Pray for their salvation
Paul encouraged Christians to pray for all people, because God desires people to be saved and to come to know the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4). So it is right to name a friend, neighbour, colleague, or family member before God and ask that they would come to trust Christ.
This is not a prayer to control somebody. Faith cannot be forced. It is a loving request that God would draw them, show them who Jesus is, and help them respond freely and sincerely. Jesus said that coming to him depends on the Father's drawing work (John 6:44).
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Ask God to open their heart
Sometimes a person has heard Christian words many times but has not yet seen why they matter. Pray for understanding, honesty, and a readiness to receive the good news. Lydia heard Paul in Philippi, and the Lord opened her heart to respond to what he said (Acts 16:14).
You can also pray that obstacles would be brought into the light. The New Testament describes unbelief as involving spiritual blindness, not merely a lack of information (2 Corinthians 4:4). Ask God to replace confusion, fear, hurt, or false ideas with clear sight.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Pray for opportunities to hear
Paul himself asked Christians to pray for an open door for the message of Christ (Colossians 4:3). You can pray that the person would meet faithful Christians, read Scripture, ask honest questions, or hear the gospel explained clearly.
Pray for the right moment rather than forcing every conversation. A thoughtful question, a shared meal, or quiet help during a hard week may open a door that an argument never could. Ask God for wisdom about when to speak and when simply to listen (James 1:5).
Pray for their whole life, and for your love
Do not reduce someone to a project. Pray for the actual burdens they carry: work pressures, illness, loneliness, family tension, grief, safety, and daily provision. Jesus told his followers to pray even for those who opposed them (Matthew 5:44). That kind of prayer changes the way we see people.
Finally, pray that your own life would reflect Jesus. Ask for patience when answers take time, humility when you do not know what to say, and genuine love with no hidden agenda. God may work through your words, but he can also work through steady kindness and faithful prayer.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;