Praying For Unsaved Loved Ones

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Praying for unsaved loved ones

The softened heart, understanding mind, and seeing eyes, simply pave the way for ears to
receive the gift of grace found in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:17 reaffirms that faith can only come
in this way, through hearing the gospel.

For it is by the generous grace of God any man is saved. And we certainly aren't helpless either,
for there is continued mercy by way of a gospel message that contains the power for salvation
(Romans 1:16).

Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of our King (Hebrews 4:16), in petition for the souls
of our loved ones. Knowing He hears our prayer (1 Peter 3:12), and equips us for such a time
as this (2 Timothy 3:17).

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

If this isn't enough to get us praying for our unsaved loved ones, 1 John 5:14-15 says we can
approach God with confidence, especially when our prayers are in accordance to His will —
found within the pages of the Bible.

It is on these pages there are truths like 2 Peter 3:9 that give us a glimpse into God’s heart for
the lost. Our prayers, therefore, come from knowing God is patient, not wanting any to perish
but for all to come into repentance.

We also know there is a Father in Heaven who willingly gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask
(Luke 11:13). Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world, where none are naturally seeking God
(Romans 3:11). It is a work of His Spirit that God draws us (John 6:44) and reveals His Son
(Matthew 16:17).

With these Scriptures in mind, along with many others, supplication and intercession can be
made for those who are lost in the world. But by faith and trust, accepting that God always
responds according to His plan, purpose, and timing. Not ours.

Still, we're encouraged to make our requests known to God (Philippians 4:6). All of them, which
includes specific requests for unsaved loved ones. They can be specific because the Bible is
actually very clear on what prevents any person from a redeemed life with God — the perfect
place to be in prayer.

Here are five such areas, along with prayers, for an unsaved loved one.

1. The Hardened Heart


Because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself (Romans 2:5)
Requests to Bring to God
That unsaved loved ones would be given a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26).
A humble heart (Matthew 18:4).
A clean heart (Psalm 51:10).
A pure heart (Matthew 5:8).
A believing heart (Romans 10:10).
Prayer for an Unsaved Loved One’s Heart
Heavenly Father, today I pray for (name). They are in need of a new heart, the kind of heart only
You can give. For Your Word tells us the human heart is sick and wicked, needing to be
changed.

Please replace their heart of stone with a humble heart, a clean heart, a pure heart, a believing
heart. The kind of heart that can accept God and the truth of the gospel. Above all, may they
have a repentant heart, Lord. In Jesus' saving name, I pray, Amen.

2. The Mind That Doesn't Understand


They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the
ignorance that is in them (Ephesians 4:18).
Requests to Bring to God
That unsaved loved ones would be given a renewed mind (Romans 12:2).
A mind that is turned to the things above (Colossians 3:12).
A mind that is transformed in attitude (Ephesians 4:23).
A mind that is no longer hostile toward God (Romans 8:7).
The mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Prayer for an Unsaved Loved One's Mind
Heavenly Father, today I pray for (name). Your Word says the god of this age has blinded the
minds of unbelievers causing great darkness and it is only the Light of Truth that can penetrate
this darkness, Lord. Please allow that light to shine in their mind and bring with it the knowledge
of the glory of God, found in Jesus Christ.
Please give them a renewed mind, a mind that is transformed in Christ, no longer hostile to You,
a mind that is set to the things above, Lord. Praise God, You are a Savior that desires all to
come to the knowledge of truth. May it be so for (name). In Jesus' saving name, I pray, Amen.

3. The Eyes That Do Not See


The god of this world keeps them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who
is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Requests to Bring to God
That unsaved loved ones would be given the sight Jesus has recovered (Luke 4:18).
Eyes to see the kingdom (John 3:3).
Eyes to see the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
Eyes to see the light of the world (John 8:12).
Prayer for Unsaved Loved One’s Spiritual Eyes
Heavenly Father, today I pray for (name). They are in need of eyes that can see all the
goodness of the Lord. Your Word says it is Satan who has blinded their eyes, praise God, this
enemy has been defeated by Christ! The One who has come to that sight may be restored.
Please grant (name) the eyes needed to see Your shining light of salvation and Your Kingdom
in all Its glory. May it lead them to repentance and salvation in Jesus' name, Amen.

4. All So Ears Can Hear the Gospel


How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? (Romans 10:14).
The softened heart, understanding mind, and seeing eyes, simply pave the way for ears to
receive the gift of grace found in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:17 reaffirms that faith can only come
in this way, through hearing the gospel. For it is the Good News of Christ's death and
resurrection that contains the power of God, bringing salvation to everyone who believes
(Romans 1:16).

So, whenever you are unsure how to pray for unsaved loved ones, remember it's the gospel
they need most. A gospel that is not shared merely in word, but in Spirit, with power, and
conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Requests to Bring to God


That unsaved loved ones would have ears to hear (Matthew 11:15).
To hear the gospel and believe (Mark 16:16).
To repent and be baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
That laborers would be sent to harvest (Matthew 9:38).

Prayer for Ears to Hear the Gospel

Today I lift up to You my loved one, (name). Lord, it is not Your desire that they shall perish,
therefore I make this request, that You would remove all the stumbling blocks, placed by the
enemy that are covering their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts.

Yes, Lord, please give them eyes to see, a mind to understand, and a receptive heart, all to
hear the gospel that saves. May Your Spirit make a way for their acceptance of this gift, in
repentance and humility. I ask for You to send godly influences into my loved one’s life that
seeds of truth may be planted and watered, producing a fertile soil.

Oh, that the gospel would simply come into their life, with great conviction and power, Lord. All
for the glory of God! In the saving name of Jesus, I pray for (name)'s salvation. Amen.
To be a light that shines among others (Matthew 5:16).
To never cease in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
To not grow weary in any season (Galatians 6:9).
To always speak the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15).

Those words and deeds would glorify God (Colossians 3:17).

We Pray to Live out the Gospel

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a Good Shepherd and Great Redeemer, in my life and in
the lives of those who are still lost. I ask that my life would glorify Your name and this precious
gift. May I be a warming light to those around me, not one that is harsh or abrasive.

Lord, please guide my words, my deeds, my attitudes, that I can respond to my unsaved loved
ones with patience and love. Your Word says that disagreements and arguments about the
things of God are unprofitable and worthless, only doing damage to the hearer (Titus 3:9; 2
Timothy 2:14).

Let me know when to speak and when to stop and listen. And may I always be ready to share
my faith when asked, never missing an opportunity to plant or water seeds of Truth. In Jesus'
name, I pray, Amen

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