How to Write a Prayer Request (With Examples)

Sharing a prayer request is a simple way to invite others to support you or someone in your community. Whether you're asking for healing, guidance, or gratitude, it helps create a sense of connection and care within your congregation.

As churches grow and communication shifts online, it’s helpful to have a reliable way to gather and share these requests. Many churches now use mass texting tools to make the process easier for staff and more accessible for members.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to write a clear and thoughtful prayer request, include a few examples for inspiration, and show how churches are using messaging platforms to share them more efficiently.

Table of Contents

• What is a Prayer Request?
• Prayer Request Examples
• How to Write a Prayer Request
• How to Share and Collect Prayer Requests Using Mass Texting

What is a Prayer Request?

A prayer request is a brief message asking others to pray with you about a specific situation. It could relate to health, family, work, gratitude, or any concern someone would like others to lift up in prayer.

Prayer requests can be submitted in person, written down on cards, or sent digitally. Some churches are now using text messaging to help members share prayer needs privately and receive updates without needing to check email or social media.

Prayer Request Examples for Different Situations

Here are a few short examples to guide your own request:

• “Please pray for my sister—she starts chemotherapy this week.”
• “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed at work and could use prayers for peace and rest.”
• “We’re thankful our son came home safely after surgery. Thank you for your continued prayers.”
• “Let’s remember families in our church navigating job changes or financial stress.”

These examples are simple and clear. They give just enough context to guide others in prayer, without requiring personal details.

How to Write a Prayer Request (in Three Simple Steps)

Whether you’re sharing a personal prayer need or submitting a request on behalf of someone else, clarity and tone matter. A well-written prayer request invites others to join you with empathy and focus, without requiring too much detail or time to read. The structure below is commonly used by churches and faith groups to keep requests respectful, meaningful, and easy to share.

1. Start with a Greeting

A brief opening line helps set a welcoming tone as you’re reaching out to your community. A warm greeting makes the message feel personal and encourages others to read with care.

Example:

• “Hi church family, I’d like to ask for your prayers this week.”

You can also include a brief mention of who the request is for, especially if you’re submitting on someone else’s behalf:

Example:

• “Hi friends, I’m reaching out with a prayer request for my neighbor, Claire.”

2. Share the Intention

This is the heart of the message. Share what’s going on and how others can specifically pray—whether it’s for comfort, healing, clarity, or strength. It’s okay to keep it simple. You don’t need to include every detail; just enough to give others a clear sense of what to lift up in prayer.

Examples:

• “My uncle was recently hospitalized after a car accident. Please pray for healing and peace for our family.”
• “I’m navigating a tough season at work and would appreciate prayers for guidance and patience.”
• “Our daughter has a medical procedure coming up this Friday. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that she feels calm and strong.”

If privacy is a concern, you can still request prayer without sharing specifics:

• “I’m going through something personal this week and could use your prayers.”

3. End with a Thank-You

Closing with gratitude reinforces trust and community. It shows that you value the time and care others are giving by praying alongside you.

Examples:

• “Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. It means more than you know.”
• “We’re grateful for this community and appreciate everyone’s support.”

Even a simple “Thank you for standing with us in prayer” can go a long way.

How to Share and Collect Prayer Requests Using Mass Texting

Prayer requests are most powerful when they’re shared at the right time, in the right way. Mass texting helps churches do exactly that, offering a respectful, efficient way to connect people in prayer without the noise of group chats or the delay of printed bulletins.

Here are a few practical ways to gather and distribute prayer requests throughout the week.

1. Weekly Prayer Message

Setting a regular rhythm helps your congregation know when to share and when to expect updates. A simple weekly check-in text encourages members to send their requests privately, which you can then compile and share as a group message.

Example message to collect requests:

“Hi church family—if you’d like your prayer request included in this week’s update, just reply to this message by 6 p.m. tonight.”

Example message to share requests:

“Here are this week’s prayer requests:

• Bill is recovering from surgery—please pray for strength and healing.
• Anna’s family is managing a recent diagnosis—prayers for peace and clarity.
• Sydney has a big exam Friday—lift her up for focus and calm.”

This format makes it easy to keep everyone engaged while maintaining privacy and clarity in communication.

2. Rolling Prayer Submissions

You don’t have to limit prayer to once a week. Keeping your text line open for rolling submissions means members can share prayer needs whenever they arise, with no login or church form required.

Example message:

“Need prayer? You can text your request here at any time, and we’ll share it with the congregation during the week.”

This approach offers flexibility while making sure no request gets overlooked. It's especially helpful for churches with large or remote congregations.

3. Collecting Requests From Other Channels

Prayer requests often come from hallway conversations, service cards, or website forms. No matter where they originate, a centralized text messaging system lets you organize and share them in one place.

You might receive prayer requests:

• After the service, during a conversation
• Through email or group announcements
• Submitted through your website
• From ministry leaders or volunteers

Once you have consent to share, you can enter these into your messaging platform and send updates to the larger group with ease.

Read Master Text Messaging Etiquette For Churches in 6 Simple Steps

Prayer Requests Build Community, Texting Helps Strengthen It

When people have a simple, private way to ask for prayers, they’re more likely to reach out—and more likely to feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether prayer requests are shared weekly or sent out in the moment, they create meaningful points of connection throughout your congregation.

Text-Em-All makes it easy to gather and distribute prayer requests through text messaging, keeping your community engaged without overwhelming your staff or relying on group chats. With private replies and real-time delivery, your team can respond with care and clarity, no matter the size of your church.

Ready to bring prayer into more inboxes this week? Explore church texting solutions with Text-Em-All.