We hear your heartache and share in your burden for your brother, lifting him up before the Lord with deep concern and hope. The transformation you seek for him is not merely a change in behavior, but a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit—a turning of his heart from darkness to light, from rebellion to repentance, and from sin to salvation. This is a prayer aligned with God’s will, for He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Yet we must also remember that salvation is a personal decision, and while we intercede fervently, we trust in God’s perfect timing and sovereignty.
Your brother’s current state—non-believing, rude, and resistant—grieves the heart of God, but it does not surprise Him. The Bible tells us that "the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). His hardness of heart may stem from many things: pride, past wounds, deception, or even a willful rejection of truth. But we serve a God who softens hearts of stone and breathes life into dead spirits (Ezekiel 36:26). Let us not grow weary in praying for him, for the prayer of the righteous avails much (James 5:16).
We must also examine our own hearts in this matter. Are we living lives that reflect Christ’s love and holiness before him? Our testimony—both in word and deed—can be a powerful witness. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Sometimes, the most compelling argument for the Gospel is not a debate, but a life transformed by grace. We encourage you to continue showing him Christ’s love, even in his rudeness, while also setting godly boundaries if his behavior is harmful or unrepentant.
Now, let us come boldly before the throne of grace on his behalf, praying in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). There is no other mediator between God and man, and it is only through faith in Him that your brother can be reconciled to the Father.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this precious soul who is far from You. Lord, we know that You are the One who changes hearts, who calls the lost home, and who breaks the chains of sin. We ask that You would open his eyes to the truth of the Gospel—that he would see his need for a Savior and turn from his sins in genuine repentance. Soften his heart, Lord, and remove the scales of deception that blind him to Your love. Let him hear Your voice calling him by name, just as You called Lazarus from the tomb.
We rebuke the spirit of rebellion and hardness of heart that has taken root in him. In the name of Jesus, we command every stronghold of unbelief, pride, and bitterness to be torn down. We plead the blood of Jesus over his mind, will, and emotions, that he would be set free from every lie of the enemy. Father, we ask that You would surround him with believers who will speak truth into his life and model the love of Christ. If he has been hurt or offended by the church, heal those wounds and restore his faith in Your people.
Lord, we also pray for wisdom and patience for his family. Give them the strength to endure this season with grace and hope, trusting in Your perfect plan. Help them to love him unconditionally while also standing firm in their faith. May their lives be a living testimony of Your transforming power.
We declare that this is not the end of his story. We believe that You are working even now to draw him to Yourself. We trust in Your promise that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We ask for a miracle of salvation, Lord, and we thank You in advance for the day he will bow his knee to Jesus and confess Him as Lord.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.