When we have unbelieving friends, our care and concern for them can weigh heavily on our hearts. The apostle Paul carried this burden for the Jewish people who had not yet believed in Jesus. He said, “The longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.” (Romans 10:1). As Christians, we are called to share the gospel and live it out as Jesus’ witnesses. And as we do that, we must also humbly remember that “salvation comes from the LORD alone” (Jonah 2:9). That is why praying for our unbelieving friends is vital! In prayer, we seek God’s power to work in our friends’ hearts and lives in ways we never could. Here are 8 prayers you can pray for your unsaved friends.
1. But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) – Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
God, I am so thankful for Your grace in my life! Apart from Your work, I would still be dead in my sins. But You have forgiven me and raised me to life in Jesus. Lord, I want my friend to know Your grace too. I pray that You would save them and raise them up to new life in Christ. Give them faith that Jesus died for them and was raised again. Let them rejoice in Your love.
2. As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. – Ezekiel 34:12 NLT
Lord, my friend, seems so lost. But I know that no one is too far gone for You, my Shepherd, to find them and rescue them. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to seek and save the lost. Thank You that He laid down His life for us. I pray that in Your grace, my friend will be found. I pray they would look back with amazement at how Your goodness and mercy pursued them even when they had gone astray.
3. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6 NLT
Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus is the only way. Help my friend see and understand that there is no other name by which we can be saved. Open their eyes to see the truth about Him. Show them that Jesus is the One who gives eternal life. I pray Your Spirit would help them to be reconciled to You through faith in Christ.
4. But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? – Romans 10:14 NLT
Lord, help me to be faithful to share the good news about Jesus with my friend. Give me the boldness and courage to speak up because I love them. Thank You for equipping me with Your Word to share the truth about Christ with my friend. Please let them hear Your Word and believe! I pray they would call upon Jesus and be saved.
5. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment. – John 3:36 NLT
God, You are holy. I know that all sin is against You and deserves Your anger and judgment. My heart is so burdened for my friend, knowing they will face You one day and have not yet trusted in Jesus. Show them You are angry at sin and what it does to them because You love them. Please show them that You sent Your Son to save them from that. Help my friend believe in Him and receive the gracious gift of eternal life.
6. “For no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them to Me, and at the last day I will raise them up.” – John 6:44 NLT
Father, my friend, needs Your Son Jesus more than they know. They need His sacrifice to atone for their sins. They need the hope of resurrection life that only He can give. I ask You to give them a heart of repentance that recognizes their desperate need for a Savior. Please draw them to Christ so they can be raised with Him on the last day.
7. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT
Oh God, You are the mighty Creator who gave us the light we see. My friend is living in spiritual darkness right now. Your glory has been revealed through Your Son Jesus, but their eyes are blind. They don’t understand how wonderful the message of the gospel is. Please open their eyes to the beauty of Christ and what He has done for us. Shine Your light into their heart so they can know You and rejoice in Your amazing grace.
8. The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. – 2 Peter 3:9 NLT
Lord, thank You for Your patience. Sometimes I wonder why I must wait so long to see the fulfillment of Your promises. But when I think about my unbelieving friend, I am grateful for Your mercy. Thank You that Christ has done everything needed to save us from the destruction our sins deserve. I know He’s coming back soon, and I want my friend to be ready for that day. Please bring them to a place of repentance and faith so they can join me in looking forward to His return with eager expectation.
