Pastor Joel Osteen is calling on believers to pray for Kanye West, expressing confidence that the embattled rapper still has a sincere desire to follow God despite recent controversies.
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast released this week, the Lakewood Church pastor reflected on his past relationship with West-also known as Ye-and offered a message marked by grace, restoration, and hope.
"I believe he has a heart for God and a heart to do the right thing," Osteen said.
Osteen first connected with West during his widely publicized faith journey in 2018, when the artist appeared at Lakewood Church and spoke openly about his commitment to Jesus. Looking back, Osteen described West as "respectful," "kind," and "sincere," emphasizing that his personal experience with the artist reflects a very different picture than recent headlines.
West has faced intense backlash in recent years over antisemitic remarks, though he has since issued a public apology. At the same time, he has opened up about his struggles with mental health, including a bipolar diagnosis that he says contributed to his past behavior.
Osteen acknowledged those struggles, noting that they can deeply affect a person's actions-but do not ultimately define them.
"Mental illnesses are real, and they can throw you off," he said. "But I believe you can be healed and you can be restored."
Rather than distancing himself, Osteen said his response has been to consistently lift the rapper up in prayer.
"I pray for him often because I know his heart," he shared. "We need to pray."
The pastor also expressed a willingness to reconnect with West, adding that he would welcome the opportunity to support him if the door opens again.
"I'd love to help in any way I can," Osteen said.
Osteen's remarks come as West continues a high-profile comeback, with his latest album topping charts and recent concerts drawing massive crowds. Yet even amid renewed success, the artist remains a polarizing figure navigating both public scrutiny and personal healing.
For Osteen, however, the focus is not on controversy-but on redemption.
His message reflects a core Christian conviction: that no life is beyond God's reach, and that restoration remains possible even after failure. In a culture quick to cancel, Osteen's call to prayer offers a countercultural reminder of grace, compassion, and the enduring hope of transformation.
