Was revisiting these verses from Timothy last night, Robert, and anybody else that may be interested, the statements striking, to the point:
1 Timothy 2
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle --- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying --- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
And would it not be foolish, for the Lord to command we pray for all men, if this was, actually, futile, just theater? What part of all do people find confusing, anyway?
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.