Is it appropriate to pray for God’s promises, gifts, and grace for someone who isn't following Jesus Christ? You may have asked another version of this question: “Does God listen to prayers offered on behalf of those who don't have faith?”

My short answer for both of those questions is yes. Scripture encourages us to pray for all people and reminds us that God gives his gifts of life and provision even to those who do not love him. God listens to our prayers for others, regardless of their spiritual status. Here of some examples of this promise from scripture:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Aren't even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (Matthew 5:43-47).

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the church elders to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:13-16).

God hears every word

When we pray, we have a beautiful, mysterious, and powerful connection with God. We pour out our hopes, fears, and dreams, and we trust that God hears every word. But prayer isn't just about talking to God; it's also about listening to his leading and noticing his comforting presence. As we listen, we may hear how God wants us to pray.

When we lift unbelievers in prayer, we can say, "God, I care about this person, and I trust you to work in their life, even if they haven't quite found their way to you yet." I align my prayers and heart to remember that God extends his grace and mercy even to those who don't acknowledge him. In my own life, I pray often for a good friend who is an atheist. I pray for his safety and for more opportunities to talk with him about my faith. I pray that the door to faith will remain open for him.

Praying through grace

Ultimately, our prayers for those who are not walking in obedience to God are fueled by love. We entrust them to God, hoping they accept the gift of God’s grace. I'm thankful this gift is not limited to those who've figured it all out. His love goes beyond our understanding, reaching out to believers and non-believers alike.

Admittedly, praying for someone who isn't living out their faith can feel like we are asking a favor for someone who has yet to earn it. But maybe that's where the real power of prayer comes in. It's not about earning anything; by definition, none of us deserve grace! Rather, God calls us his children and gives us the privilege to come to him, our heavenly Father, with all of our requests. We trust in God's goodness and his ability to work miracles in lives and hearts, even in the heart of my atheist friend.

God Knows

As I pray for others, I trust in God’s grace. Pastor Tim Keller beautifully speaks about God’s grace and care in his book Prayer: “When you struggle in prayer, you can come before God with confidence that he is going to give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything he knows. He does care, and he loves you boundlessly” (p. 229).

God invites us to bring every aspect of our lives to him in prayer. God knows our exact needs, and the needs of the people we pray for —even if we don't. May we cultivate a combination of trusting in God's perfect plan and actively expressing our love and concern for others through prayer. May we also continue to boldly approach God’s throne with our prayers, even the prayers for those who do not know him.

To learn more on this topic, please visit this resource from our sister ministry, Groundwork: Questions about the Faith of Our Families