There's no way we're going to agree with or like every leader out there - but does that give us a free pass to not pray for them?
Across the world right now, all sorts of disparate adjectives could be applied to our thousands of leaders...
God-fearing or Self-serving?
Liberal or Conservative?
Just or Oppressive?
Peaceful or Murderous?
Honest or Deceitful?
Even when we have a laundry list of complaints about our leaders and their policies, God calls us to pray for them.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:2-4
But HOW can I pray for them?
Ask God to Help Them
Ask God to help them to make wise, godly decisions. Ask God to show them how to lead their country to peace and godliness. Ask God to surround them with righteous helpers and advisors!
Intercede on Their Behalf
Just because your leaders aren't praying themselves, doesn't mean you can't bridge the gap between them and God with your prayers!
Give Thanks for Them
It can sound hard to pray for anyone you disagree with, especially someone whose policies may be oppressing the people you love. But as you give thanks for God's good plans for them, and that God has a purpose for their life, you may find yourself feeling more compassion for them!