To pray for those in authority effectually, we must start with the right attitude toward those in authority.

In 2 Ki 5:1-3, for example, the little maid, who had been taken captive by the Syrians, had an unusually good attitude toward her mistress and Naaman.  

In Dan 4:19, when Daniel understood the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he was astonied for an hour because the interpretation was to his enemies.  His attitude was certainly not what you would expect from a captive.  Look how God brought Daniel into favor with the prince of the eunuchs in Dan 1:9.  This is a reflection of Daniel’s attitude toward his captors.

Many Christians, instead of having a humble, caring attitude toward those in authority, often demonstrate a rebellious, critical attitude toward them.  They pick this up from the world, not from the Lord.

Once we pray with the right attitude, then we can pray like this:

Thank God for them.  Among them are believers, like Daniel and the little maid were.  Pray those who are saved will support each other with prayer and fellowship.  Some doctrinal differences should not cause these believers to keep to themselves.

Pray the believers in authority will make righteous decisions in the fear of God, rather than unrighteous decisions in the fear of man, with respect of persons, or for filthy lucre.  And pray that they can stand with God and for God when the law of man is contrary to the law of God, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did when they didn’t bow, Dan 3:15-18, 28-30.

Pray they will be politically savvy but not politically motivated or persuaded.

Pray they will be able to lead others to saving faith in Jesus Christ through a good testimony and a godly witness.  Daniel was certainly effective in this, Dan 2:47, 4:37, 5:12, 6:26.

Conclusion: Thank God for all people in authority; we are still able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty in this country.