Over the past few years I've seen at least 6 good people that I either still have/or had some kind of personal relationship with or someone I knew but wasn't particularly close to and it's really sad and worrying.

So I'll touch on what a backslider is and how to loving pray for them without condemnation and judgement.

❓What is Backsliding❓

Backsliding, also known as falling away or apostasy, is a term used within Christianity to describe a process by which an individual who has converted to Christianity who relapses and reverts back to pre-conversion habits or falls into sin.

They have essentially turned away from God to pursue their own desires and paths.

Many backsliders fall back into things like idolatry, drugs, excessive drinking, sexual immorality, watching porn, prostitution, stealing, lying, cheating, occultism and the list goes on and on.

❗Types of Backsliders❗

🔴 Genuine believers but who are having a crisis of faith.

These folks are going through a temporary period of questioning the very core of their beliefs, and have slipped back into spiritually damaging attitudes and behaviors (Read Mark 14 and Hebrews 6:4)

🟠 False converts who never truly believed and/or understood the message of the Gospel.

These tasted it, followed it and enjoyed the fruits for a while but then they chose to reject it. (Read Hebrews 6:4-6 and Luke 8:13)

❓ How to Pray for Backsliders❓

🟡 Focus on specific intentions - Pray for their return to faith, their overall well-being, and their ability to overcome any obstacles they are facing.

🟢 Personalize the prayer - Mention their name and specific situations they are facing, making the prayer more heartfelt and genuine.

🔵 Use different methods and approaches - Pray silently, write down your prayers, or join a group prayer, each method can bring comfort and focus.

🟣 Include scripture - Use Bible verses that speak about God's love and forgiveness, providing a strong foundation for your prayers.

🟤 Be consistent -Make it a habit to pray for them regularly, showing your commitment and making a difference over time.

⚫ Try to maintain a loving and supportive relationship - Don't condemn or make them feel inferior, but maintain a relationship built on understanding and encouragement.

⚪ Gently remind them that they are loved by God - They need to hear this much more than anything you say.

🔴 Remember God's love, grace and forgiveness -Pray that they will recognize God's unwavering love, extend grace and find forgiveness for their actions.

🟠 Pray for their spiritual growth - Ask God to help them grow stronger in their faith and to live a life that honors Him.

🟡Pray for wisdom, direction and guidance -Seek God's wisdom for how to best support and encourage them in their journey.

🟢 Don't engage in mindless gossip or slander them - Just keep your prayers centred to Christ and that person, and leave your own judgements and opinions out of it.

🔵 Pray for healing and restoration - Pray that God will heal any wounds or hurts that they may be carrying.

🟣 Practice active listening - A backslider may want to reach out and they'll need a caring and listening ear, listen to understand rather than listening to reply.

🟤 Encourage a renewal of their relationship with God - Each person has their own relationship with God and that needs to be encouraged and supported.

⚫ Let your Pastor know that you're praying for the backslider - Once the leadership team knows then they can do a corporate prayer for that person.

⚪ Be prepared to welcome them back - They may feel the nudge to turn back to God, they may come back to church, they need a soft landing and we need to provide it.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? - Matthew  18:12 (ESV)