How to Start a Prayer Chain

Praying is one of the most ancient of human practices, and to this day, billions of people still believe in its power. Prayer transcends religions, denominations, sects and belief systems of all kinds. It’s used in a multitude of ways: to seek comfort, make a request, ask for guidance, heal and restore, express sorrow, celebrate joy or give thanks. At its most elemental level, with everything else stripped away, praying is simply talking to someone (importantly, someone who’s always happy to listen).
A prayer chain kicks it up several levels, because it is a group of individuals who’ve decided to pray together. This theoretically amplifies the power of prayer.
Praying as a group also fulfills another of our basic human needs: to connect, both with a power greater than ourselves and with one another.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark.
Here are some guidelines that will help you and others in your sphere have an effective prayer chain—one that’s ready to pray for any person or any cause at any time.
Decide whom to include in your prayer chain
They should be dependable and willing to join in prayer at a moment’s notice. These individuals can also expand the chain even more with like-minded people they know. Think about including your faith community, family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.
Communicating prayer requests
You used to be limited to phone calls and word of mouth. Now you can post requests on someone’s CaringBridge site or other social networks, or build an email list that allows you to send prayer requests to everyone with one click.
Prayer requests may not always come with an explanation
The patient may prefer privacy. A request can just be a topline explanation, such as “Please pray for a woman who’s moving into long-term care on Monday.”
Share information right away
If you get word that the situation of one of your prayer recipients has changed, communicate it to everyone in your prayer chain so they can adjust their prayers.
Shop Religious Events
See allYou may also like
See more-
Congratulations Rewards for Kids: 10 Parents Share Their Tips for Celebrating Achievements
One of the most important tools parents have to shape their kids’ behavior is the power of positive feedback. But as ...
-
Congratulations How to Say Congratulations (Even When You'd Really Rather Not)
Congratulating others is easy and fun, right? Like when your friend worked really hard and got that awesome job ma...
-
New Year's New Year's Resolution Ideas for Groups
New Year’s resolutions are pretty lonely deals. It’s just you and that thing you have to live up to. Ack! No wonde...
-
Christmas Baby’s First Christmas Ideas
Baby's first Christmas means more fun, more cuteness, more joy...and definitely more wonder as you see the holiday se...
-
Mother's Day What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Tell her just how much she means using this guide from Hallmark writers.
-
Thank You What to write in a thank-you card
Express your gratitude with these thank you messages and ideas from Hallmark card writers.
-
Mother's Day How to Write an Appreciation Letter for Mom
No one has loved you (or put up with you) like Mom has. Or let’s say it wasn’t “Mom”—maybe it’s been a stepmom, grand...
-
Valentine's Day What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card
Hallmark writers offer up inspiration to help you find just the right loving words to add when you sign a valentine.
-
Birthday What to Write in a Birthday Card
When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, per...
-
Christmas Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Anniversary What to Write in an Anniversary Card
Here’s to lasting love! From still-newlyweds toasting with wine glasses they opened on their weddin...
-
Lifestyle How to journal: 5 reasons, 3 ways, and 9+ styles
Start journaling today with our easy guide on how and why to journal
-
Card Ideas Envelope Addressing Etiquette for Weddings and Formal Occasions
When you address wedding invitations or another piece of formal correspondence, traditional etiquet...
-
Family How to Support Foster Families
It’s so exciting when someone you know welcomes a child into their lives, whether by birth, adoption, or fostering...
-
Encouragement Comforting Words: What to Say and Do in Tough Times
When someone we know suffers a loss or is going through a difficult situation, we’re often not sure what to say. S...
-
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa Card
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Hanukkah Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and frien...
-
Kids Share the Love: Teaching Kids about Kindness
As parents, we want our children to understand concepts like empathy and kindness. We want to
-
Care & Concern To Care is Human: Why and How to Show You Care
What motivates any one of us to care about others? And of all the ways there are to care for people, why do we choose...
-
Wedding What to write in a wedding card
Imagine yourself in the parking lot walking in to your friend’s wedding reception—pen in hand, neck...