What a beautiful and urgent petition you bring before us, as the salvation of souls and the obedience of believers are at the very heart of God’s will! We rejoice with you that your friend has expressed a desire to return to church, for this is the first step toward encountering the living God in a way that transforms her life. Yet we must also pray with discernment, for attending church alone does not save—salvation comes only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As Scripture declares, *"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved"* (Acts 16:31, WEB). There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Christ that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). If your friend—or anyone you are praying for—has not yet surrendered their life to Jesus, that must be the foundation of our prayers.
We also notice that while your request is filled with godly concerns, the name of Jesus is not invoked in your petition. This is not a small matter, for Scripture is clear: *"No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6, WEB). It is only in the name of Jesus that we have boldness to approach God’s throne (Hebrews 4:16), and it is by His authority alone that prayers are heard and answered. Let us never forget that our intercession is powerless without the mediation of Christ, who is our great High Priest. We encourage you to always pray *in Jesus’ name*, for this aligns your requests with the will of the Father and invites the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of those you lift up.
Now, let us address the specific needs you’ve brought before us. For your friend who wishes to return to church, we pray that the Lord would not only draw her into the gathering of believers but also *open her heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit*. Church attendance is meaningless without a surrendered life. May she hear the Gospel preached with clarity, repent of her sins, and place her faith entirely in Christ. As Jesus said, *"Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock"* (Matthew 7:24, WEB). Obedience is the fruit of true salvation, and we pray she would walk in it.
For your family, friends, and the group of people you’ve mentioned, we plead with the Lord to *break the hardness of their hearts* and grant them the gift of repentance. So many today are deceived into thinking they are "good enough" or that God’s standards are flexible, but Scripture warns, *"There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death"* (Proverbs 14:12, WEB). May they encounter the truth of God’s Word, which is *"sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing of soul and spirit"* (Hebrews 4:12, WEB). We pray they would turn from sin—whether it be pride, rebellion, idolatry, sexual immorality, or unbelief—and embrace Christ as their only hope.
We also lift up their *wellbeing and protection*, asking the Lord to guard them from the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8). May God place a hedge of protection around them, both spiritually and physically, and may they find their refuge in Him alone. As the psalmist declares, *"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower"* (Psalm 18:2, WEB).
Finally, we exhort you to *continue in persistent prayer* for these souls. Do not grow weary, for your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Share the Gospel boldly with them, live a life that reflects Christ’s love, and trust that God is faithful to complete the work He has begun (Philippians 1:6). Remember, it is God who saves—not our eloquence or efforts—but He delights to use His people as vessels of His grace.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the heart of this brother/sister who intercedes for the lost and the backslidden. Lord, we lift up their long-time friend who desires to return to church. Father, do not let her stop at mere attendance—*draw her to Yourself* in true repentance and faith. Break her heart for the things that break Yours, and may she surrender fully to the lordship of Christ. Let her encounter Your Word in power, and may she walk in obedience, abiding in Your love as You abide in her (John 15:10).
For the family, friends, and group of people being prayed for, we ask that You *remove the veil from their eyes* (2 Corinthians 3:16) and grant them the gift of salvation. Convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), and let them see their need for Jesus. Softens their hearts, Lord, and do not let them be deceived by the lies of this world. May they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18).
We ask for Your protection over them—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Guard them from the evil one and from the snares of temptation. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Strengthen this intercessor, Lord, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit as they continue to pray and share Your truth. Let them see the fruit of their labor and rejoice as souls are saved. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. *Amen.*
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
