All of us know people who don’t believe in God. And we are commanded in Scripture to do what we can to reach them for Christ. How do we do that, when many could care less what we have to say on the subject? Let’s start by praying for them.
1 Peter 3:9 tells us that God loves the unbeliever just as much as He loves the believer:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 1 Peter 3:9
If you are a believer, you know the joy of living life in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You also most likely have someone on your heart and in your life that doesn’t know Christ—and you long for them to know Him the way you do.
Over the years, I’ve had people ask me, “How do I pray for someone that they would come to know Jesus as their Savior?” Maybe it’s your mate, your children, or people you work with—maybe it’s yourself. Well, here’s four ways you can pray for that person or persons:
Pray that our heavenly Father will draw them to His Son Jesus Christ.
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: `They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.” — John 6:44-45
Pray for a binding of the evil spirit that blinds their minds.
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, who is the image of God. — 2 Corinthians 4:4
Pray for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” — John 16:7-8
Pray for them to encounter Christians in a favorable way.
He won’t yell, won’t raise his voice; there’ll be no commotion in the streets. He won’t walk over anyone’s feelings, won’t push you into a corner. Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers. — Mt. 12:20-21 (The Message)
The most important thing you can do for someone else is to pray for them. That will accomplish more than your many words spoken to them can ever do. Prayer opens up the heart and makes it receptive to the Gospel. God knows how to soften hearts. After all, look what He has done to yours!
Let’s make prayer a daily priority for those who don’t know Jesus. Make a list and pray these scriptures over it every day. Then watch what God will do. Maranatha!
