How to Pray for Unsaved Loved Ones: 7 Prayers From Scripture
Almost every Christian carries a name or two on their heart: a parent, a brother, a son, a best friend who does not yet know Jesus. Some of us have prayed for those names for years. If that is you, this is for you: practical, biblical help to keep praying, and to pray with hope.
Why prayer comes first
It is tempting to think that if we could just find the right argument, our loved ones would believe. But Scripture is clear that salvation is God's work. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them" (John 6:44). Paul planted, Apollos watered, "but God has been making it grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6).
That is not a reason to stop talking about Jesus. It is a reason to start with prayer, because prayer puts our loved ones in the hands of the only One who can change a heart.
You cannot argue someone into the Kingdom. But you can pray them toward the King.
Seven prayers from Scripture
1. "Open their eyes."
Paul wrote that "the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel" (2 Corinthians 4:4). Pray that God would open their eyes and turn them "from darkness to light" (Acts 26:18).
2. "Draw them to Jesus."
Ask the Father to draw them (John 6:44): through circumstances, conversations, Scripture, creation, and the quiet sense that there must be more.
3. "Soften their heart."
God promised, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26). Pray that hurt, pride or indifference would give way to openness.
4. "Send workers into their life."
Jesus told us to "ask the Lord of the harvest... to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:38). Sometimes the person God uses is not you. Pray for a coworker, a neighbour or a new friend who loves Jesus to cross their path.
5. "Open a door — and give me the words."
Paul asked for prayer "that God may open a door for our message" and that he would "proclaim it clearly" (Colossians 4:3-4). Pray for natural openings, and for wisdom, gentleness and courage when they come.
6. "Show them Your kindness."
"God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance" (Romans 2:4). Pray that they would experience God's goodness, and that they would recognise it as His.
7. "Bring them to repentance and faith."
Pray it plainly, as Paul did: "My heart's desire and prayer to God... is that they may be saved" (Romans 10:1). Pray with confidence that this is God's own heart, for He "wants all people to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4) and is "not wanting anyone to perish" (2 Peter 3:9).
Pray for yourself too
Praying for someone else often changes us first. Ask God for:
- Love that does not depend on whether they respond.
- Patience for a timeline that is His, not yours.
- Wisdom to know when to speak and when to simply be kind.
- A consistent life, because people who know us well notice whether our faith makes us kinder.
If the people on your heart are family, sharing Jesus with your own family covers the long, patient work of living it in front of them.
Make it a rhythm
- Write the names down. A short list on your phone or in your Bible keeps prayer specific. Mapping your oikos can help.
- Pick a time. Morning coffee, the commute, bedtime: tie it to something you already do daily.
- Pray Scripture. Rotate through the seven prayers above, one a day.
- Pray with others. Share names with a trusted friend or small group and pray for each other's lists. Our 7-day evangelism prayer guide gives a simple structure.
When nothing seems to change
Jesus told a parable "to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1). Many believers can tell you about someone who came to faith after years, or decades, of a mother, a grandmother or a friend quietly praying. Most of those praying never saw a single sign of progress until the day it happened.
Your prayers are not wasted. God hears every one (1 John 5:14-15), and He loves the person on your list even more than you do. Keep going.
Let prayer lead to love
Prayer and action belong together. As you pray, watch for ways to show kindness: a meal, a call, help with a move, remembering a hard anniversary. When a door opens, be ready to share simply; how to start a conversation about Jesus and how to explain the gospel can help. And if they ever say yes, you will want to know how to lead someone to Christ.
Start today
Write down three names. Pray the first of the seven prayers for each of them today, and set a reminder to pray again tomorrow. That small, faithful habit may be the most important thing you ever do for them.
All for God's glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pray for an unsaved family member?
Pray for them by name, regularly, using Scripture: ask God to open their eyes to the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4), draw them to Jesus (John 6:44), soften their heart (Ezekiel 36:26), send other believers into their life (Matthew 9:38), and open doors for honest conversations (Colossians 4:3).
What Bible verse can I pray for someone to be saved?
Romans 10:1 expresses it simply: "My heart's desire and prayer to God... is that they may be saved." 1 Timothy 2:4 reminds us that God "wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth," and 2 Peter 3:9 says He is "not wanting anyone to perish."
What if I have prayed for years and nothing has changed?
Keep going. Jesus taught His disciples "that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1). Many people come to faith after years or even decades of someone praying, and God is often working in ways we cannot see.
Should I tell my loved one I am praying for them?
Often, yes — gently. Many people are touched to know someone prays for them, especially when you ask what they would like prayer for. Avoid using it as pressure; let it be an expression of love.
Read and share this guide: https://www.kd-ziedins.com/blog/how-to-pray-for-unsaved-loved-ones