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Short answer: yes.
But what is the biblical basis? The truth is that I couldn’t answer this question quickly when I asked myself. Praying for those who are not yet born again is most certainly biblical, and we as followers of Jesus and ministry leaders should be able to answer this question for ourselves and others.
Why is a biblical basis important?
You might wonder, “Does this even matter?” And a book could be written upon this alone, but two quick reasons I think it’s important to ask whether there is biblical basis (for pretty much anything):
1. The Bible is a guide to healthy relationships and living. Maybe much of what I do is healthy, but if I’m not looking to Scripture for direction, it’s possible that I will begin engaging in unhealthy activities or fail to walk in some that are most important.
[su_quote cite=”Psalm 119:105″]Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.[/su_quote]
2. I am a purpose seeking being; God has put “eternity in [my] heart.” I might be “doing” the “right” things, but if I don’t understand how it fits into God’s plan for me, often these things become meaningless motions. Even things like prayer and worship. And Jesus didn’t die for us so we would “do” the “right” things, He died for us so we could walk with Him. So that we could find the eternal purpose for which He’d destined us!
My First Answers
When I considered this question, the first passage I considered was in Matthew chapter nine. Jesus saw a crowd of people and was moved with compassion for them and told His disciples to pray. Ah, but for what did He tell them to pray? Not for the people but for God to send laborers to the people. This is an amazing passage with many profound lessons for us, but it doesn’t directly model or instruct us to pray for the lost. Related, sure (but indirectly).
And then I thought of other related (but indirectly related) passages that speak of prayer and how we are to be a people of prayer. There are too many to list, but in Romans 12 Paul says to “continuing steadfastly in prayer” and in First Thessalonians 5 he says to “pray without ceasing.”
But again, that doesn’t directly answer the question. What about praying for the lost to be saved? Is that biblical?
The Biblical Support
Here are three examples in the New Testament that either instruct or model prayer for the lost to be saved.
[su_quote cite=”Romans 10:1″]Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.[/su_quote]
I began with the shortest, if you’re in a rush, here’s your answer with textual support! Paul is writing concerning Jews who have yet to be born again, and he explicitly states his prayer is for them to be saved. Thus, praying for the lost to be saved is biblical.
[su_quote cite=”1 Timothy 2:1–4″]Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.[/su_quote]
Here Paul is writing Timothy, and he instructs him (and this applies to us) to pray for all men. Now, I hope you are reading my post critically and not just accepting whatever I write! And you might give some pushback at this moment, for is Paul saying to pray for their salvation or just to pray for them to leave us alone so we can live in peace!?
Good point. And certainly praying to be free enough from persecution for us to peacefully obey God is important, but notice where Paul lands this instruction: “[God] desires all men to be saved”. This pray includes more than just salvation for the lost but, I believe, it includes salvation for the lost.
[su_quote cite=”Luke 23:34″]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”[/su_quote]
Some of Jesus’ words while hanging on the cross. Jesus said this concerning those who’d beaten Him, and mocked Him, and were now calling dibs on His clothing. Is this prayer? Yes, He’s calling out to God. Is this prayer for the lost? Yes, He is referring to those who’re crucifying Him. Is this prayer for their salvation? Yes, that’s what forgiveness is, really. When we pray for someone to be saved, we are praying that they would respond by faith to receive a free gift from God. This includes relationship with God, eternal life, supernatural rebirth. But the kingpin is forgiveness of sins. Our sin is why we cannot rightly relate to God (apart from Jesus), etcetera.
What Next?
I hope you’ve been praying for the salvation of those who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord. And I pray that this biblical basis will encourage you to continue in this, and also bring fresh life to your prayers and to you. Further, I hope you’re better equipped to lead those in your ministries.
Let’s pray!
photo credit: The Power Of Prayer via photopin (license)
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