Is your heart heavy because someone you love rejects Jesus as Savior? Perhaps he(she) calls himself an atheist. Or maybe, he just refuses to search for Truth and instead stands stubbornly in the darkness, clinging to “intellectual” arguments that support his atheistic beliefs.
If you’ve been praying for someone for a long time, don’t give up now. Be encouraged and strengthened by the promises of God.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
For a long time, I have been praying faithfully everyday that Jay would accept Jesus as Savior. Becoming weary, my prayers have been reduced to “God please help Jay. I don’t know how to pray for him. I don’t even know where he is. You know, Lord.” That is the prayer of someone who is weary in prayer.
After searching God’s Word for encouragement, I was not disappointed. This is what I learned. It is not meant to be a “formula” for prayer, but rather, an encouragement that you are praying according to God’s will and being led by the Holy Spirit. So don’t give up!
Following Paul’s example, simply pray that he will be saved. “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1 NIV
Pray that the Lord will send Christian workers into his life. God uses people to accomplish his will.“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 NIV
Pray that God will give him spiritual understanding and that the Lord will lead him to repentance. ” … in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26 NIV
Pray that God will open his heart. “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” Acts 16:14 NIV
Pray that God will give him spiritual sight and make His light shine in his heart, as He did yours.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” 2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Continue to pray with perseverance. God has called you to pray for this person. As you pray, remember to thank God for His love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 4:2 NIV
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV
Pray with the knowledge that his salvation is God’s will.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
(Where did we get the idea that God should be on our time table?)
Therefor pray, “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10 NIV
Pray with confidence, remembering that our God is a God of mercy, love and faithfulness.
“The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16 AMP
Your prayer for someone’s salvation is most definitely a spiritual battle. Do not listen to the devil’s lies. Of course Satan will try to discourage you and make you give up. Instead, obey God’s Word and keep praying.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
From this study, here is what I have learned: God hears my prayers. It’s not that He isn’t answering them or that He doesn’t hear me. (The devil will try to tell us that!)
My “assignment” to pray for Jay has not ended. The battle is not over. In fact, I am in the heat of the battle. I will keep praying.
When I am praying God’s will, I know He is working even though I haven’t seen the final result yet.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
God’s Word encourages me and strengthens my faith! It will do the same for you.
With Love,
Cindy
This is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
I have a family in my life who I want to see come to God. I will use these prayers. Thank you 🙏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a prayer warrior! God is with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen Cindy! Great encouragement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for encouraging me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes! Such encouragement!
And, from Isaiah 17.7, “At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a blessing to come across your website, I love your style of scriptural reflection and Truth-inspired takeaways. I believe an intercessory life is what we are all called to by whatever means, talents and abilities we have been given… And prayer is always where it begins.
“We share the gospel with those around us, and sometimes we use words”.
Blessings in Christ!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your encouragement! I appreciate it more than you know.
LikeLike
Oh I love this, and it is so true, everything happens in God’s time. It reminds me of Acts 17:26-27 He chose the times and places where we live so we would reach out for him and perhaps find him. Not giving up is key, because even if those people are no longer in our life, maybe they move away, but they may begin to seek the truth later on, and having met a Christian is key, it was destined by God. I’ll never give up. Thank you for an awesome post. God Bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you April. Your comments are truly a blessing!
LikeLike
Great post, Cindy! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alex! Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this piece, the reminders are powerful. I like your revelations and honesty. Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Celeste, for your encouraging words. Blessings!
LikeLike
Thank You Lord for sending this message through Your beloved daughter, Cindy. I am so grateful to have found/been led to this blog. Have a blessed and wonderful day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
God bless you, Indra! I look forward to getting to know you better through your blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person