Thursday, May 29, 2008

Prayer-Power Multiplied by Many

If one prayer for a need is good and is heard, then it is easy to assume that if many people pray for that same need, it is even better. That is the power of prayer-chains, prayer groups, and prayer-request websites. The number of prayer-request websites is amazing. Search for them with words like “prayer” or “prayer requests.”
Do ordinary people post their requests on these sites? I have, in the past, and I am very ordinary. Sometimes, troubles hit me and I worry that my own little prayer might not be strong enough or good enough. Once or twice a year, I visit one of these sites and post a prayer. If you are afraid someone will see your name and you don’t want personal issues made public, you can always get a different email address just for that purpose.
I gain from these visits for two reasons. I love to think about all those people praying for me at once. And, I read the other requests and somehow my own worries do not seem quite as bad as those of others. I also begin to feel less alone. Even though I know God is always with me, I am human and sometimes feel alone in my worries. Asking for prayer at one of these sites gives me the feeling that I am no longer alone with that worry.
Some sites are connected to well-known ministries: Guideposts publications, Crystal Cathedral, and others. Here are a few:
http://www.dailyguideposts.com/Prayer/request_prayer.asp
http://www.crystalcathedral.org/prayer2/prayer/index.php
http://www.upperroom.org/Prayer_Center
http://www.prayerrequestsite.com
http://www.beliefnet.com
http://www.2prayer.com
Be aware that some of these sites may ask to you register, free of charge, and you may get emails from them afterwards. That is not a problem. Somewhere in the email there will be a place for you to “opt out” or “unsubscribe.” To me, that is not enough of a drawback to keep me from seeking the help of others - for me, it is a good thing.

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