1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of All

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. [1 Timothy 2:1-2 NASB]

First of all means first in importance. It is not a reference to time (as in "do this, then do something else), but is a reference to value. It means that there are a great many important things in the Christian's life, but the first thing is prayer.

A variety of terminology is used in reference to prayer. Entreaties, prayers, and petitions all denote prayer with slightly different meanings. 

To entreat God means to make your needs known to Him. This includes your personal prayer requests as well as interceding for others.

Paul uses the word "prayer" in the general sense of talking to God, regardless of place, style or content. It can refer to the quiet time spent alone with Him, or the quick prayer spoken in the moment, or the awareness of God as you turn your mind towards Him throughout the day.

The original Greek meaning of the word translated "petitions" is "a falling in with, meeting with, or coming together". This indicates gathering together for public, communal prayer.

What is most important in this is not the difference in definitions, but that Paul is piling on multiple descriptions of prayer. This is a literary device that Paul often uses to draw attention to a subject that he considers to be particularly important.

He finishes his admonition to prayer with "thanksgivings." 

We are to pray for all men, both in our private prayer, as well as in our public meetings, and we are to be thankful for those we pray for.

We are to pray for "kings and all who are in authority." For Americans, that means praying for the president. It doesn't matter if you agree with his politics. Whether you love him or think him a scoundrel is irrelevant. Paul said;

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. [Romans 13:1-2 NASB]

Beyond just the president, we pray for all who are in authority. That means both parties in both houses of Congress, judges, governors and state leaders, county and local authorities. They all affect our lives.

Praying for those in authority is not a guarantee that we will be able to live a quiet and tranquil life. Paul prayed for Nero, who ended up feeding Christians to lions, crucifying Christians on the streets of Rome, and lighting their bodies on fire at night in the place of lanterns. We know that persecution will happen, and we are taught to not only accept it, but to rejoice in it. But that doesn't mean we should give up on praying.

You may never know what effect your prayer may have had in the affairs of the world, or in the life of an individual. Even if a leader rejects the will of God, rebels against Him, and turns against His people, continue to pray for him. Even if your prayer has no effect on a godless leader, it will have an effect on you, so never stop praying.

Father, I thank you for the President, and those in government, Congress, the Governor, county commissioners and city council. I pray your blessings on them, for their salvation, for wisdom, and that we will be able to live with them in peace.