Praying that someone's mind be changed is dangerously close to manipulation and control via spiritual means.
Manipulation and control through spiritual means, however well-intentioned, is dangerously close to witchcraft.
It is better to use our spiritual powers in areas where we have clear authority.
For the sake of discussion let us stipulate that he was a normal guy, in that body was human.
Was his body animated by a normal soul?
Or was there something special about his soul?