Letter to the Editor: Being Christian means praying for all presidents

Published 1:00 pm Friday, May 8, 2026

I believe Robert Mitchell asked a sincere question (“How can Christians support this president,” published April 22).

He wanted to know when there was a conflict between Christ’s words and actions and that of President Trump, “…which does the maga individual follow?”

I felt compelled to respond. I felt the question was aimed at Christians such as me. I will say that the first time Trump ran I did not vote for him, knowing that he had both been divorced and gone bankrupt more than once. I didn’t trust him enough to vote for him.

He was elected however. Then, as a Christian, where do I turn? I go to the Bible.

I Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV) reads: “I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

In the Old Testament book of Daniel the principal of God’s sovereignty is set forth. Long before presidents came into being, Daniel 2:21b said (referring to the God of heaven), “He removes kings and sets up kings.”

So I believe that even though Trump was elected, there was a higher power that allowed him to fill the Oval Office.

The bottom line is that I, as a Christian, am called upon to pray for whoever occupies the White House, be they Democrat or Republican. I prayed for Biden and Obama, even though I didn’t help vote them into office.

So, that is how I understand my obligation as a Christian. I am required to pray for any, and all, who are in authority.

Has there been a perfect president? Not according to the Bible. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” That’s pretty inclusive, isn’t it? President Trump is a sinner, just like every president that preceded him. So am I, and so is everyone reading this letter. But I don’t want to end this letter on such a dire note. There is hope for all of us. There is a thing called the gospel, which by definition means “good news”.

Again, according to the Bible, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

So, I encourage anyone reading this to consider discontinuing the finger pointing at others, and take a good look in the mirror. Can you honestly say that you’ve never told a lie, or said something hurtful to anyone, or done anything else that you knew that was wrong? I wish I could honestly say that, but I can’t. But back to the good news: I have confessed my sin before God, and now all of Enumclaw, and I am forgiven. What a wonderful, blessed feeling.

Mark Akers

Enumclaw