text: Athletes actually pray for victory, and thank God when they win.  That, no doubt, comes from nations at war.  You are so right, Peter, that God doesn't take sides.  Yes, each of us has a soul which is an extension of the Divine, so God is within each of us and always present.  It is our free will and ego that cause some of us to go wrong, but God is still within all.  There is nothing anyone can do to change that.  We, in this country, have the unique view that our country is "god-ordained," as being the chosen one above all others.  That is so sad.