When I think about salvation or conversion, I first think of the work of evangelism – the proclamation of the Gospel. And certainly, Scripture makes it clear in Romans 10:14, “. . . How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” Someone needs to tell people about Christ. However, some have heard the Good News, but do not yet believe. Although they may need to hear it again, proclamation isn’t our only option. There is another powerful work that can contribute to conversion — prayer.
Prayer is a discipline of the Christian life that we must work at and that requires perseverance. When introducing Jesus’ parable about prayer in Luke 18, Luke wrote, “at all times they ought to pray not to lose heart.” How can we pray for someone’s salvation in that way?
A recent prayer letter from one of our global workers, Elise, recounted childlike prayers that encouraged her: “Heal Elise” or “Help Elise sleep.” Similarly, you could pray: “Save my son” or “Help Jon to repent.” You could remember to say that simple prayer whenever you unlock your phone, when you open the dishwasher, when you start the car, or even whenever your knee hurts!
Don’t forget that a powerful way to keep engaged in powerful prayer is by using God’s own words. We can pray according to God’s will by rephrasing and personalizing Scripture. You could pray through verses such as Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 8:1, and 10:9. You might say, “Lord, show Jon that he has sinned and falls short of Your glory.” “Lord, help Jon respond in faith so he can be justified and have peace with You.”
Finally, pray with others. Praying with a fellow believer for that unsaved family member or friend will help you to not feel alone and to keep persevering in prayer.
Written by: Jenny Troutner, Women for Missions Leader
Based on: Luke 18:1
Passion Week Devotional 2026: Day Four