This is the paradoxical way of the Kingdom that God does 100% and expects us to do 100%. God desires us to be in partnership with Him to do His will.
When you pray for someone you love who is not a follower of Jesus (Christian), you completely rely on the Holy Spirit to draw that person to Jesus. At the same time, you obey God to be used in that person’s life as a witness to Jesus.
To pray effectively for your loved ones who do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, keep in mind the following:
Your faith in God is critical.
Your faith in God must grow to the point you are confident that He is not only able but also willing to save your loved ones regardless of their situations or spiritual conditions. Your faith in God must be such that you are fully convinced in your heart that “You are from God, little children, and have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Salvation is a spiritual journey.
Unbelievers certainly need to have some information on God, Jesus, human spiritual conditions, and His plan of salvation. That is often our role to provide them with the necessary information. It is the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of their minds and hearts and illuminates the information. A revelation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Both are needed.
Their salvation journey is warfare.
“He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)
To be saved in the name of Jesus means more than repentance from sins and changes in beliefs. It is a transfer of citizenship from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Light. The spiritual enemy will not easily give up his captives and preys.
Learn more about spiritual warfare, read, “Standing Firm in Christ.
God’s love drives us.
It is the Father’s love that sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to take the full penalty of the sins of all humanity. It is the love of Jesus that controls us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His supernatural love so that your love for them will also be of God. The power of the Holy Spirit will flow through such love to draw them to Jesus.