Prayer of Request

Hands folded in prayer

What is it?

The Prayer of Request or Prayer of Intercession is asking God in our own words for what we need or desire for ourselves or others. It is interceding with God for our family, our friends, and the world.

How do I do this?

  • Find a quiet place where you can speak with God.
  • Identify situations in your life (i.e. family, friends, work place, world) where you experience fear, concern, anxiety, anger, impatience.
  • Ask God in your own words what you want for the situation or person. For example:
    • "God please help me to be more patient at work. I find it really hard to be calm when others do not seem to be pulling their load."
    • "God, what a mess the world seems to be in now. So many countries are fighting and at war. Help leaders to make decisions that will bring peace to their country."

Are my prayers answered?

Sometimes we might feel that our prayers are not answered -- but they are answered in God's time, not ours, and in God's way, not ours. God often closes a door but opens a window.

For example, I might pray to get a certain job, and I don't get it. I get another one and only later, in looking back, do I realize that this was probably a better job for me.