I’d like to ask for your advice on how to pray the most effectively for a person’s salvation. People who are very important to me (members of my family and my best friend for example) aren’t saved yet. To tell the truth I’m desperate and I’m in distress. To leave behind my loved ones when the Rapture happens is a nightmare. Even worse is the thought that they could die unsaved. The Lord promised that He gives us the desires of our hearts if we delight in Him. I know that even He can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved, still I hope that He could help me through my prayers for the people I love. My greatest desire is to realize that they are with us and be able to hug them after the Rapture.
No fancy techniques are necessary when praying for others. James 5:16 says the prayers of righteous people are automatically powerful and effective, and we have a righteousness from God that came to us through faith in the Lord Jesus (Romans 3:21-22). He knows what we want before we ask. Your sincere desire for the salvation of your friends and family and your wholehearted belief that God wants the same thing is all that’s needed.
Your departure might be a nightmare for them but believe me it won’t be for you. By the time you realize what happened you’ll be with the Lord and will fully understand the circumstances surrounding your loved ones’ choices and will be at peace about them. Your departure may even be the only thing that could prompt them to finally believe. Don’t give up hope, but remember the decision is theirs to make.
Speaking of the difference in our level of understanding between now and then Paul wrote, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12).