You have set your mind on a most necessary work, and one that pleases God our Savior. To pray for all people, and especially for those in authority, is not merely a counsel but a commandment of the apostle. And observe that he does not say, "Pray for the good rulers only," but "for all in authority," whether they be just or unjust, whether they rule with godliness or with tyranny. For the salvation of the world does not depend on the worthiness of the rulers, but on the mercy of Him who is able to turn even the hearts of kings as channels of water. So then, whether we like them or not, our duty remains; and he who neglects it sins not against men but against God.
Consider why this is good and pleasing in His sight. It is because He "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." And how shall they come to the knowledge, unless the gospel be preached in quiet and peace? For this reason we ask for all in authority: that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Not that we may grow fat on ease, but that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified. When there are wars and tumults and civil strifes, the preaching is hindered; the heathen blaspheme; the weak are scandalized. But when peace reigns, the Church has leisure to bring forth children unto God, and the name of Christ is exalted even among those who as yet know Him not.
And do not suppose that this prayer is in vain, even when the rulers themselves appear to be enemies of the faith. For see how the blessed Paul himself, that very Paul who was beaten with rods and imprisoned by magistrates, commands us to pray for them. Did he then expect them to become gentle as lambs? Not at all. But he knew that God is able to save to the uttermost, and that He ever lives to make intercession for us. Our High Priest is not like those of old who died and had successors. He dies no more, but continually presents His sacrifice before the Father, and nothing is impossible to Him. Therefore we do not lose heart.
Yet let no one think to pray acceptably while nursing anger in his heart against the very persons he names before God. For what good is it to lift up holy hands if they are defiled with wrath and doubting? You make intercession for the president, and in the same breath you curse him in your heart? This is not prayer but a mockery. It thrusts a sword into your own soul. Rather, remember that even the worst of men may be saved: was not Saul made Paul? Therefore, when you pray for the salvation of rulers, do it from a sincere love, desiring truly that they might come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth.
Perhaps you will say, "But they promote wickedness and persecute the Church." I answer: So did Nero, in whose days Paul wrote these very words. So did many of the emperors, yet the Christians prayed for them, and God often granted seasons of peace, or turned the hearts of some, or gave grace to the martyrs to bear a glorious witness. Do not judge by the wisdom of this world, which God has made foolish. The cross of Christ is to the perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. That very power is at work when we pray in humility, submitting ourselves to the authorities that exist as ordained by God. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by Him. If we resist, we resist the ordinance of God, and bring judgment on ourselves. Therefore trust Him who sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases. He works all things after the counsel of His will, and He can make even a heathen ruler an instrument of good for His Church.
Consider also the honor God has bestowed on us: He has given His angels charge over us, and they are ministering spirits sent to serve those who are to inherit salvation. If angels stoop to minister to our salvation, shall we not stoop to pray for the men who hold authority, even if they seem unworthy? We are fellow servants with those blessed spirits. And do not fix your eyes on the angels as though they were the source of help; it is Christ the Lord who saves, and He employs both angels and human rulers as He wills.
Therefore continue to offer petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all; for kings and all who are in high positions; for the president and his counselors; for judges, generals, and lawgivers; for pastors and bishops; for all who have the care of souls. Pray that they may be granted wisdom from above, that they may rule with justice and mercy, that they may be protected from the snares of the evil one, and that they may themselves come to the saving knowledge of Christ. And give thanks, for even the most troublesome ruler can be a gift from God to test and perfect the faith of His elect, or to chasten a nation for its sins. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Do not be like the wife of Job, who in her foolishness counseled cursing. Accept all from the hand of God.
And while you pray for the peace of the nation and the world, remember that the greatest peace is the peace of heart that comes from being reconciled to God through Christ. That peace the world cannot give. Let that peace guard your hearts and minds. Let no political strife or earthly anxiety rob you of it. The Lord is at hand; the day of His appearing will set all right. Until then, let your conduct be worthy of the gospel, that even those who oppose may have nothing evil to say, and may be won by your quiet and godly lives.
Finally, see that you do not merely mouth words, but from a pure conscience, in simplicity and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, behave yourselves in this world. Then your prayer will be heard, and God will grant us the quiet life we ask, not for our own indulgence, but for the furtherance of the gospel, until all nations have heard, and the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and all Israel is saved. To Him be glory forever. Amen.