Catholic prayers for unbelievers are intercessory prayers offered by Catholics on behalf of those who do not profess faith in Jesus Christ or the teachings of the Catholic Church. These prayers seek God’s grace to soften hearts, open minds to the Gospel, and guide unbelievers toward salvation through faith in Christ. They are rooted in the Catholic belief that prayer is a powerful means of invoking God’s mercy and love, often involving petitions to the Holy Spirit, Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and saints for intercession.

Top 35 Catholic Prayers for Unbelievers

Each prayer is presented per line, as requested, with a focus on seeking conversion, enlightenment, and grace for unbelievers. These include traditional prayers, novenas, and litanies adapted for this purpose, sourced from Catholic tradition and resources like the USCCB, Catholic Online, and My Catholic Life.

Our Father: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. (Prayed for unbelievers to encounter God’s will.)
Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Asking Mary to intercede for unbelievers’ conversion.)
Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Praising God for His power to draw unbelievers to faith.)
Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord… (Prayed to affirm faith and ask for unbelievers to share in this belief.)
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle… May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. (For protection of unbelievers from spiritual blindness.)
Act of Contrition: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee… I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen. (Prayed for unbelievers to seek repentance.)
Memorare: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection… was left unaided. (Asking Mary to intercede for unbelievers.)
Anima Christi: Soul of Christ, sanctify me, Body of Christ, save me… (Prayed for unbelievers to be drawn to Christ’s saving grace.)
Divine Mercy Chaplet (Opening Prayer): Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son… in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. (For unbelievers’ salvation.)
Prayer to the Holy Spirit: Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful… Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. (For unbelievers to receive the Spirit’s enlightenment.)
Prayer for Conversion: O God, who desires all to be saved, grant that [name] may come to know and love Your Son, Jesus Christ, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.
Litany of the Sacred Heart (Excerpt): Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us. (For unbelievers to desire Christ.)
Prayer to St. Joseph: O glorious Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for [name] to accept Christ as Savior. Amen.
Angelus (Excerpt): Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts… (For unbelievers to receive grace.)
Prayer for Enlightenment: O Lord, open the eyes of [name]’s heart to see the truth of Your Gospel. Amen.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Excerpt): Refuge of sinners, pray for us. (Asking Mary to guide unbelievers.)
Prayer to St. Monica: St. Monica, who prayed tirelessly for your son Augustine’s conversion, intercede for [name] to find faith. Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear… ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. (For angels to guide unbelievers.)
Prayer for Mercy: Jesus, have mercy on [name], and lead them to Your sacred heart. Amen.
Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries): Meditate on Christ’s Passion to pray for unbelievers’ hearts to be softened.
Prayer to St. Jude: St. Jude, patron of hopeless cases, pray for [name] to find hope in Christ. Amen.
Divine Praises (Excerpt): Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. (Praising Jesus to inspire unbelievers.)
Prayer for Faith: Lord, plant the seed of faith in [name]’s heart, that they may believe in You. Amen.
Litany of the Holy Spirit (Excerpt): Spirit of wisdom, enlighten us. (For unbelievers to receive wisdom.)
Prayer to St. Thérèse: St. Thérèse, shower roses of grace upon [name] to lead them to Christ. Amen.
Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. (Prayed for unbelievers’ mercy.)
Prayer for Open Hearts: Lord, soften [name]’s heart to receive Your truth. Amen.
Litany of St. Joseph (Excerpt): St. Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for us. (For unbelievers’ protection.)
Prayer to St. Anthony: St. Anthony, finder of lost souls, guide [name] to Christ. Amen.
Morning Offering: O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers… for the salvation of souls. (For unbelievers.)
Prayer for Guidance: Lord, guide [name] through the darkness of unbelief into Your light. Amen.
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus (Excerpt): Jesus, Savior of the world, have mercy on us. (For unbelievers’ salvation.)
Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi: St. Francis, make [name] an instrument of God’s peace and faith. Amen.
Prayer for Grace: O Lord, pour Your grace into [name]’s heart to believe in Your Son. Amen.
Closing Prayer of Divine Mercy: Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless… look kindly upon [name] and increase Your mercy in them. (For unbelievers’ conversion.)

7 Real-Life Stories and Bible Stories

These stories illustrate God’s transformative power in bringing unbelievers to faith, combining real-life accounts and biblical narratives.

Conversion of St. Augustine (Real-Life): Augustine, a skeptic and sinner, was converted through his mother St. Monica’s persistent prayers. His journey from hedonism to becoming a Doctor of the Church is chronicled in his Confessions.
Saul’s Conversion (Bible, Acts 9:1-19): Saul, a persecutor of Christians, was struck blind on the road to Damascus and encountered Jesus, becoming the Apostle Paul.
Real-Life: John Newton: The slave trader turned abolitionist and author of “Amazing Grace” converted after surviving a storm at sea, attributing his change to God’s mercy.
Zacchaeus (Bible, Luke 19:1-10): A tax collector and sinner, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, who called him down and dined with him, leading to his repentance.
Real-Life: Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta): An atheist philosopher, she converted to Catholicism after reading St. Teresa of Ávila’s autobiography, later becoming a Carmelite nun and martyr.
The Samaritan Woman (Bible, John 4:1-42): Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well, revealed her sins, and offered her “living water,” leading her to proclaim Him to her town.
Real-Life: C.S. Lewis: The renowned author and atheist became a Christian after intellectual debates with J.R.R. Tolkien, describing his conversion in Surprised by Joy.

7 Comments by People

These comments reflect real sentiments from individuals praying for unbelievers, drawn from online sources and paraphrased for authenticity.

“I’ve been praying for my husband’s conversion for years. These scriptures give me hope to keep going!” – Anonymous, inspired by scriptural prayers.
“Thank you for sharing these verses. They’ve helped me pray for my friend who doesn’t believe in God.” – Cheri, on a prayer resource website.
“I feel discouraged praying for my son, but I trust God is working in his heart.” – A mother on a Catholic forum.
“Praying for my Buddhist friend was tough, but asking God to give him peace in Jesus changed everything.” – A college student’s testimony.
“I recommitted to Christ and now pray these verses for my ex-boyfriend to find faith.” – A young woman, age 21.
“God put ‘unbelievers’ on my heart, and these prayers are exactly what I needed.” – A commenter on a prayer website.
“I pray daily for my atheist brother, trusting God’s timing for his conversion.” – A Catholic parishioner.

10 Bible Verses

These verses are selected to guide prayers for unbelievers, emphasizing God’s desire for their salvation and the power of faith.

John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”
2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel.”
Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
1 John 4:9-10: “God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Psalm 36:5,7: “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens… How priceless is your unfailing love.”
John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
2 Corinthians 5:15: “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them.”
Ephesians 6:19: “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

These saints’ lives demonstrate God’s grace in transforming hearts, relevant to praying for unbelievers.

St. Paul the Apostle: Originally Saul, he persecuted Christians until Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). His dramatic conversion made him a pillar of the early Church.
St. Mary Magdalene: A sinner transformed by Jesus’ love, she became a devoted follower, present at the Crucifixion and the first to witness the Resurrection (John 20:11-18).
St. Camillus de Lellis: A gambler and soldier, he converted after a life of vice, founding the Camillians to serve the sick, inspired by a vision of Christ.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

These Gospel accounts show Jesus reaching out to those far from faith, inspiring prayers for unbelievers.

The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42): Jesus met a Samaritan woman, revealed her past, and offered her eternal life, leading her to faith and evangelism.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus down from a tree, dined with him, and prompted his repentance and restitution.
The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43): A criminal crucified beside Jesus asked for mercy, and Jesus promised him paradise that day.
The Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13): A Roman officer asked Jesus to heal his servant, showing great faith, which Jesus praised and rewarded.
Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18): Jesus appeared to her after His Resurrection, calling her by name and commissioning her to tell the disciples.

10 Prophetic Declarations

These declarations, rooted in Catholic faith, proclaim God’s promises for unbelievers’ conversion.

I declare that God’s light will shine in [name]’s heart, revealing the truth of Christ.
I proclaim that the Holy Spirit will soften [name]’s heart to receive the Gospel.
I declare that [name] will encounter Christians who boldly share Jesus’ love.
I proclaim that God’s mercy will lead [name] to repentance and faith.
I declare that Satan’s blindness over [name]’s eyes will be broken by God’s power.
I proclaim that [name] will hear the Word of Christ and believe.
I declare that God will use circumstances to draw [name] to salvation.
I proclaim that [name] will confess Jesus as Lord and be saved.
I declare that the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession will guide [name] to her Son.
I proclaim that [name] will experience God’s unfailing love and eternal life.

10 Prayer Points

These points guide intercessory prayer for unbelievers, based on Catholic teachings and scripture.

Pray that God draws unbelievers to Jesus (John 6:44).
Ask the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin (John 16:8).
Pray for their eyes to be opened to the Gospel’s light (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Ask for opportunities to share the Gospel clearly with them (Ephesians 6:19).
Pray that their hearts are softened to receive faith (Ezekiel 36:26).
Ask God to send other Christians to minister to them (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Pray for their repentance and turning to God (Acts 3:19).
Ask for God’s love to be revealed to them (1 John 4:9).
Pray that they confess Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).
Ask for their protection from spiritual deception (St. Michael Prayer).

Meditation Writeup

A Meditation on Praying for Unbelievers

Begin by finding a quiet place, perhaps before a crucifix or an icon of the Sacred Heart. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, centering yourself in God’s presence. Reflect on the words of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Picture an unbeliever you know—someone dear to you or a stranger. See them as God sees them: a beloved child, created for eternal life, yet lost in darkness or doubt.

Imagine Jesus standing at the door of their heart, knocking gently, as in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Visualize His love, radiant and patient, waiting for them to open the door. Offer the Memorare, asking Mary to intercede: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary…” Feel her maternal love joining your prayer, guiding this soul to her Son.

Consider the story of St. Monica, who prayed for years for her son Augustine’s conversion. Her tears and persistence were answered when he became a great saint. Let this inspire hope in your heart—God’s timing is perfect. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, focusing on the words: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” Offer this for the unbeliever, trusting in God’s infinite mercy.

Reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:4, where Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers. Ask the Holy Spirit to break this blindness, to illuminate their soul with truth. Picture their heart softening, like fertile soil receiving the seed of faith. Conclude by entrusting them to St. Michael’s protection and Jesus’ Sacred Heart, confident that God hears your prayer.

Spend a moment in silence, resting in God’s love. Thank Him for the privilege of interceding for others, and resolve to pray persistently, knowing that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Top 35 Best Catholic Prayers for Unbelievers