Intercessory Prayer for Others to Believe the Gospel

[Guido]

I feel tired so I will try write this post simply and plainly. I don't know which doctrine of salvation is correct. I believe in Free Grace, but I don't know if people are saved by believing in Christ finished, redemptive work on the cross, or by believing His promise to give eternal life to whoever believes in Him for it. So I don't know what to ask God to reveal to other people. I believed each at some point so I am probably saved. I know people now, and I knew people in my past, both whom I am not sure are going to Heaven when they die, because I don't know if they have ever believed the gospel. I have two questions. One: Is it necessary to specify the doctrine which a person must believe when interceding to God for someone to believe the gospel. Two, does God guarantee an answer to such intercessory prayer, resulting in the regeneration of the person for whom intercessory prayer is made, if the prayer if offered to God consistently and for enough days, months, years, etc? I don't believe in Calvinism.

 

[Ben1445]

I feel tired so I will try write this post simply and plainly. I don't know which doctrine of salvation is correct. I believe in Free Grace, but I don't know if people are saved by believing in Christ finished, redemptive work on the cross, or by believing His promise to give eternal life to whoever believes in Him for it. So I don't know what to ask God to reveal to other people. I believed each at some point so I am probably saved. I know people now, and I knew people in my past, both whom I am not sure are going to Heaven when they die, because I don't know if they have ever believed the gospel. I have two questions. One: Is it necessary to specify the doctrine which a person must believe when interceding to God for someone to believe the gospel. Two, does God guarantee an answer to such intercessory prayer, resulting in the regeneration of the person for whom intercessory prayer is made, if the prayer if offered to God consistently and for enough days, months, years, etc? I don't believe in Calvinism.

Romans 8:26
-- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

 

[Guido]

Thank you for your answer.

 

[Ben1445]

Thank you for your answer.

Romans 8:26
-- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

He helps where we are weak. He doesn’t take over for us.

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:

The problem is our knowledge of what and how to pray. It is not a question of whether or not we should.
In John Bunyan’s book, The Holy War, there are messages delivered to the King. These messages are the prayers coming from the town of Mansoul. They are carried by a particular messenger. It is a very powerful allegory and a great read.
The teaching in Scripture is that God knows our frame. He knows we are dust. He offers salvation as a gift because we are not able to come to God on our own. Jesus came to us. Jesus came to where we are as sinners because we are without strength. The good news is that Scripture tells us that just like we were saved by faith, we also live by faith. Everything that God is for us for salvation, He is for our daily living.
Jesus said to His disciples…
Matt. 6:7-13
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The same things that we need, are necessary for our friends and family.
I have heard of individuals whose testimonies are that they prayed for their family member but saw different results when they stopped praying for God to protect them and started praying for God to affect them.
There are other testimonies of people whose prayers regarding salvation of others were not answered until after they died.

Gal. 6:8-10
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

This certainly includes intercessory prayer.

I hope these reminders are an encouragement to you.