For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Scripture is God’s very words. James 5:16 tells us that the earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
And God’s word is living and active. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Heb 4:12).
Isaiah 55:10-11 tells us that God’s word is like “the rain and snow that come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.” God’s word is like that because when God speaks, it always accomplishes what He wants it to and prospers everywhere He sends it.
So, it makes sense for believers to pray for unbelievers using God’s Word. We want His word to penetrate those we pray for.
There isn’t a verse in the Bible that says, “This is what you should say when praying for unbelievers.”
However, many verses talk about God’s love for all people, including unbelievers, and how He wants everyone to be saved. You can even say, “Lord, I pray for the day when this is true,” and pray a verse meant for a believer.
The Old Testament is filled with God’s words to the Israelites, who were often unbelieving and rebellious. So, praying the things He says to them is good.
Make prayer cards using the verses below or other verses you find may be helpful. That’s what I’ve done.
First, though, let’s look at some key verses concerning God’s desire for all people to be saved, what He did to make salvation possible for sinners, and how we can pray for the work of evangelism in our world.
Table of Contents
God Desires for All People to Be Saved
Many verses tell us that God loves the world (all people) and what He did so that all could be made right with Him (saved) and receive eternal life if they believe Jesus is the One who saves. Here are a few:
- God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and great in faithful love. He is good to everyone and has compassion on all He has made (Ps 145:8-9)
- God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4)
- God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to repent (2 Pet 3:9)
- God proved His love towards us by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8)
- Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10)
- God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Jn 3:16)
What it Means to Be Saved
Knowing what the Gospel is and what it means to be saved is important. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the Good News he preached to them and how they welcomed it and stood firm in it.
He says in 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 that the Good News of Jesus saves unless you don’t believe it’s true. The Good News is that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is God’s gift–not from works, so that no one can boast.”
These two Scriptures tell us what Jesus did so people could be saved, what God’s grace did in making a way for us to be saved through Jesus, and what is required of each person: and that’s faith in what Jesus did.
Jesus did everything; we do nothing but believe. Once a person thinks they must be good enough or do enough good works, they don’t get it. Our sin separates us from God; only Jesus can bridge the gap.
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Pray for the Work of Evangelism
One believer can’t evangelize the world, but one can pray that God will do the work of evangelism through obedient believers. So pray:
- That the Lord, who is in charge of the harvest, will send more workers into His fields (Matt 9:38; Luke 10:2)
- That God will open doors (opportunities) for believers to share the Gospel (Col 4:3)
- The Gospel will spread rapidly (NLT) or run swiftly (NKJV) and be honored (NLT) and glorified (NKJV) wherever it goes (2 Thess 3:1)
Notice that in these verses, Jesus or Paul tells believers to pray for these things.
Scriptures to Pray for Unbelievers to Be Saved
In the blanks of the following verses, insert the word “unbelievers” or specific names of unbelievers/prodigals you are praying for.
Lord, I pray Ezekiel 11:19-20 that You will put a new spirit in _________ and give them a tender and responsive heart so that they will obey You just as You promised to do for Israel one day.
Lord, I thank You for what Psalm 139:7, 13-14 tells me, that no one can get away from Your Spirit or escape Your presence, including _________. You created their inmost being and knit them together in their mother’s womb; they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
God, I pray Acts 26:18 that You will open _________’s eyes so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then, they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among Your people, who are set apart by faith in Jesus.
Lord, I pray John 8:32 that _________ will know the truth, and the truth will set them free.
Father, I pray John 6:44 that You will draw _________ to Jesus by letting them hear the Gospel so they will have an opportunity to believe and be risen up on the last day by Jesus.
Savior, You died for everyone, including __________. Thank You, as it says in John 12:32, for drawing them when You hung on the cross.
Father, I pray Luke 15:17 for _________ (who have heard the Gospel but rejected it), that they will come to their senses and return to You (the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15:1-24).
God, I pray Acts 4:12 that _________ will know that there is salvation in no one else [but Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.
Lord, I pray Psalm 138:8 that You will work out the plans for _________’s life for Your faithful love endures forever. Don’t abandon them, for they are the work of Your hands.
Lord, I pray Psalm 119:37 that You will turn _________’s eyes from worthless things and give them life through Your word.
Father, I pray John 11:40 that _________ will believe [for salvation] and see the glory of God, just as Jesus told Martha she would if she believed. (Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, John 11:38-44).
God, I pray Psalm 46:10 that __________ will be still and know that You are God.
RELATED > > > > > How Does God Draw All People to Jesus – John 6:44
Pray Scripture for the Day When Unbelievers Believe
I also pray Scripture for believers (or specific names) and sometimes add “for the day when” for unbelievers (or specific names).
God, I pray Psalm 46:1 for the day when ________ know You as their refuge and strength, and the One who is always ready to help them in times of trouble.
Father, I pray Ephesians 1:17 for the day when You will give _________ the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know You better.
Lord, I pray Isaiah 41:10 for the day when ________ will not be afraid, for they know that You are with them.
Lord, I pray Proverbs 18:10 for the day when _________ knows You are their strong tower where they can run and be safe.
God, I pray Psalm 121:5 for the day when _________ knows that You watch over them and stand beside them as their protective shade.
Lord, I pray Exodus 15:26 for the day when _________ knows that You are the Lord who heals them.
God, I pray James 4:7 for the day when _________ will submit themself to You, resist the devil, and he will flee.
Lord, I pray Matthew 22:37 for the day when _________ will love You, the Lord their God with all their heart and all their soul and with all their mind.
God, I pray Psalm 27:1 for the day when _________ knows that You are the light that keeps them safe.
Father, I pray 1 John 3:1 for the day when _________ will see how very much You love them, for You call them Your child.
Lord, I pray Psalm 46:1 for the day when _________ turns to You as their refuge and strength, knowing You are always ready to help in times of trouble.
Lord, I pray Micah 6:8 for the day when _________ will do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with You, their God.
Final Thoughts
What a privilege it is to pray the word of God for others, including unbelievers.
Interestingly, 2 Peter 3:11-12 tells us that believers’ righteous living can speed up the Lord’s return.
In The Bible Knowledge Commentary (p. 877), John Walvoord says, “How do believers hasten it? The godly lives of the Lord’s people, their praying, and their witnessing help bring others to repentance.”
We have focused on the aspect of praying, specifically praying Scripture for unbelievers.
Knowing the Gospel and what it means to be saved will also aid you in your prayers. Or help you should God give you an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
After all, 1 Peter 3:15 says if anyone asks you about your hope in Christ, always be ready to give an answer.
God desires for all people to be saved and gives us specific prayers we can pray for the work of evangelism in the world.
So, let’s get busy!
If you have a verse you already pray for unbelievers, share it in the comments below.