When Someone You Love Is Drifting from Jesus

 It’s one of the hardest things to watch—someone you love slowly pulling away from Jesus. Maybe they once had faith, went to church with you, prayed with you, even talked about God with excitement. But now… things are different.

They’re distant. Disconnected. Doubtful. Maybe even hostile.

And you feel helpless.

You wonder what happened. You try to say the right things, live the right way, pray the right prayers. But nothing seems to reach them. And the ache in your chest keeps growing.

If that’s you, you’re not alone. God knows exactly how that feels—because He, too, watches many of His children walk away.

But He also knows how to bring them home.

The Bible says in Romans 10:1 (ESV), “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” That longing in your heart? That ache? It’s a holy burden. A God-given desire for their salvation. Don’t let it harden into frustration. Don’t let it become silence. Let it drive you deeper into prayer.

Even if they don’t want to hear it, you can still speak powerfully over them—in the secret place. Because when you pray, you’re fighting a spiritual battle on their behalf. And that matters more than you realize.

Here’s a prayer to hold on to when someone you love is drifting from Jesus:

When Someone You Love Is Drifting from Jesus

Lord,

You see what I cannot. You know the heart, the struggles, and the deep places of the one I love who’s turning away from You. It hurts to watch them drift. It grieves me to see their faith grow cold. But even more, I know it grieves You. You are the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine for the one, and I ask You to go after them now.

Open their eyes, Lord. Soften their heart. Strip away the lies, the pride, the wounds, or the confusion that’s pulling them from the truth. Whatever is hardening their spirit—break through it with Your love and truth. Remove the veil the enemy has placed over their eyes.

Use me, Lord, not to push but to love, not to preach but to reflect You. Let them see Jesus in how I live and how I pray. I trust that Your Word never returns void, and I ask You to call them back—however long it takes.

Thank You for loving them more than I ever could. And thank You that You never give up on those You call.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts:

If someone you love is walking away from God, don’t stop praying. Don’t stop hoping. Don’t stop believing. The story isn’t over. And God’s arm is never too short to save.

Even now, He’s working in ways you can’t see.

Keep loving. Keep praying. And trust that Jesus is still pursuing.