Prayer Requests

Prayer 1 Minute

I noticed this box of cards as I walked past the church down the street. It was a box of 4×8 inch prayer request cards. I took one, just in case. If I want the people at the church to pray for me, I must take a card, fill it out with name, address, phone, what I want them to pray for (or to praise). I must also check either confidential or ok to publish. Publish? Then I must slide the card into the slot to be picked up by the help.

I’m not sure why they do this, but I like it. I once heard a retired preacher of the Calvinist tradition say that prayer is more effective if the person praying has greater faith. They know stuff like that. Maybe when more people pray, it works better. Maybe when people in an interdenominational church pray, it’s better because one of the denominations may be the right one.

I remember when a thousand people filled our Catholic church to pray for a well-liked, dying old lady. She got well. They were taking credit like crazy. Then she died. Oops. But death has never stopped Catholics from praying for the repose of the soul of a deceased. It’s part of the denomination.

What I like about this is if people want to be prayed for, they can ask. Otherwise, no prayers. If I want to be prayed for, or to offer praise in my name, I’ll let them know. Otherwise, they may assume I can do my own praying. Or, assume I do not want or need to be prayed for. Or, assume I’d rather they did something else.

It’s like asking, “Would you like us to pray for you?” Nope. And if I change my mind, I know where I can stick the request card. I feel so enlightened. Amen.

Bill

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13 thoughts on “Prayer Requests”

  1. Yanno… Every time someone on Facebook asks for prayers: because they have a runny nose, or for their own surgery, for their mother, their husband, their dog, I cringe. It feels like such a cry for attention. I know for many (maybe even for all) they are sincere in their request… right?

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    1. I don’t know. Back when I was up to my ears in all that, I found I had to keep a notebook so I could keep track of who I was supposed to pray for and why. I question the sincerity of “I’ll pray for you.” 🙂

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      2. Nowadays, if someone asks me to pray, if I like them or think they are sincere, I do a quckie mental “God help them.” I know it’s hypocritical of me, but eh… 🙂

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      3. When I am asked to pray for someone, I send them good vibes. I just can’t do the whole God thing. And no, it’s not hypocritical, you are giving a friend something they want…

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