Should we pray for the unsaved? Is there biblical basis for praying for the unsaved?
Christians are called to be in prayer constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to be praying specifically for other Christians, our leaders, and even our enemies. In fact, 1 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.
Jesus came to save the lost (Luke 19:10) and we are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). God's desire is to see all people saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). He instructs us to pray for workers to enter the harvest fields—a plea for people to preach the gospel that many would be saved (Luke 10:2). God clearly has a heart for the unsaved. Praying for people to come to know Jesus is praying in accordance with God's desire for them.
We understand the eternal destination of those who die without Jesus, and so it is right for us to pray for them that they would respond to God's call and be saved.
One of the most caring things you can do for someone is to pray for them—to intercede on their behalf at the throne of God. When that person is unsaved, it is good and proper to ask God to lead them to repentance and salvation.
Paul traveled, preached, and suffered shipwrecks, imprisonment, and beatings for those who didn't know the truth about Jesus to not only gain that knowledge, but to gain salvation (Romans 9:2–3). His story is told in the book of Acts. We can pray for missionaries of all kinds, as well as share the gospel in whatever life situation God has entrusted us. We pray not only for those who share the gospel message, but for those who hear it.
The great preacher 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."
The Bible tells us by example and by instruction to pray for those who are unsaved.
Copyright 2011-2024 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
