How to Pray for An Evil Person

The knowledge of good and evil is fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was never God’s desire for man to taste what it’s like. As humans who were fallen into sin through Adam and Eve, we have become judges of what is good and evil around us, and this is influenced mainly by the world’s standards and perspectives. What makes a good person? It can be someone who is generous to the poor; one who helps victims and fights crimes; one who is honest, kind, caring, etc. An evil person is one behind bars, who has committed inhumane acts to fellow human beings; one who is wicked to animals; the violent, the bullies, the betrayers, the liars, the cheaters, and so on.

However, these concepts are corrupted in the eyes of God. Romans 3:23 says, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God… No one is righteous in His eyes, and no matter how many good deeds a man achieves, it still falls short. And when a person sins, there are no small sins and greater sins in the eyes of God. Sin is sin, and we are all equal in His sight. And because of His great love for humanity, He sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from the penalty of our sins. By faith in Christ Jesus, you are justified and made righteous because of what the Lord has done (see Romans 3:24-25, Romans 5:1).

As you are here searching for how to pray for an evil person, it is important to see evil from the Father’s perspective. Whoever that evil person is in your mind, just think about how God’s amazing grace saved you through Christ when you were a wretched person. As much as you needed saving during those days of your life before you met Jesus Christ, this same person being referred to as evil needs God’s forgiveness, mercy, and a chance to have a new life in Christ. So, you can pray for him or her in this manner:

Heavenly Father, I lift to you (name of person). I know that the Holy Spirit leads me to intercede for him/her. I may not know what they are going through in life, but You do, God. You care for them, and You desire to encounter them. I pray they will encounter You just as I have experienced Your love, kindness, and grace in my life through Christ. May they find true peace and joy in Your loving embrace in Jesus’ name. Amen.

You can also declare Scripture—the promises of God for this person as you look at them in the eyes of Christ Jesus. Continuously pray for the person until you see the result in their life because such is the will of God—you praying and interceding for all people. 

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

How do you pray for a toxic person?

Similarly, as discussed earlier, praying for a toxic person must come from the heart of the Father, Who desires all men to be saved (see 1 Timothy 2:4). It can be painful to be with a toxic person, especially since the words coming out of his or her mouth are full of negativity. To pray for a toxic person is to pray for the toxins in his life to be flushed away through the power of Christ. People are not originally toxic until a toxin comes into their lives, and they allow it to build up just like it functions in the body. We know that toxins are unhealthy for the physical body, and so it goes for the soul. Daily toxins for the soul can be a family problem, an environment, situations in life, bitterness, regrets, lies of the enemy, deception, a wrong mindset, etc. Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart is what the mouth speaks (see Matthew 12:34). 

Being connected or tied to a toxic person can impact you through their negativity, most especially if the person won’t listen to any advice. However, you have the choice to keep your boundaries clear and continuously pray for the person. The Bible even says to separate yourself from such company. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners, and Psalm 1:1 says, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. While we don’t despise such people, we must learn how to set boundaries with them even as we walk full of God’s grace and love for such people. You have the right to stay away from such a person when the toxicity is too much.

 

So, how then can you pray for a toxic person? You can pray in this manner:

Heavenly Father, I lift to you (name of the person). I surrender him/her into Your hands. You know how much I care for them, but there are things that only You alone can do for their life. I know that Your plan is to set them free from whatever makes them a captive and deliver them through Christ Jesus. I declare freedom upon their life in Jesus’ name. May they encounter Your touch, Your presence, and Your existence and find true life in You alone. Amen.

How do you deal with evildoers?

As previously discussed, the Bible is clear that a believer must not associate with people who are wicked in their ways, who are bad company, mockers of God and faith, and so on. After all, you become who you spend time with. Proverbs 13:20 says, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Staying away doesn’t mean you despise them. You can show God’s grace and love for them by continuously praying for them until you see results, by being kind to them even when they are not, and by not retaliating when they do you wrong. 

Jesus also told us how to treat our enemies in Matthew 5:44:

1. Bless those who curse you
2. Do good to those who hate you
3. Pray for those who use you and persecute you

This is how we walk in Christlike love for our enemies. He did not say to mingle with your enemies, stay close and be kind to them, or not give up on your friendship with them. Staying connected to people who are evildoers and toxic is your choice. And the Bible says, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1).

As you pray for the people that the Holy Spirit puts in your heart, may your compassion for them increase through intercessions. Be excited to see the results in your lives and let’s hope for the day that they too will join God’s army and advance His kingdom. Keep praying for them. God bless your heart in Christ Jesus!