“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

I don’t want to.

I have no desire to pray for Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Ron DeSantis, the next president, or any of the other sociopaths who claim authority over me.

After all, these people preside over Babylon-like worldly kingdoms. They don’t have any legitimate authority over my life. They are usurpers and powerbrokers. As agents of the state, their moral authority is death.

Perhaps that’s my out. Modern politicians aren’t literally kings. And I can make a strong case that they exercise illegitimate authority. In fact, I am convinced they destroy peace and are enemies of humanity.

But that still small voice won’t let go.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

Apparently, I can’t get around this.

I’m not the first Christian to feel uncomfortable about praying for kings. Theologian David Lipscomb asked, “Can we pray for the rulers if these kingdoms are organized in opposition to the kingdom of God and by those in rebellion against God?” I wrote about his answer to that question HERE.

But this really isn’t about the “why’s or what-fores.” It’s about me.

Let’s get real for a moment. I pray for people who live lives opposed to the kingdom of God. I pray for friends and family members who aren’t believers – not only for their salvation but also for their well-being.

Why?

Because I love them.

But I don’t love Joe Biden.

I hate him.

There. I said it.

And I hated Donald Trump too. And Barack Obama. I could go on and on.

In fact, I hate most politicians and government officials. No, not personally. But I hate what they do, and I believe it is malevolent.

When we really dig down to the root of it, my reluctance to “pray for kings and those in authority” is about me. It’s about my own heart.

Maybe I need to pray for these people as much to change me as to change them. Perhaps intentionally playing for government officials will spark some level of love in my heart. After all, Jesus told me to love my enemies.

This only happens through the intervention of the Holy Spirit.

I ran across a powerful prayer for my enemies. It starts like this:

“Lord Jesus, following Your example and command, we pray for our enemies today. We ask first that You would saturate our lives with the Holy Spirit’s power and might. Send Your love flowing through us, and forgive us for holding on to anything that could hinder our prayers. We release any unforgiveness, thoughts of revenge, or hateful emotions that can quench Your Spirit in our hearts. Then give us wisdom as we seek how to bless, to love, and to pray for our enemies.”

Lord, give me this kind of grace and mercy.

Amen.