Why asking for prayer feels so hard
If "pray for me" is hard to type, you're not alone. Most people find it easier to pray for others than to ask.
Some of it is not wanting to be a burden. Some of it is pride, or the worry that people will think less of you once they know what's going on. Some of it is simply habit: you've always handled things yourself. And some of it is uncertainty, because it's not obvious who to ask or what to say.
It helps to remember that asking for prayer has always been part of the Christian life. Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, asked for prayer again and again.
Brethren, pray for us.
Asking also gives something to the people you ask. It tells them you trust them. It lets them do something real when they'd otherwise feel helpless. And when the answer comes, they get to share the joy.
A prayer before you ask
Father, it's hard for me to ask for help. Give me the humility to let people in, and the courage to say what I need.
Lead me to the right friends, and let their prayers be a comfort to me and a blessing to them. Thank You that I don't have to carry this alone. Amen.
Who to ask for prayer
Start small. You don't need a crowd, just a few people who'll actually pray.
- A close friend. Someone who knows you and won't need a lot of background. Often this is the easiest first ask.
- A family member. A parent, sibling or spouse who shares your faith, especially for things they're already close to.
- Your small group or Bible study. Good for ongoing things, because you'll see each other again and can give updates.
- A pastor or mentor. Helpful when you'd like prayer and some wise counsel too.
- Your church's prayer team. Good for urgent needs or when you'd like many people praying.
A good test is to ask yourself, "Who would I want to call if this went badly, or if it went really well?" Those are the people to ask.
What to say when you ask for prayer
A helpful request has two parts: what's happening, and what you'd like prayer for. That's it.
- 1
Name what's going on
One sentence. "My mom has a biopsy on Thursday" says plenty.
- 2
Say what you're hoping for
Peace while you wait, good results, wisdom, the right words, strength to get through the week. Pick one or two.
- 3
Add when, if there's a date
People like to pray at the right moment, and a date reminds them to ask how it went.
- 4
Keep it short
Short requests are easier to remember. You can always tell more of the story over coffee.
You don't need churchy words or the perfect phrasing. Honest and specific is all anyone needs. For more help, see our forty prayer request examples.
"Please pray for me": messages you can send
Copy one, change the details, and send it. These work as a text, a DM or a message to your group.
Would you pray for me this week? I have a final interview Friday at 10 and I'd love calm nerves and clear words.
Hey, can I ask a favor? My mom has a biopsy Thursday. Would you pray for good news and peace for her while we wait?
I've had a really anxious week and I can't shake it. Would you pray for peace and some good sleep?
Things have been tense at home lately. Please pray for patience and for us to really listen to each other.
I have a big decision to make about a job offer by Monday. Would you pray for wisdom and clarity?
I'm having surgery on Tuesday morning. Please pray for the doctors and for a smooth recovery.
Honestly, I've been feeling far from God lately. Would you pray for me? I don't really know what else to ask for.
My grandpa passed away last night. Please pray for our family this week, especially my grandma.
Exams start Monday and I'm behind. Would you pray I can focus and not panic?
I'm starting a new job tomorrow and I'm nervous. Pray I'd find my feet and make a friend or two.
Make it easy to say yes
Ending with a question ("Would you pray for…?") feels warmer than an announcement, and it lets people reply with a simple "Yes, I will."
How to ask for prayer without sharing details
Sometimes the story is too personal, or it isn't yours to tell. You can still ask.
Say that something is going on, that you'd rather not share specifics, and what you'd like prayer for. People can pray faithfully without knowing everything. God already knows the details.
I'm walking through something I can't share yet. Would you pray for wisdom and peace for me?
Would you pray for someone close to me? It's not my story to tell, but they need strength right now.
Something hard is happening that I'm not ready to talk about. Just knowing you're praying would mean a lot.
If someone asks for more, it's fine to say, "Thanks for asking. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but I'll tell you when I am."
Asking a group vs. asking one person
Both are good. They're just good for different things.
Ask one person when the request is personal, sensitive or still unfolding. One trusted friend will often pray more and check in more than a group would, because they know it's on them.
Ask a small group when it's something ongoing, when you'd like several people praying, or when you're happy for everyone to know. Small groups are especially good at following up, because you'll see each other again.
A big group chat or a social post reaches lots of people, but it's easy for a request to scroll past without anyone really praying. If you use one, also ask one or two people directly. That's what we're building PrayerBoard for: a request stays with a small circle, and you can see who prayed.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Following up and sharing answers
Telling people what happened is half the gift. It encourages everyone who prayed.
When something changes, send a quick update so people keep praying for the right thing. When there's an answer, even a partial one or one you didn't expect, tell them. And thank them, whatever the outcome.
Update: the interview went really well, and they said they'd call by Friday. Thanks for praying! Keep it up a few more days?
Good news! Mom's results came back clear. Thank you so much for praying with us.
It didn't go the way I hoped, but I felt so much peace walking in. Thank you for praying. It made a real difference.
What to do if no one responds
It stings when you finally ask and hear nothing back. It usually isn't what it feels like.
Most of the time, people saw it, prayed, and forgot to reply. Or they meant to reply later and life got in the way. Silence rarely means they don't care.
- Give it a day, then ask one person directly: "Hey, did you see my message? I'd really love your prayers."
- Try someone else you trust. One reply is all you need.
- Remember that God heard you the moment you prayed, whether anyone else answered or not.
When you feel alone in it
Lord, I asked for help and it feels like no one heard. But You did. Thank You that I'm never praying alone.
Bring the right people alongside me, and give me the courage to keep asking. Until then, be close to me. Amen.
Coming soon to iPhone
Ask for prayer without the awkward group text
PrayerBoard is a private circle for you and a few close friends. Share a request, keep the details private if you want, see who prayed, and share the answer when it comes.
Free, with no ads. We'll only email you about the launch.
Questions people ask
Is it selfish to ask people to pray for me?
No. Christians have asked each other for prayer from the very beginning, and the apostle Paul did it often. Letting people carry something with you is a gift to them too.
How do you ask someone to pray for you in a text?
Keep it short and specific: say what's happening and what you'd like prayer for. For example, "Would you pray for me this week? I have a job interview Friday and I'd love calm nerves and clear words."
How do I ask for prayer without giving details?
Say something is going on that you'd rather keep private, then name what you need, like peace, wisdom or strength. People are glad to pray without knowing everything.
What do you say when someone says "pray for me"?
Tell them you will, then do it, ideally right away. If you can, ask what they'd like you to pray for, and check in with them a few days later.
