Should we pray for the unsaved? Is there a biblical basis for praying for the unsaved?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God clearly has a heart for the unsaved (Luke 19:10; 10:2). In fact, Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of the nations (Matthew 28:19–20). This commandment can take many forms, such as missionary work like Paul did or fervent prayers for unbelievers (Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Believers should pray to God for wisdom and guidance in how to tangibly show the love of Christ to unbelievers through acts of kindness so that they seek God as the one and only Source of that goodness (Matthew 5:16). Moreover, our prayers for unbelievers’ salvation shouldn’t be just a one time thing but a continual prayer according to God’s leading (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), for we know He desires every person to come to know Him as their personal Savior (1 Timothy 2:4).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• This topic is specifically addressed in the New Testament, but even the Old Testament shows God’s love toward those who aren’t His chosen people. Israel was meant to be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6), meaning that through them others would know about the true God.
• The psalmist was aware that God’s blessings to His people served to make Him known throughout the Earth: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations” (Psalm 67: 1-2).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus tells His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Although Jesus is speaking specifically to His eleven disciples, we can take after their example and spread the Gospel to those around us. As we do so, we can ask the Lord to work on the hearts of the people who receive the message—asking Him to lead them to repentance.
• In Luke 10:2 Jesus instructs His seventy-two disciples to pray for workers to enter the harvest fields with the aim to preach the Gospel that many would be saved. Praying for people to come to know Jesus is praying in accordance with God's desire for them.
• Jesus came to save the lost, just like we once were (Luke 19:10). As His children, we should extend the love to those around us that He has so graciously given to us. One way we can do this is by praying for their salvation.
• Paul traveled, preached, and suffered shipwrecks, imprisonment, and beatings for those who didn't know the truth about Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). We can pray for missionaries and the unsaved they are trying to reach, asking for the Lord’s hand on them to effectively share the Gospel.
• Christians are called to be in prayer constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and this can extend to praying for unbelievers.
• First Timothy 2:1 says, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people." This would include the unsaved. Ultimately, God's desire is to see all people saved (1 Timothy 2:4), so we should pray toward that end.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Those who die without Jesus will be punished in Hell for all eternity and be separated from God forever. As hard as that reality is to hear, it will be even worse to experience. As children of God who were once shown mercy and saved from this fate through belief in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we should understand just how vital and loving it is to pray for others’ salvation.

As we ask God to work on the hearts of unbelievers to come to faith in Jesus, we can know that our prayers are in accordance with His will (2 Peter 3:9). Charles Spurgeon once said, "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." Indeed, it is both our burden and our joy to pray for those around us to believe in Jesus Christ and experience a relationship with Him. May we have tender hearts for others to trust in Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Believers’ gratitude for their own salvation should compel them to pray for the unsaved.
• God desires that all be saved, so praying for the unsaved aligns with God’s will.
• Love should be the motivating factor in praying for unbelievers.

REFLECT

• Who in your life needs your prayers for salvation, and how consistently do you pray for them?
• How does understanding God’s desire for all to be saved shape the way you pray for unbelievers?
• Besides prayer, how are you expressing Christlike love toward those who don’t yet know Him?

ENGAGE

• What is the importance of praying for the unsaved?
• How can we create a consistent culture of praying for the unsaved?
• In what practical ways can we share the Gospel in everyday life?