Nav Tools - The Navigators

Praying for the Family Tree

It’s easy to become discouraged as we attempt to bring those we love into a relationship with Jesus. Most of us come to the point where all we can do is pray. But prayer is tough. Prayer is hard work. It’s long-term. Here are some guidelines to encourage you as you pray.

Pray for your relatives, not against them. When we pray for family members, it’s easy to concentrate our prayers on issues related to their behavior. We’re bothered by their swearing, their quick temper, or their drinking. We’re tempted to pray, “Lord, please bring them to Yourself and make them stop.” God’s first concern is for their salvation—life change precedes behavioral change.
Pray for patience; God’s timing is seldom ours. It could take years—even decades—for our loved ones to come to faith in Jesus. We have to be faithful for the long haul.
Pray for others to serve as sources of Christian influence. Sometimes relatives have a difficult time listening to us. They know firsthand our imperfections. We must pray that God will bring other Christians into the lives of our relatives.
Pray for opportunities to demonstrate love, not pressure. Pressing family members for decisions often causes them to grow defensive. When they express spiritual interest or curiosity, try not to overreact. Too much enthusiasm can cause them to recoil. People will respond to faithful, unconditional love before they’ll respond to emotional pressure.
Pray—and don’t lose heart. Luke 18:1 says Jesus “[taught] them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” (NASB). Jesus wants us to persevere, and indeed He rewards such perseverance.

Every person’s spiritual pilgrimage is unique. God calls us to stay consistent and involved in people’s lives. We pray—allowing God to bring the results in His time.