We recently introduced a prayer chain at my congregation in January, as a way of offering pastoral care. We have about two dozen pray-ers out of an active congregation of 100. We receive 3-4 prayer requests per week. Half of the pray-ers receive requests by phone, the other half rely upon email. The pray-ers feel a sense of excitement as they share in God's purpose. Those being prayed for have shared many heartening responses- no earth shattering cures, but many feel the support they have received has been a real blessing. It's been a really  inspiriting task for us all. Every congregation should have one- even if there are only 2-3 who are willing to pray. It can change the dynamic of your community overnight.

I happen to love being prayed for if I'm stressed or sad.  It gives me a "wrap around" feeling and makes me feel cared for -- like a gift --  if it's sincere and genuine. No need to ask.

I'm not someone who can engage with petitionary prayer since it doesn't fit my personal theology, but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the kind thoughts.

There is a lovely lady here on the cafe whose prayers are uplifting and I always appreciate them.  I just ran into her over in religion and faith.

I have prayed for many people throughout my adult years - and many have prayed for me -

Some of them were not aware that I was praying for them and some were -

Prayers can be very simple and meaningful if they are from the heart.  Lord please help Mary - she is hurting right now is an example.  We don't have to go into a lot of details God knows how she is hurting.

Prayer can be done anytime - anywhere -