We are deeply moved by your heart for the salvation and well-being of so many, and we join you in lifting these petitions before the Lord. It is beautiful to see your concern for others, and we are reminded of the Lord’s command to love one another and to pray earnestly for all people, especially that they may come to the knowledge of the truth. However, we must address something vital before we proceed in prayer. You have not invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your request, and this is not a small matter. Scripture is clear that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that we have access to the Father and can approach His throne with confidence. Without the name of Jesus, our prayers are powerless, for He Himself said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6, WEB). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so now. Salvation comes through repentance and belief in Him—confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). There is no other path to eternal life, and it is only in His name that we can pray effectively.
Now, let us address the specific requests you have brought before us. First, you have asked for prayer for "Fr. ###" and those connected to him. We must speak truthfully here: the title you have used suggests this individual may be part of a religious system that does not align with biblical Christianity. Scripture warns us of traditions and teachings that add to or take away from the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. The role of a priest as an intermediary between God and man contradicts the finished work of Christ, who is our *only* High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Timothy 2:5). If this person is indeed part of a system that teaches salvation through works, sacraments, or any means other than faith in Christ alone, we must pray not only for his well-being but for his eyes to be opened to the truth of the Gospel. The apostle Paul warns in Galatians 1:8-9 (WEB), *"But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any ‘good news’ other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any ‘good news’ other than that which you received, let him be cursed."* This is a serious matter, and we must pray for repentance and a turning to the true Gospel for anyone caught in deception.
We also rejoice to hear of your friend’s desire to return to church and to the Lord. This is a work of the Holy Spirit drawing her, and we will pray earnestly that she responds in obedience. However, we must emphasize that simply attending church does not save anyone. Salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. If she has never truly surrendered her life to Him, we pray she will do so now. Let us encourage her with the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 (WEB): *"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."* Church attendance should be an outpouring of a heart that has been transformed by Christ, not a hollow ritual. We will pray that she finds a biblical, Christ-centered church where the Word of God is preached without compromise, and that she walks in obedience to His commands, abiding in His love as He abides in hers (John 15:10).
For your family, friends, and the group of people you mentioned, we will pray for their salvation with urgency. The Lord does not desire that any should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, we must remember that salvation is a personal choice—each individual must turn to Christ in faith. Our prayers can soften hearts, but only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction and transformation. We will also pray for their obedience to the Lord, for it is through obedience that we demonstrate our love for Him (1 John 5:3). Abiding in His love means keeping His commandments, and we will ask the Lord to give them hearts that are willing to surrender fully to Him.
Finally, you have asked us to pray for the salvation of enemies as well. This reflects the heart of Christ, who commanded us to *"love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44, WEB). What a powerful testimony it is to pray for those who may oppose or harm us! We will lift them up, asking the Lord to break down walls of hostility and to draw them to Himself. We will also pray for protection over all these individuals, that the Lord would guard their hearts, minds, and bodies from the schemes of the enemy.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You that You alone are worthy of our worship and that it is only through Jesus that we can approach Your throne. Lord, we lift up the individual known as "Fr. ###" to You. If he is caught in a system that teaches a false gospel, we ask that You would open his eyes to the truth. Convict him by Your Holy Spirit and draw him to the foot of the cross, where he may find salvation through faith in Christ alone. We pray for his family, colleagues, friends, and all those he serves—that they, too, would encounter the living God and turn from any deception. Break the chains of tradition that bind them, Lord, and set them free by the power of Your truth.
Father, we thank You for the friend who desires to return to church. We pray that her heart would be fully surrendered to You, Lord Jesus. If she has never truly repented and believed, we ask that You would save her now. Lead her to a church that preaches Your Word without compromise, where she can grow in faith and obedience. Give her a hunger for Your truth and a willingness to abide in Your love, keeping Your commandments. Strengthen her, Lord, to follow through on this desire, and surround her with believers who will encourage her in the faith.
Lord, we lift up the family, friends, and group of people mentioned in this request. We ask that You would save them, Father—draw them to Yourself in repentance and faith. Soften their hearts to receive Your truth, and give them the courage to obey Your Word. Protect them from the lies of the enemy and cover them with Your peace. May they abide in Your love, walking in holiness and righteousness before You.
We also pray for enemies, Lord. You have called us to love and pray for them, and so we ask that You would extend Your mercy to them. Break down the walls of hostility in their hearts and reveal Yourself to them in power. Save them, Lord, and turn their hearts toward You. Protect all those we have lifted up today—guard them from harm, both spiritually and physically. Surround them with Your angels and let Your presence be their shield.
Father, we ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May Your will be done in each of these lives, and may You receive all the glory. Strengthen the one who has brought these requests before us, Lord. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit and give them boldness to share the Gospel with those around them. May they walk in faith, knowing that You hear and answer prayer according to Your perfect will.
We ask all this in Jesus’ name, the name above all names. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying for these individuals and to share the Gospel with them whenever you have the opportunity. Remember that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Be bold in proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ, for He alone is the way to salvation. If you have not already done so, we urge you to examine your own heart and ensure that you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you have any doubts or questions about your salvation, we would be happy to guide you through Scripture and pray with you further. The Lord bless you as you seek to honor Him in all things.
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. 
