A written Prayer request can either be a request written to
someone or a group to seek for prayers concerning a particular matter or it can
be an individual or group writing out the desires of their heart. Whether it a
written request for prayers or writing out of one's desires, there are things
to note and understand to ensure that the request can get the desired results.
It is not wrong to write to someone or a group asking for
prayers as regards a particular matter. In fact, from the scriptures, this is a
good Christian practice as it shows faith in prayers and harmony among the
saints. The Apostle Paul in his epistles was fond of writing prayer requests.
Romans 15:30-31
[30]Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's
sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your
prayers to God for me;
[31]That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in
Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the
saints.(King James Version).
The above scriptural reference is from the book of Romans
which was an epistle Apostle Paul wrote to believers in Romans. It should be
noted that Apostle Paul wrote out the request specifically and was clear about
what he wanted the Romans to pray for.
Ephesians 6:18-19
[18]Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;
[19]And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I
may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.(King James
Version).
Again, from the above scriptural reference, the Apostle Paul
added a written prayer request to his epistle to the believers in Ephesus. In
verse 19 above, Apostle Paul was also specific about his desire and he was very
clear in stating what he wanted the Ephesian believers to pray about.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
[1]Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord
may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
[2]And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked
men: for all men have not faith. (King James Version).
It is written in the Bible that in the mouth of two or three
witnesses, a matter shall be established (2 Corinthians 13:1), so from the book
of Romans, Ephesians and 2 Thessalonians, I have established that writing of a
prayer request is not wrong and is scriptural.
Whether a prayer request is written to people to join you in
prayers or it is written to specifically spell out your desires to God, here
are a few things that must be put in place.
1.
1. 1. Establish Your Prayer Request on God's
word
Read: Is Watching Movies or TV a Sin?
2. A Prayer request must carry a need or want
A request is not complete if it does not
carry a specific need or want. From the three scriptural references given above
about the different times Apostle Paul requested for prayers, every request
carried a specific need or want that the Apostle wanted to receive answers for.
Prayer is actually communicating your
needs, wants or desires in words. When you pray and it is a prayer of request,
there must be something that you desire to receive or get. If there is nothing
you desire to receive or get, it cannot be called a prayer of request. Let's
see something that Jesus said about prayer:
Mark 11:23-24
[23]For verily I say unto you, That
whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into
the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things
which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
[24]Therefore I say unto you, What things
soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have
them. (King James Version).
The above text is from Mark's account of the gospel. Jesus was talking to his disciples and he vividly described prayer: it is communicating with your mouth what you desire in your heart. Therefore, a prayer request is writing out what you desire in your heart so it cannot be called a prayer request if it does not carry a specific need or want.
3. A Prayer Request should be clear and Specific
When you are writing a prayer request to a person or group so that you can be joined to pray about something, you should be as clear as possible. It is good that the request be clearly specific. The prayer requests of Apostle Paul are good examples of this, all his requests were specific and straight to the point. This also applies to a person who is writing a prayer request to spell out a need or desire.
The use of prayer requests is not wrong neither is it unscriptural. However, whatever request will be written must be in line with God's will and God's word. Any request that cannot be established from God's word is an impossible request and thee is no need writing it out.
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