Bible Discussion Thread

When someone asks me to pray about something and I know he is living in sin, how should I pray. Does God hear my prayers for that person.

1 John 5:14-16: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it."

Not knowing the details of what you've shared, if it is at all possible to talk with that person about his lifestyle in light of what God requires of us. The fact that he has asked for prayer indicates a God-consciousness or a desperation for some answer or relief. So I would think that he would be open to listening to you about what sin is & how he must not continue in it.

If he is convicted by God's Word & desires to seek the Lord, you have a great opportunity to pray with him & for him. If he's not interested & just asking for prayer, I would tell him that I will pray but will also ask God to first speak to his heart in respect of his lifestyle as well as his need. The important thing here is that a right relationship to God is first needed. If he wants to have sin & also God's help with his matter, then you need to sense in your spirit whether such a prayer is appropriate.

As the Scripture says: God hears our prayers if we ask according to His Will - I believe the pressing prayer you could offer is for God's Spirit to convict him of his sin & lifestyle. You can tell him that you'll pray, if you feel you ought to, but that his heart's condition & lifestyle are more important than his other needs.