A Prayer for Loved Ones Who Don’t Know Jesus
By Kristine Brown
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NLT)
I moved into my dorm room, excited about all the new experiences college life would bring. And boy, did I jump into those experiences without thought or care for the consequences. Late nights and poor choices became a way of life. But just two weeks into my newfound freedom, an unexpected phone call came.
On the other end of the call, a deep yet somewhat familiar voice I hadn’t heard in years. A childhood friend who’d moved away long ago heard we were on the same campus and looked up my number. He invited me to the university’s gathering of Christian students. I laughed under my breath, then politely declined.
Looking back now, I can see that my old friend’s call was an open door. God had a plan for me and knew I was headed in the wrong direction. Although I didn’t accept the invitation, I remember the moment so clearly. No doubt this friend’s prompting to reach out to me was the result of someone’s prayer.
God hears our prayers for loved ones who don’t know Christ. Yes, the Lord gives us free will to accept or reject him, but he will never stop pursuing us. God will intersect our lives with others who he strategically puts in place to reach out with the love of Jesus. And when we’re ready, we will respond to that call.
Romans 10:10 tells us, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
We want our friends and family to believe in God— to say yes to the unconditional love of Jesus. But their hearts may be distant from God for whatever reason. Thankfully, Jesus stands at that door, and he compels us to shine his light for others to see.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)
So we have hope today— hope in the One who is faithful. Let’s never give up praying for our loved ones who need salvation. God’s Word assures us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:15 NIV) As God listens to our prayers, he connects people for the purpose of introducing our loved ones to Jesus. He will keep knocking on their heart’s door.
Let’s pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my family and friends. They are a precious gift, and I love them more than words can say. I rejoice over my loved ones who’ve accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and I pray for those who have not. More than anything, I want to know we will all be in heaven together someday through your promise of eternal life.
Forgive me for getting discouraged as I continue praying. When I don’t see results, I start to lose hope, so I stand against those lies right now with the power of your promises. You are a good and faithful Father who never stops pursuing your children.
You have good thoughts toward my family and friends. So many they can’t be counted! (Psalm 139: 17) You love my people even more than I do. What an awesome truth! I know you hear my prayers and that you are working in their lives right now. Keep knocking on the door of their hearts, Lord. Send your servants as messengers, beckoning my loved ones to open the door and receive the abundant life you have planned for them.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Photo credit: ©Salemdesign/BethanyPyle
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Originally published Saturday, 26 August 2023.
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