Faith is a gift that not everyone has embraced, and it can be painful to watch loved ones or friends live without the hope of Christ. The Bible reminds us that God’s desire is for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Through prayer, we can intercede for unbelievers, trusting God’s power to soften their hearts and open their eyes to His grace.
When we lift unbelievers up in prayer, we align with God’s will and demonstrate our love for them. Prayer becomes a bridge, connecting their lives to God’s mercy and offering them the chance to experience His saving love. These prayers are powerful acts of faith, asking God to draw them into His eternal family.
23 Prayer For Unbelievers
1. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV)
This verse reminds us that God’s love is not selective—it extends to the entire world. Even those who reject Him are deeply loved, and prayer becomes a way to ask God to reveal that love to them personally. When we pray, we are asking God to stir their hearts with the truth of the gospel.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers to see the depth of Your love through Jesus Christ. Open their eyes to recognize that You gave Your only Son so they might have eternal life. May they turn from unbelief and embrace the salvation You freely offer.
2. Romans 10:9
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (ESV)
This passage shows the simplicity of salvation—it is not through works but through faith and confession. Our prayer should focus on unbelievers coming to the point where they can confess Christ as Lord and believe in His resurrection. God desires this transformation for everyone.
Heavenly Father, I ask that You work in the hearts of unbelievers so they may confess Jesus as Lord. Give them faith to believe in the power of the resurrection and courage to declare it with their mouths. Let them experience the joy of salvation.
3. Acts 16:31
“And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (ESV)
Faith in Jesus is not only personal but has the power to influence entire families. As we pray, we can ask God to bring salvation not just to one unbeliever but to their household as well. One person’s faith can become the spark for many.
Lord, I lift up unbelievers and their families to You. May Your grace extend to their entire households, bringing light into places of darkness. Let one spark of faith ignite a flame of salvation for generations to come.
4. Ezekiel 36:26
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (ESV)
Unbelief often hardens hearts, making people resistant to God’s truth. This verse reminds us that only God can replace a heart of stone with one of flesh. Our prayer is for transformation, that unbelievers will be open to receiving His Spirit.
Father, I pray for unbelievers whose hearts feel like stone. Replace their resistance with openness and plant in them a new spirit filled with Your love. May they experience the freedom and joy of walking in Your truth.
5. 2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (ESV)
This verse reveals God’s patience and His longing for everyone to repent. It encourages us to persist in prayer, even when change seems slow. God’s desire is that no one remains in unbelief.
Lord, thank You for Your patience with unbelievers. I pray that they would not delay in turning to You but find the gift of repentance. Draw them into Your loving arms before it is too late.
6. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (ESV)
God’s desire is universal salvation, and prayer partners with His will. We cannot force belief, but we can intercede with faith that God will lead unbelievers into truth. Every prayer becomes a seed planted in their lives.
Gracious God, I pray for unbelievers to come to the knowledge of Your truth. May they see Jesus clearly and experience the salvation You desire for them. Align their hearts with Your eternal plan of grace.
7. Romans 1:20
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (ESV)
God’s existence is evident in creation, yet unbelievers may still deny Him. This verse reminds us to pray that their eyes would be opened to the evidence of His glory all around them. Sometimes the natural world can speak louder than words.
Lord, I pray that unbelievers would see You in creation. Let the beauty of the world testify of Your power and stir their hearts to seek You. May they no longer deny but acknowledge You as Creator and Savior.
8. John 8:12
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (ESV)
Without Christ, unbelievers live in darkness, unable to see truth clearly. Jesus offers Himself as the light that brings clarity and life. We pray for unbelievers to step into that light and leave behind the shadows of confusion.
Father, I ask that unbelievers find the light of Christ. Remove the darkness that blinds them, and lead them into the life that only Jesus provides. May their steps be guided by His everlasting light.
9. Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (ESV)
Faith is foundational for any relationship with God. This verse highlights the necessity of belief, reminding us to pray for faith to be birthed in the hearts of unbelievers. Faith comes as a gift from God, not from human effort.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers to receive the gift of faith. Help them to see that You exist and that You are a rewarder of those who seek You. Let their hearts draw near and experience Your presence.
10. John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (ESV)
This verse clearly points to Jesus as the only way to God. Unbelievers may search in many directions, but the truth always leads back to Him. Our prayers invite God to redirect their path toward Christ.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers to discover that Jesus is the only way. Remove the distractions of false paths and guide them into the truth of His love. Let them embrace the eternal life found only in Him.
11. Psalm 14:1
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (ESV)
This verse acknowledges the reality of unbelief, but it also calls it foolishness. When we pray, we do not condemn but ask God to rescue unbelievers from the deception of denying His existence. Prayer can break through the lies of the enemy.
Father, I pray that unbelievers would no longer say there is no God. Replace their disbelief with conviction and truth. May they recognize You as the source of all goodness and surrender their lives to You.
12. Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” (ESV)
There is urgency in this verse, reminding us that the time to seek God is now. Our prayers should echo this urgency, asking God to stir unbelievers before opportunities pass. God’s nearness is an invitation to salvation.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers to seek You while You may be found. Let them sense Your nearness and call upon You with sincerity. May they discover the peace and salvation that only You provide.
13. Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (ESV)
Unbelievers often carry burdens without realizing the relief found in Christ. This verse offers rest for weary souls, reminding us to pray that unbelievers would find comfort in Him. Only Jesus can provide true peace.
Jesus, I lift unbelievers to You, those weary from life’s struggles. Draw them into Your arms and give them rest that surpasses all understanding. May they learn to trust You as the source of their strength and peace.
14. John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (ESV)
Salvation is ultimately God’s work, not ours. This verse reminds us to pray for the Father’s drawing power in the lives of unbelievers. Without His call, they cannot come to Christ.
Father, I pray that You would draw unbelievers to Jesus. Place a longing in their hearts that only He can satisfy. Raise them up on the last day to eternal life with You.
15. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)
Unbelievers often rely on their own understanding instead of God’s wisdom. This verse offers the promise of guidance when trust is placed in the Lord. Prayer can help them find the courage to let go of self-dependence.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers to stop leaning on their own understanding. Teach them to trust You fully and acknowledge You in every area of life. Make their paths straight and lead them to eternal salvation.
16. Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (ESV)
Salvation is not earned but received as a gift. Unbelievers may struggle with this concept, but prayer can help open their hearts to grace. God freely gives what no one can achieve alone.
Father, I pray that unbelievers would grasp the gift of grace. Remove the mindset that they must earn salvation and let them freely receive Your mercy. May they boast only in Christ and His finished work on the cross.
17. Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (ESV)
Jesus patiently knocks on the door of every heart, including unbelievers. Prayer is asking God to help them hear His voice and open the door. His promise is intimacy and fellowship when they respond.
Lord, I pray that unbelievers would hear Jesus knocking on their hearts. Help them open the door and welcome Him into their lives. Let them experience the joy of fellowship with their Savior.
18. Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (ESV)
This verse shows the seriousness of unbelief, but it also holds a promise for those who believe. Prayer should urgently focus on guiding unbelievers to faith in Christ before condemnation takes hold. It is a call to salvation through belief and obedience.
Father, I pray for unbelievers to choose belief over condemnation. Lead them to baptism as a declaration of faith and obedience. May they embrace the fullness of Your salvation.
19. Psalm 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (ESV)
This verse invites unbelievers to experience God’s goodness personally. Sometimes it takes an encounter with His presence for hearts to change. Prayer asks God to give them that encounter.
Lord, I pray that unbelievers would taste and see Your goodness. Let them find refuge in You and discover the blessings of trusting in Your name. May their lives be transformed by Your love.
20. 2 Corinthians 4:4
“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (ESV)
Spiritual blindness keeps unbelievers from seeing truth. This verse reminds us to pray for the removal of that blindness. Only God can break the power of deception from the enemy.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers whose minds have been blinded. Remove the veil and allow them to see the light of the gospel. Reveal Jesus as the true image of God in their lives.
21. Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (ESV)
Jesus’ mission was always about seeking the lost, which includes unbelievers. Prayer aligns us with His mission and asks Him to continue pursuing those who wander. Salvation is His greatest desire for them.
Lord Jesus, I pray for unbelievers to be sought and saved by You. May they feel Your pursuit and respond with open hearts. Rescue them from their lostness and bring them into Your fold.
22. Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)
Salvation flows from God’s mercy, not human effort. For unbelievers, this truth can bring hope and release from striving. Prayer helps them understand renewal comes only by His Spirit.
Father, I pray that unbelievers would experience Your mercy. Wash them clean and renew them by the power of the Holy Spirit. May they live transformed lives as testimonies of Your grace.
23. Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (ESV)
This verse promises that God will reveal Himself to those who sincerely seek Him. Our prayer for unbelievers is that their search for meaning will lead them straight to Christ. God honors the heart that truly seeks Him.
Lord, I pray for unbelievers to seek You with all their hearts. Let their searching lead them directly to Your presence and truth. May they find in You the fulfillment of every longing.
Conclusion
Praying for unbelievers is one of the most important acts of love we can offer. It aligns our hearts with God’s desire that none should perish but all come to repentance. Through these prayers, we plant seeds of faith, asking God to water and bring them to life in His time.
As we persist in prayer, we trust that God is at work behind the scenes, drawing unbelievers to Himself. Our faith reminds us that no one is beyond His reach and that every heart can be transformed by His grace. Keep praying, keep believing, and watch God move in the lives of those you love.
