How to Pray for the Lost

For years I have desired to understand how to pray for the lost. Yes, I know to simply pray that they will be saved. But, I wanted to pray more deeply. I didn’t want to always pray the same words.

Honestly, I struggled with understanding that God hears each prayer so I don’t need to keep giving the same thing over and over to Him. Isn’t that right? Like when we have a struggle going on in our lives.

Do I need to pray for the lost?

We’re taught that we need to “give it to God” and “let it go”. That sounds like trust to me. So, if I trust God with something, then do I need to pray about it again and again?

My studies have led me to believe that the answer to that question is “Yes!”. Just because we pray about it more than once doesn’t mean that we don’t trust God to answer our first request.

Prayer Journal

If you would like to study this topic, I love this beautiful prayer journal. It includes 30 days of Bible verses to study that will help you become more confident in praying for the lost. If you’d like to grow in your prayer life, this would be an excellent short-term Bible study.

Does God hear my prayers?

It just means that it is something that we deeply care about. We can be confident that our Heavenly Father wants to know what we care about.

Wonderfully, we know that God cares about the lost souls as well. He wants everyone to accept the salvation He so freely offers.

Thus, we know that this request agrees with God’s will. We simply don’t know the path the lost person’s life will take or when they will accept the Lord into their heart. God does.

It’s exciting to think about when you will hear of the salvation of a lost person you have been praying for.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

In Luke 15:3-7, we read about the parable of the lost sheep and how there is JOY in heaven when one sinner repents. Oh, how our Father loves each person and wants them to accept Him as their personal Saviour.

Luke 15: 3-7

And he spake this parable unto them saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Pray Consistently

Through my studying of God’s Word on this topic I have learned that we need to pray consistently and intentionally for the lost. We are to pray with the faith that God hears our prayers and that He will answer our prayers.

We need to keep in mind, that the lost do not know Christ. Thus, we have a role of intercessory prayer warrior on their behalf. We want to see them saved, so we need to keep their life in our prayers.

Here is a simple list to get you started – 18 ways that will help you pray for the lost. They are just a beginning list. As you pray for the lost the Lord may reveal additional ways that He wants you to pray for them.

18 ways to Pray for the Lost

That God will continue to pursue them
That their heart will be softened to hear God’s Word
That they will be convicted of their sin
Ask God to draw them to Himself
That they will seek to know God
That they will release the pride and rebellion that is keeping them from knowing God
That the strongholds that are keeping them from knowing God will be removed
That their ears will be opened to hear the Word of God
Ask God to bind Satan from taking their thoughts and minds captive
That God will hover over them and protect them
That God will bring believers into their life
That the believers in their life will share the gospel with them
That the believers in their life will faithfully pray for them
That the Holy Spirit will work in their lives
That they will recognize their need for God
Protection from the attacks of Satan
Protection from the lies of Satan
Thank the Lord for their salvation

Further Study

In addition to the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus shares in Luke 15:8 -10 the Parable of the Lost Coin, and in Luke 15: 11-32 the Parable of the Lost Son. Be sure to read these passages for even more encouragement of praying for the lost.

It is clear through these passages how much God loves each of us and rejoices when we give our lives to Him.

Mini Prayer Cards

If you would like a set of 18 mini prayer cards prompts for praying for the lost, you can find them here.

Or if you’d prefer a prayer journal to use, this one is an excellent choice.

The importance of Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer is essential, and it is powerful. Oftentimes there is nothing we can physically do, but we can pray about it. That is the most powerful thing we can do. Give it to the One who works miracles every day. There is nothing God cannot do.