I am often reminded that there are many common quotes from the scripture that readily spring to mind or frequently appear on calendars / birthday cards etc., but we miss out on what else is said around / the context of that quote. Sometimes it may not be all that comfortable - unfortunate if its a birthday or get well card... (don't stop sending them)!

One such I noticed the other day 'Pray for those in authority...'.
Give God a list of the things they are not doing right?

No! See (2tim2vv1-4).
Immediately beforehand Paul wrote... "Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them."

Had a run-in with authority recently?

Ignoring the rights and wrongs - have you asked God to help and bless those disciplining you?
Have you thanked God for them - or prayed that you might become thankful (its his will)?
Did the incident happen because you had not prayed earlier?
See earlier 'How (not) to Pray' article.