Praying for the Unsaved

Here are some Scriptures and ideas of some key prayer points to use when praying for a lost friend or family member.

SALVATION—My heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved (Rom. 10:1).

Join with Paul in praying for the salvation of Jewish people. Ask God if there is some special nation for whom you should pray.

GOD’S DRAWING—“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44).

Ask God to draw specific persons that you name. Pray that they will respond to God’s drawing.

UNDERSTANDING—“When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Matt. 13:19).

Pray that those who hear the gospel will understand it.

OPEN EYES—The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4).

Pray that unbelievers’ eyes will be open so that they can see the light.

REPENTENCE—The Lord . . . is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

Pray for unsaved family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to repent so that they will not perish.

FAITH—“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall . . . have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Pray that many will believe and have eternal life.

NEW BELIEVERS—“My prayer is not for [my disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20).

Join Jesus in praying for the vast numbers, now estimated at 160,000 a day, that are coming into the kingdom. Pray for those yet to come.

–Alvin VanderGriend from Love to Pray (PrayerShop Publishing). Feel free to share this with your friends via email and social media.