How do you write an effective prayer request?

Worry is the natural human response to problems. But the problem with worry is it multiplies the problems and leaves you feeling worse. Instead of responding in worry, it is better to respond in faith – by praying about the problems. When you worry, you make the problem bigger but when you pray, you cast the burdens to God. And the best part about prayer is you can get other people to help you pray about your needs. But in order to do that, you must be able to write your prayer requests in a manner that will inspire others to help you pray. Here is a step by step guide on how to write great prayer requests. Of course, if you wish you can submit your prayer request right away. Thousands of caring people will see it and pray for you.

1. Descriptive first sentence

Before you post your prayer request, think about the first sentence you give because this will be used as your headline. The first sentence must be descriptive and it must a good summary of the need. Here are some examples:

• Help me pray for my wayward children.
• I am trusting God for a new job.
• My husband is sick. We are praying for his healing.

What the three examples above have in common is they let the reader know what your problem is in one short sentence. 

2. Use a succinct description 

Once you have come up with a nice first sentence, the next step is to give a short description of the problem. For instance, if you are trusting God for a new job, let the reader know why you are in need of one. The description part is where you will win over the reader so make sure to make it compelling. A bland description will most probably not attract anyone to get involved. However, avoid being too wordy. Just be precise and to the point. If you want to make your description succinct, just think of the best way to communicate your message using the least possible number of words. 

3. Maintain positivity

Making your prayer requests known to others doesn’t mean you have to sound like the sky is falling. You can still maintain an attitude of positivity even in the face of adversity.  Being negative about your situation will drive people away but most people will gravitate towards someone who is positive. For instance, instead of writing something like, “Things are not looking good! I don’t know what to do!” you could write, “Even though things don’t look good, I am sure prayer will turn around the situation.”

4. Be grateful for the help

It is good manners to say thank you. And people love it when they are thanked for help. Do not forget to express your gratitude to those who are responding to your prayer request. All it takes is a one-liner at the end of your request saying something like, “Thanks a bunch for praying for me!” or “God bless you very much for praying for me!” when people realize you are grateful for their help, they will be more helpful to you. 

After you have posted your prayer request, remember to remain in faith. With faith, every big mountain will become surmountable. Some prayer requests will be answered immediately; others will take a while but as long as you keep hope alive, your answer will eventually come.

Now that you know how to write a great prayer request, go ahead and submit yours in the online prayer request form. Thousands of caring people will see it and pray for you.