Praying for All Men

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

For whom are we to pray? Not just for those we like or who agree with us. Not just for friends and allies. No! For “all men”—the Godly and ungodly, moral and immoral, Christians and non-Christians, even those who persecute us, irritate us, and cause us problems. Everyone!It can be easy to pray for friends and family members, other Christians, and causes we believe in. But Paul said there should be no distinction. In fact, he urged us to pray for all people in four ways: We are to make entreaties—caring enough to seek God on behalf of people’s burdens and needs. We are to offer prayers—not just praying politely, but spending quality time in a suitable place where we can pray with intensity and commitment. We are to make petitionsfor them—interceding and bringing them before the throne of God, genuinely concerned about their needs and problems. We also are to pray with thanksgiving—even for the ungodly, immoral, and anti-Christian. We’re to be thankful for the opportunity to pray for them…grateful for all God has done for us…confident He can do anything or change anyone…and thankful He is Lord over all. How would the world change if God’s people followed these instructions from Paul? If we regularly prayed for governments and rulers, no matter what their philosophy? Celebrities and soldiers? Terrorists and atheists? Our friends and enemies? If we would pray, not just politely, but passionately? Intensely?