Note 1 at Mt. 9:38: People are born again through the power of the Word of God (Rom. 10:14-17; 1 Pet. 1:23) -- not through prayer. Prayer is very important but it is not a substitute for the gospel (Rom. 1:16-17). Many people petition God for someone to be saved and can't understand why it hasn't happened yet. We don't have to ask the Lord to save anyone. He isn't willing that anyone should perish (2 Pet. 3:9). He has already made provision for everyone's salvation (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 2:2).

So what do we pray concerning someone coming to the Lord? Jesus said to pray that the Lord send laborers across their path (this verse). They need to hear the Word (Rom. 10:14- 17). Also, we should bind the influence of the god of this world (Satan) who tries to blind them to spiritual truth (2 Cor. 4:4).

God is more motivated to save our loved ones than we are. We don't need to plead with Him, but rather we need to become a channel for Him to flow through to reach that person. We do that by sharing the good news (gospel) with them and/or praying that others will come across their path who will do the same.