“Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ He answered and said, ‘Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.’ Then he said, ‘Lord, I believe!’ And he worshiped Him.” John 9:35–38
John chapter 9 tells the powerful story of a man born blind who encountered Jesus and received not only physical sight, but through God’s power, spiritual sight as well. At first, this man didn’t know much about who had healed him—he only knew his life had been radically changed. When cross-examined by the religious leaders, he boldly testified, “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25
Yet, despite his compelling testimony and the undeniable miracle, the Pharisees rejected it. They were unmoved. They heard the truth, saw the evidence, and still refused to believe. This demonstrates a sobering truth: No amount of logic, evidence, or personal transformation can open humanity’s spiritual eyes.
Salvation is not something we can argue someone into—it is God’s power and Divine work.
Repentance and faith are both essential to salvation, and yet—they are divine gifts from God. (2 Timothy 2:25; Ephesians 2:8) That is why prayer is absolutely essential in the work of salvation. We can’t force anyone to be saved. But we can pray—and our prayers call into action the power of God.
Imagine the blazing heat of the sun. Now, picture a magnifying glass, focusing that immense power onto one small point. Suddenly, the concentrated light becomes fire. That is what prayer does. Prayer takes the power of God and focuses it like a beam of holy fire onto a single soul.
Prayer ignites what we cannot touch or change.
You and I are not the source—we are not the sun. But when we pray, we become the magnifying glass, directing the radiance of God’s mercy and truth into the heart of a lost person.
This is what Jesus did for the man born blind. He healed him, yes—but later, when the blind man returned to Jesus, he was asked, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” That moment wasn’t about evidence—it was about revelation. Jesus gave him the gift of supernatural faith in Himself, and the man believed and worshiped.
Salvation is the miracle we long to see for our loved ones, and—if we understand the terror of hell—even for our enemies. Not so that they admire our changed life, but so that their eyes are opened to see Jesus as Savior and Lord. Only God can do that.
So, we must pray. Fervently. Faithfully. Expectantly.
My friend, we stand in the gap for our children, spouses, friends, and enemies—not because WE can convert them, but because only GOD’s power can. And in His mercy, He has chosen to use our prayers as part of His process. God promises us:
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you GREAT and MIGHTY things, which you do NOT know.” Jeremiah 33:3
You may have someone in your life who is far from God—cold, hostile, blind to the truth. Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up. Your prayers are not in vain. Every time you pray in God’s will, you are directing the piercing light of God’s Spirit into the darkness of their soul.
Praying God’s will directs the piercing light of God’s Spirit to shatter the darkness of lies.
Pray faithfully for the lost until the light of faith breaks through their blindness and God sends them the burning desire to turn from darkness. Until they, too, say with 100% conviction, “Lord, I believe!”
For a deeper dive, check out our Podcast on the topic of Prayer: A Response To God’s Presence
Reflection Thought:
Only God can open blind eyes. Prayer is how we engage in that miracle. Consider someone you have tried to persuade to be saved, and instead—begin praying for God to send them the gifts of repentance and faith.
Prayer
Lord God, You are the Giver of life and the One who opens blind eyes. I bring before You the names of those who are lost—wandering in darkness, blind to truth, and unable to see You for Who You are. I know I cannot save them, but I know You can. Grant them repentance. Give them the gift of faith. Shine the light of Christ into their souls and destroy the strongholds that are blinding them. Use my prayers as a magnifying glass—focusing Your power into their lives until their hearts ignite with saving faith. Help me to pray without ceasing, trusting that You hear and that You work in ways I cannot see. I will not give up, Lord. I will pray until the blind see and the lost are found. For Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
