Praying for Loved Ones Part One: Unbelievers

1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Having loved ones who do not have a relationship with Christ is a very difficult thing for all believers. Our relationship with Christ sets the foundation for our lives and is the one thing that defines us and gives us hope. As believers in Christ, we know that the only thing that separates us from eternal death is Jesus Christ. It is hard for us as we don’t want to see our loved ones continue to suffer and want them to have eternal life. How can we pray intentionally for our loved ones who are unbelievers.

Pray that God equips you with wisdom, compassion, and boldness. Ask God how you can live your life in a way that shows them you have been transformed as nothing really speaks more to the heart than seeing the work of the Holy Spirit in action.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Pray that God softens their hearts and helps them to see they need a relationship with Him. Ask God to help them see that something is lacking in their life, and that what is lacking can only be fulfilled by a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:15 For this, people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

Pray that God opens their eyes up to the areas where they are in bondage to and that they see the need to let go. Often people are so entrapped within sin areas that they cannot imagine life without it and are unwilling to give up their current lifestyle and submit to Christ. Pray that they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit to change their attitude towards sin.

Acts 28:16 To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Ask them if they have any prayer requests and pray with them. Instead of preaching at them show them love by caring for them and praying with them is one of the best ways to do so. This also helps expose them to what a relationship with Christ should look like.

Proverbs 15:21 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Praying for Loved Ones Part Two: Believers

It is also just as important to pray for believers. The Bible tells us that we are at war with forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places). Prayer goes a long way as we are all in a constant battle that we cannot fully see or understand. As believers we need to lift up each other in prayer and encourage them in Christ. Here are some ways that we can intentionally pray for other believers.

Pray that God surrounds them with strong believers who can help strengthen and encourage. It is very easy to get distracted and discouraged and it is important we have believers by our side helping walk along side us. Pray that your loved ones are surrounded by people that help point them towards Christ and that they have people who they can serve along side with, confide in and help each other’s spiritual growth.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Pray that God continues to work through them and they continue to strive to serve and glorify Him. Ask them for prayer requests and pray with them. Let them know they are not alone and make sure not only to pray for them, but with them.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God

Pray that God helps them to see opportunities to share Christ with others and grants them boldness in sharing the gospel. Pray that they find their identity in Christ and that they find ways to serve the Kingdom and use their talents, interests, and spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

Pray that God reveals any areas in their life where they need to let go of and submit to Christ. If you know of any areas where they struggle pray for and encourage them in Christ.

James 5: 19-20 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back. Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

I urge you to be bold and intentional in your prayer and also to reach out to others by praying with and for them in Christ. God uses those who have a heart for him and don’t worry about what you don’t have, rather desire to be pure and have a relationship with Christ and He will use you.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.