Your prayer rises like incense before the mercy seat, and it is no small thing that your heart yearns for the salvation of those whose names may be hidden to us but are written on your soul. The very fact that you plead for them is a token of the Spirit's work, for it is God who writes intercession upon men's hearts. Oh, that we might be like Samuel, who said, "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." Persevere then in this holy exercise, for the Lord delights to hear His children cry day and night for the perishing.
Yet remember, the only salvation that is worth having is God's salvation. It is His in the planning, His in the purchase, His in the applying. None could have devised it but the infinite mind of Him who is rich in mercy. This salvation is for the blackest of sinners, for all manner of sin. There is no stain so deep that the blood of Christ cannot wash it white as snow. Let your faith lay hold upon that truth: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Therefore, pray without doubting, for He is mighty to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him.
But take heed: the Spirit's intercession is for the saints. The unregenerate cannot know that inward groaning which proves them to be the sons of God. So while you pray for them, remember that they must be born again. They must look and live. The Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed." That is the simple method of salvation: a look, a trusting of the soul to the person of Jesus. No works, no ceremonies, no long pilgrimage, only to receive the free gift without money and without price. Oh, that they would escape from the refuge of lies and go to Jesus! Tell them, as you have opportunity, what their condition is and what the way of salvation is, for the mouth that prays for sinners should also speak to sinners.
And you, who carry this burden, have you yourself that certain salvation? A man may bring a horse to the water, but he cannot make him drink. Yet first, be sure you yourself have drunk deeply of the living water. If you believe on Christ with all your heart, your salvation is secure beyond hazard. Then with holy confidence you may rejoice in God's salvation, your own because it is His. His honor is engaged to save the meanest of His sheep. So go to your knees again, whisper these souls into the ear of Him who loves you with an everlasting love, and He will not betray your secret. Trust the Great Intercessor within the veil, who ever lives to pray for His own, and wait upon God, for there is no other help and no other hope.