In a polarized political climate, it can feel almost impossible to separate faith from frustration. Elections divide families, social media fuels outrage, and every decision made by the president seems to come with a chorus of praise on one side and condemnation on the other.
So when Scripture tells us to pray for our president—regardless of party, platform, or personal convictions—it can feel counterintuitive. Yet the Bible is remarkably clear on this point, and from a Reformed perspective, the command makes deep theological sense.
The Biblical Command Is Not Conditional
The apostle Paul writes:
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
Notice what Paul does not say. He does not tell the church to pray only for righteous rulers, competent leaders, or those who align with their values. In fact, Paul wrote these words while living under Roman rule—hardly a godly government by any standard. Some of the leaders during the early church were openly hostile to Christianity.
Yet the command remains: pray for them.
Biblically speaking, obedience does not wait for agreement.
God Is Sovereign Over All Authorities
Reformed theology places a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God. Scripture repeatedly affirms that no ruler comes to power apart from God’s will.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
This does not mean that every decision a president makes is righteous or wise. It does mean that God is not surprised, threatened, or overruled by human leadership. God reigns over presidents, kings, parliaments, and prime ministers alike.
Praying for the president is not an endorsement of policies—it is an acknowledgment of God’s rule over all things.
Prayer Shapes Us as Much as It Intercedes for Them
One of the quiet dangers of political division is how easily it hardens our hearts. Bitterness feels justified. Anger feels righteous. Mockery feels deserved.
Prayer interrupts that spiral.
When we pray for our president, we are forced to bring our opinions under the authority of Scripture. We are reminded that the person holding office is still an image-bearer of God, still accountable to Him, and still in need of wisdom, restraint, and mercy.
From a Reformed perspective, we also recognize our shared condition: total depravity. No leader—left or right—is morally neutral or self-sufficient. Every ruler needs God’s restraining grace just as much as we do.
The Goal Is God’s Glory, Not Political Victory
Paul explains why we pray for rulers: so that society may be ordered in a way that allows the church to live quietly, godly, and missionally. The goal is not cultural dominance or political triumph, but the advancement of the gospel.
When Christians pray only when “their side” wins, it subtly shifts trust away from God’s providence and toward human systems. Theology reminds us that Christ is King now, not after the next election cycle.
We Pray Because Christ Is Lord
Ultimately, praying for the president is an act of worship.
It declares that Jesus—not any earthly leader—is Lord.
We pray for wisdom where there is confusion.
We pray for justice where there is corruption.
We pray for restraint where there is pride.
We pray for repentance where there is sin.
And we do so whether we voted for the president or not.
A Quiet, Faithful Witness
In a world that expects outrage, prayer is a countercultural testimony. It says, “My hope is not in policies or personalities, but in the sovereign God who rules all things for His glory and the good of His people.”
So yes—it is biblical to pray for your president.
Not because you agree.
Not because you approve.
But because God has commanded it, Christ reigns over it, and the church is called to be faithful in every season.
Even this one.
A Closing Prayer
Sovereign Lord,
You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. No ruler ascends to power apart from Your will, and no authority stands outside of Your sovereign hand.
We confess that our hearts are often ruled by fear, frustration, and pride—especially when those in leadership make decisions we do not understand or support. Forgive us for trusting in political outcomes more than in Your providence.
We lift up our president to You. Grant wisdom where there is uncertainty, humility where there is pride, and restraint where there is power. Surround him with counselors who fear You and who pursue what is just and right. And if he does not know You, we ask that You would, by Your sovereign grace, call him to Yourself—granting repentance and faith, that he may know Christ and be saved.
Guard Your church from division and bitterness. Teach us to be faithful, prayerful, and peaceable, living quiet and godly lives that reflect the lordship of Christ. Help us to remember that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven and that our hope is anchored not in earthly rulers, but in the risen and reigning Christ.
We trust You, O Lord, to accomplish all things according to Your perfect will, for Your glory and for the good of Your people.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Dawn Zauner 
I’m so happy this helped you and that it got to you in that perfect time of your life! That is WHY I write! I struggled with praying for authorities for the longest time, but now I include it in my morning prayers every morning after reading the news.
This is so timely! I actually JUST read these verses with my family (we’ve been working through the entire New Testament, one chapter a day, in our morning devos together), and I reflected on how I really DON’T pray for our government… at all. In the last few days, I’ve been working on that in my daily prayer journaling. It definitely made me pause and think!