It is easy to pray for our family and friends. They are the people we know personally and care about. Paul is encouraging us to pray for all people, especially those in positions of power and authority.

The corrupt senator, the adulterous president, or the merciless ceo who only cares about profit. Why should we pray for these leaders? We pray because Jesus wants all people to be saved. He gave His life for the hard working farmers and corrupt elected officials alike. He loves the common working man just as much as the president or ceo. He wants everyone to be saved.

The other reason we should prayer for our leaders is because they need extra prayer. My own actions affect only my family, friends, and coworkers. The actions of leaders affect hundreds to millions of people. They need much more heavenly wisdom. Martin Luther is said, “I have so much to do today that I'm going to need to spend three hours in prayer in order to be able to get it all done.”

There is another benefit of praying for all people. God asks us to pray for our leaders both for the sake of our leaders and also because it will draw us closer to God. The tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence begins and ends with praying to God for all men. The more we see all men as sinful humans in need of God’s love, the less we will judge them.

Today, let us pray for all people. Our family, friends, enemies, coworkers, and leaders.