was Obama's involvement as a community organiser, "working with pastors and laypeople, trying to heal the wounds of hurting neighbourhoods", that had first led him to see himself as a Christian.
The White House denied that Obama's address was intended to clarify his religious affiliation. But Obama gave a hint at the frustration he feels over the issue: "My Christian faith then has been a sustaining force for me over these last few years, all the more so when Michelle and I hear our faith questioned from time to time."
"We are reminded that ultimately what matters is not what other people say about us, but whether we're being true to our conscience and true to our God."
A Pew Research poll last year found that 18% of Americans claimed Obama was a Muslim – and that the number had increased since he became president. Only 34% of those surveyed said he was a Christian.