Praying for the Ones We Love – A Cry from the Heart

There’s a unique ache that comes with knowing Jesus personally but watching those you love walk without Him.

I still remember the moment everything changed for me. When I first encountered Jesus—truly encountered Him—it was like the floodgates of heaven opened over my life. The weight I had carried for years lifted, and for the first time, I felt seen, known, and deeply loved. The overwhelming love of God wrecked me—in the best way possible. I was never the same.

And from that very moment, all I could think about was my family.

“Lord, let them feel this. Let them know You like I know You.”

That became the cry of my heart. I have yet to cease praying that prayer and I have faith to believe I will see it come to pass.

A Burden Fueled by Love

It’s not just a casual desire. It’s a holy ache. When we love deeply, we long to see our loved ones healed, whole, and walking in truth. I’ve cried so many tears—on bedroom floors, in my car, in church altars—pleading with God to draw them in. And for a while, it felt like nothing was moving. But God reminded me: He hears every single prayer.

“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)

God’s heart for your loved ones is even deeper than yours.

🙏🏾 Practical Ways to Pray for Unsaved Loved Ones

If you’re carrying that same burden today, let me share some practical ways I’ve learned to pray:

1. Pray the Word Over Them

There is power in praying Scripture. Speak life over your family. I often pray Ezekiel 36:26 over my loved ones:

“Lord, give them a new heart and put a new spirit in them; remove from them a heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

2. Ask God to Send Laborers

Sometimes, we won’t be the ones to lead our family to Jesus—but God can send someone who will.

“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

— Matthew 9:38

Pray that they encounter someone who carries His presence.

3. Love Loud, Even When It’s Hard

Our consistency matters. They may not receive every word we say, but they watch how we live. Our love can soften what their hearts have hardened.

4. Fast with Intention

Sometimes prayer and fasting go hand in hand. Dedicate time to fast for their salvation—one meal, one day, one week—and press in.

“This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”

— Mark 9:29 (NIV)

Don’t Give Up: God is Working

There were times I wondered if God even heard me. But now, years later, I’ve seen some of those same loved ones I prayed for begin asking questions. A few have stepped into church. Some still aren’t walking with Him yet, but I know seeds have been planted—and God is faithful to finish what He starts.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

— Acts 16:31

This is my promise. And it’s yours too.

🕊️ Final Encouragement

From my heart to yours—I know the wait is hard. I know the tears feel endless. But your prayers are not in vain. God collects every one of them (Psalm 56:8). Keep praying. Keep standing. Keep believing.

You may not see the fruit today, but trust—the roots are growing.

Here’s something to reflect on:

👉🏾 Have you stopped praying because you got tired of waiting—or will you dare to believe again, even when nothing seems to be changing?

From a Daughter’s Broken Heart,

Shae’ 💔

Helping women grow in faith, deepen their prayer life, and hold on to hope.

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