Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Non-Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Non-Believers

Do you have family or friends who do not believe in God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? I do also. Nothing should be more heart-breaking to a Christian than an unsaved person. The Bible says in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” In II Peter 3:9, he says: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

God sent His Son so people could believe in Him and have life eternal and He wants all people to repent and turn to Him. He has opened the door. The unbeliever needs to step through the doorway and then the angels rejoice. “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

What can we do to reach out to people who do not believe?

We can live a godly life before others. People notice when we are different in the way we talk, act, think, dress, and react. Colossians 4:5 says: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”
We can talk about our relationship with Jesus, without being judgmental or using Christian jargon that is hard for a non-Christian to understand. Colossians 4:6 goes on to say: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” The Holy Spirit will give us the right words if we only ask.
And we can pray.

Prayer is a vital piece to seeing people find God or receive salvation. I love that God gives all Christians, whether a new convert or one who has been in the kingdom for fifty years, the opportunity to plead for the lives and hearts of others through prayer. There’s nothing I want more than to see the dance floor of God filled to overflowing with people who’ve accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

What should we pray for people who don’t know Jesus?

Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to draw non-believers and convict them of their lostness and sin. He can soften their hearts and give people the faith to trust God.
Pray for non-believers to be brought into contact with the people of God. I pray for people in other states and countries who I cannot physically meet. But I believe God can and does place people to reach those we pray for.
Pray that non-believers will recognize God in nature. Romans 1:20 in the NLT says: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” All nature points to God and we can pray that eyes blind to Him will be drawn through everyday encounters.

My dear friend, Joyce, had attended church occasionally as a child and youth but made no commitment. As an adult, she turned from God and made her own way through the world. But her parents and others prayed, especially her mother. Joyce’s boys started attending a local church at times and during a birthday party, she met several parents who were Christians, one being me. We talked to her, tried our best to model a Christian life, and invited her to church. She would drop in at church and before long, at the age of forty-five, Joyce gave her heart to God. She’s had the joy of leading many to the One who changed her life. And it began with her parent’s prayers.

What joy there is in heaven when one sinner repents. What joy there is on earth when someone gives their life to Jesus; the Way,