Recently, I heard the replay of my conversation with Kathi Lipp on her podcast where we talked about asking for prayer and I wanted to invite you to join us! Welcome if you’re visiting from Kathi’s page. I’m so glad you’re here! I would love to pray for you today, and have us all pray for each other. I’m also giving away my new favorite prayer journal. Keep reading to find out more.
It was supposed to be a prayer request, but my email started out more like an apology. I needed friends to pray, yet I was hesitant to ask. I didn’t want my burdens to burden them.
They already had so many problems of their own: illnesses, a job loss, death of a loved one, relationship strains, overwhelming stress, and overloaded schedules.
I questioned whether my need rated high enough on the urgency “Richter scale.”
Was it really bad enough to ask for prayer, or should I wait to see how things turned out?
The first sentence in my email went something like this: “I hate to add to your list of burdens, but I need prayer for JJ.”
A few years ago, my husband had a routine check-up and blood test results that caused his doctor to be concerned about his liver, which led to a biopsy that week. We didn’t know whether it would be anything serious in the end. I just knew I didn’t want to walk through it alone in fear, denial, or my own strength.
Within fifteen minutes of me hitting “send,” friends who were on their computers started telling me they were praying. And not only did they pray, they thanked me for sharing what was going on and for letting them be there for me.
One friend shared how someone she knew had been through a similar situation. Another asked questions and made some great suggestions. Then another cracked a funny joke that made me laugh, which I really needed to do!
The night before we went to the hospital, my friend Amy sent an email saying, “I’ve been lifting prayers heavenward for your family since your last email. Know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Let us know as soon as you hear results. We’re all in this with you, friend.”
As I read her last sentence, I could almost feel the softness of her hands gently squeeze my shoulders and hear her saying, “We’re all in this with you, friend.”
And then it hit me, what if I had not shared our need?
I would’ve missed the comfort of having friends “with me” and peace that came through the power of their prayers.
They would’ve missed out on a chance to be the “body of Christ” by guarding our hearts and minds with God’s promises and the power of prayer. And they would have missed being part of what God was doing, the joy that came when medical tests went well, and the recovery that was quick. And as we waited that week for biopsy results that ended up coming back normal, their prayers and God’s peace were constant companions.
Are you are carrying a burden today? Don’t listen to doubts that make you question the validity of your need. Even if, like me, you hate to impose on others.
Asking for prayer isn’t about putting burdens on our friends.
It’s about letting them walk by our side down a path we were
never intended to walk alone.
Lord, thank You for never seeing my prayers as a burden. Help me remember the power and purpose of prayer in my life and in my friendships.
Let’s walk together and carry each other’s burdens this week by sharing a prayer request and praying for each other in the comments by clicking “Share Your Thoughts.” I’ll be praying for each of you! And would love if you could leave a short prayer for the person who shares their need in the comment above yours!!!
Enter to WIN
I’m giving away my favorite prayer journal! Leave a comment or prayer, you’ll be entered to win.
Come to Me {journal} by Renee Swope
Jesus invites us to come to Him: to receive, rest, be renewed, and remain in His love. Experience the power of God’s presences and rejuvenate your soul with the living water of His word as you are reminded with the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.Filled with inspirational quotes and prayers, this journal will help you position your heart to receive God’s peace, plans, perspective and purpose for you each day. 6×8 Hardcover, 144 Pages
Order a journal for yourself, or a friend, by clicking the image below to order on Amazon!
Hi Renee,
I am so glad to hear that everything turned out okay for your husband, and that he is doing much better!!
Thank-you for encouraging us to put our prayer requests out there… I am in desperate need of answered prayers right now, and if it’s okay, I will share a little about what’s been taking place….
Please be praying for my Dad and I. My parents divorced when I was 9, and I’m now 46. There have been more situations and events that have led to hurt feelings and frustrations than you could ever imagine. There are 4 of us kids. I have a real sister, a half brother and a step-brother, and almost the entire family is “broken”. We desperately need prayer & healing!! PLEASE be praying for the family of TOM HICE in Oregon!!
I need prayer for my emotions, have anxiety and depression. Thank you for praying
> A1528 : Emmener se dit pour des choses qui se déplacent d’elles-mêmes ( le canal emmène l’eau) ou pour des véhicules (le chauffeur emmène sa voiture). Pour des choses que l’on porte avec soi en s’éloignant, il vaut mieux dire, en effet, emporter.Néanmoins, le TLFI n’est pas si catégorique et cite Cèi;ne:«J&rsquolemméne tout le pèze dans ma poche (CÉLINE, Mort à crédit, 1936, p. 516).»
please pray for my daughter today in surgery to try to find out why her health is deteriorating. They have tested her for everything … everywhere … She Wants God to Get All The Glory!
My husband and I have been trying to start a family for 4 years and we cannot seem to hold the pregnancy. I’ve had 4 losses and I’m starting to really feel loss of hope. Please pray that we can get pregnant and have a successful pregnancy with no more miscarriages.
My husband is applying for the police department and so far has passed all the steps. Please pray with me that he gets a reply soon that he has been accepted to the academy please.
Thank you and God bless.
Like all people with disabilities, he learned to cope
aat a young agge and manages to get along surprisingly well.
This first-of-its-kind, sports award and entertainment event forr kids,
is created aand produced in association with IMG Media, the production arm of global
sports, entertainment and media company, IMG. Participants iin the memotial inside thhe
church can not stand in tears.
I am feeling The Lord prompting me to lead a small group for women in my church . Please pray i would be lead by the Holy Spirit as I step out in this area. If feel drawn to “A Confident Heart” because so many ladies struggle in this area . Area there any lesson plans or a work book available to use for group study ?
That is very interesting, You are an excessively skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking extra of your great post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
I struggle daily to ask myself, IF I need to ask for prayer. I am nearly bedbound due to chronic disease with not cure. My ability to walk just a few feet sends me into panic attacks because of the swelling of my body. Thank you, Renee, you are an angel.
Dear Jesus, I lift Rose and her precious husband up to You to comfort during this trial, and to give them Your special peace that can come from no other hand, than Yours. Bring her friends and family around her, for the physical love and support she needs right now. Be near, Lord Jesus!!
Dear friends, please pray for a broken relationship between myself and my sister. We need the light and truth of Jesus in our communications, and past hurts, and real forgiveness for the future.
I’m praying for you and your sister, debbie!
God, please help debbie and her sister feel your presence as they try to move past some tough things that happened between them. Please help them to take your guidance and begin to see each other as you see them. Please help them and each of us to see that we are all broken people who have hurt others, but that those who reach out and sincerely want a connection to be repaired can do so with your help. There is nothing you cannot repair. Thank you for being the great restorer of souls and relationships. Amen.
For my own family, please pray for guidance financially, as my husband and I are trying to figure out how to support ourselves and our two children in the bay area without sacrificing time together as a family, given that our bills are more than half of our income as educators. Thank you!
My husband has been extremely I’ll since October and we have been in the hospital with multiple surgeries and ICU stays! I am there! I hesitate to lean on my friends for prayer because I have asked for so many and yet I need them to walk with me in this journey and to be God’s hands and shoulders for me! Thank you for this assrance in this! God is good, all the time God is good!
Thank you again for the inspiration!!
Thank you for this, Renee. My husband and I are walking through health issues right now and the prayers of our people have been more than I could ever ask for.
I need prayer for my shoulder. I fell October 30 and broke my shoulder. I had surgery in November it failed. In February I had surgery to repair it but infection was present and it couldn’t be repaired. I was sent home with IV antibiotic ever day with nurse coming twice a week to check level of antibiotic. In April I went back for third surgery.The same thing happened infection was still there.Sent home with IV antibiotic the same as last time. I have two weeks more of antibiotic then May 31st I go back to surgeon to schedule the fourth surgery. I’m believing that infection will be gone and shoulder be repaired. I believe in healing.
Hi Rhonda! Praying for you! I understand where you are more than you know. Praying peace and blessings will flood your life!
My prayer request is for me. I would like God to bring a special relationship into my life. After an abusive marriage and even worse divorce, I am tired of being alone. I would like to feel like an adult, desirable woman, not just a part-time Mom.
Thank you so much for sharing this today. I know first hand how tough it is to ask for prayers for myself and my family. However, today I am going to ask for prayers for my daughter and her family. They had a little boy about 6 weeks ago. He has not been sleeping and my daughter is exhausted. She took him to the doctor today and she thinks he has MSPI. Since my daughter is nursing, she now has to change her diet completely… no milk or soy protein. These are hidden is so many foods… She has also been trying to find a work at home job that she can do when her husband is home. Unfortunately, there are so many scams that she doesn’t know how to find something legitimate. If she doesn’t find anything in the next week, she will have to go back to her job and they are not “mom friendly”. I truly appreciate any prayers sent up for my daughter.
Abba Father, I lay Rhonda’s financial burdens at your feet. Guide her to persevere through this difficult hardship, never knowing how or when monies will make ends meet. Open her eyes & ears to see & hear your awesome power & love for her & her family.
Father God, my niece & her family need you BIG TIME today. The arrival of Henry Parker is a blessing & tough to handle. Precious baby has been born wt special needs. Prepare your little lamb & family for what’s ahead.
Philippians 4:13
Heavenly Father, we know that this sweet little guy was placed in this family for a reason. Be with each of them as they go through this time of adjustments, not only the lack of sleep and all that a new baby brings with it, but also with his special needs. Please give them the strength and the love that they will need to go through this. Thank you Sweet Lord!
Thanks for sharing, really needed this today. We are struggling very much with financial issues and need prayer so much. It is very hard to ask for prayer for this matter. I am totally leaning on God for every aspect of my life and thanking him for providing every month just what we need. It is still a struggle not knowing what tomorrow will bring or if we will have any money in 6 months and where we will be…just trusting God.
Please be in prayer for me…I am being attacked on all sides…financial, work, stress, family and relationship. I am a single mom of 4 (20, 18, 17, 14) who has been divorced for over 10 years…I have prayed for someone to come into our lives who would love me and be a wonderful male role model for me kids….I met a man in Sept. and things were perfect…we don’t fight…we were immensely happy and my kids were crazy for him as he was for them….he asked to slow things down at christmas (he has only been divorced about 3 years)…we did…and then we broke up in March….after a few weeks, we saw one another and realized how much we missed one another and things were good…not back together but better….now it seems we are drifting apart further and further…we both have a lot of things coming at each of us…I have been praying and don’t feel that this is over and not giving up….I pray that whatever Eric needs to work out to come back to me and this relationship he works out…and that he will find no peace, satisfaction, happiness until he has returned to me and this relationship….please join me in praying for this.
Suzanne, I pray for you right now and pray God will show you the right path to follow on all of your requests. Financially I definitely understand and pray he supplies your monthly needs . I pray on your mate situation God will either open or close that door completely. If he isn’t the right one just move on God has someone better for you. Father give Suzaane peace over all of this and comfort her during these struggles.
Thanks for this great insight. I would like a prayer journal to help me organize and get started and be consistent in my effort.
I have always been the one to pray for others. Out of pride rarely asked for prayer for myself. Feeling so hopeless and ashame that I take so many blessings for granted. My family is so in need of prayer today. From health issues to possible job loss it seems these trials will never end. Feeling broken with so much unbelief and hopelessness.
praying for you…I know the feeling of hopelessness…but it is not what God wants for us…nor is it of Him…Praying for strength and encouragement for you and your family….and that your faith is renewed…God is an awesome God and He is with you in the darkness….trust in Him
Come With Me, I Love that ! What a wonderful way o express our prayer needs. Truly given to be a blessing. Thank you. t.
Dear God, Thank you for the call you have placed on Myrinda’s life and for her boldness to share. I pray that you would fill her with hope, joy and peace in this calling on the days to come. I pray that you would reassure her that fear does not come from you. I have struggled with fear too and I pray that you would fill us both up with so much of you that we have no room for fear. God I pray that you would fill her with wisdom and show her your path along each step as she needs it. God I pray that she would lean on You throughout this journey You have caller her to and that she would trust in You. God please pour out your favor, protection, and blessing on her. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for righting this Renee and giving us the opportunity to pray for each other and ask for prayer.
I would like to ask for prayer for my business. It has been going backward some days and it can be discouraging. I know God has brought me to this and couldnt let me get it out of my mind. Please pray for me that God would bless my business and turn things around in a mighty way and that I could help my family and other families. Please pray that I would be bold when needed and caring when needed. Please pray that I would be the leader that I need to be and trust for God to bring the increase. Thank you so much!!!
Myrinda I am praying Romans 8:15 for you:
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.””
You can do all things through Christ!
Please pray for protection for my great nephews – Marc (12), Christian (9) and Jordan(6), to be kept away from their grandfathers family – they do not have a Godly legacy.
I want to start by saying THANK YOU for your obiedence in God in Sharing your stories with us & inspiring us to walk into our calling.
I was never a big reader & I’m trying my best to make reading a habit. I know that I’ve been called to lead not just at work but also called to lead in the Kingdom of Gods Minisrty and I let fear set in before I begin.
I’m praying for WISDOM, knowledge & great experiences from God as I go forward in my journey! I bind the spirit of fear before it begin! In the name of Jesus
I want to thank you for being a teacher Elaine. It is such an important job. I will pray for the end of your school year and Luise.
I would appreciate prayer for my left ankle and foot. They have have been sore since October. I work 12 hour shifts as a nursing assistant. I
It is such a blessing to be able to share our fears, concerns, needs, and joys with others. I have a wonderful Bible study group and even though we are not meeting now, we got together 2 nights ago and prayed for our dear sister Luise who will be having a hysterectomy because of endometrial cancer. It was a special time of crying, hugs, love, and peace.
I pray that God will bring healing and peace to her and for her family.
As I come to the end of the school year, I pray that God will give me strength and wisdom and peace as I do reports and end my time with my precious little ones.
Sandy, praying God will be close to you and meet your needs. I need healing.
Praying for the needs above. God is our Healer, he restores, he comforts he guides he leads. He is awesome and yes I needed to read this. I’m the first person who will pray for everyone but at times feel shy to ask for myself. I think I have to be strong how can I ask for help then that makes me weak or lacking in faith. Silly thoughts. But today I have a huge burden and need everyone to help me storm heavens gates. I have a job interview this Friday and I so need this job. Financial struggles will always be but I know I can depend on God. He has always been my provider. I am working as a contract employee but I’m applying for full time permanent. I love the company and would be so happy to land the job. Please help me pray God gives me grace before the panel interviewers. One of my greatest weekends is interviewing. I’ve never been a job hopper and selling myself are not my strong points so I really need your prayers. Thank you in advance.
Renee,
This is a blessing. I so enjoy praying as an intercessor. I have never looked at it from their point of view. As I read your words that they might be left out of the joy in sharing I knew I was guilty. Obviously I was reading for a reason. I don’t like to share mine, just in case. Being private has a purpose but not to that point. I always remind people to allow me to bless you when they refuse to accept.
I will not keep my needs to self anymore. Wow, I could have been blessed and blessed someone.
Thank you.
Marsha
Patricia, praying for your nephew. Praying for healing and for peace for the family. My mother had Leukemia and I know the pain. God is our Healer and hears our prayers.
I need prayer for a dear friend who is suffering from kidney stones after just having surgery for gall stones. She is out of sick days at work and feels the need to keep working. She is in extreme pain. Please pray for quick healing and peace from the strain of working. She has two children at home which makes it difficult to come home and rest after a tough day at school.
Thank you for your prayers and for reminding us how important it is to share our needs as we would want others to feel free to share with us.
I still have this original email from back in April flagged. I have a very hard time asking for prayers on myself. Today I really needed this reminder to ask for myself and it be okay.
I need prayer for my nephew who has leukemia he resently had a relapse and we are starting back with hard chemo the last time he had bad reactions to the meds and was put in the ICU . I know prayer is strong and God will heal him soon. I also wanted to thank my cousin who shared this her son went in for surgery and there were huge complication he is doing good now prasie God thank y’all for all y’all do
I know I am extremely hesitant to ask for prayers for fear of being criticized which has happened to me twice from these supposed prayer groups you see on TV. So now, I shy away from asking for prayer. When I am going through a storm of life, the last thing I need is someone whose job is to pray instead criticizes me and makes me feel so inferior. I am not perfect and these prayer warriors need to know that everyone is not perfect like they are. I know right now I desperately need a prayer for me but I will not ask for one.
I need prayer for a guy friend of mine because we both like each other but there’s an age difference between us. He’s younger than me and he’s worried about what people will think. Will you pray that he gets a new perspective because we love each other and want to be with each other. Thank you.
At best, we all are needy people in some respect. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and comfort to all who shared.
Father please help Alisa’s family who do not know you to come to understand who you are and want you in control of their lives. Please meet the health needs of her and family members who need that. Only you can…and you can! Thank you for your blessings.
Please help me to trust you through difficult circumstances. Help me not to fear but to focus on you.
Thank you for praying women!
Lord, thank you for giving Renee the words we needed to read today. For the reminder to ask others to pray for our needs just as we pray for their needs. Father, I lift up Alisa family that they may hear Your sweet voice to turn to You. Touch those who are sick and strengthen them. Father, please open my son’s eyes and heart to the truth that I have always loved him and for him to let go of his anger towards me. Amen
Thank you for your devotion. I have many things weighing on my mind. Please pray for me to know what My family and I should do. We are very unhappy with the church we are in. We love the church family but don’t agree with several things that the pastor has said. We need guideness.
Dear God I pray for Alisa and her family who aren’t followings. Also, dear Gid I lift her family up to you to heal them. Thank you God. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thank you for these encouraging words. It is so true in my life. I am guilty of denying others the opportunity to share in the work of God because of my own insecurity. My prayer request is for my family, unsaved loved ones and discernment in dealing with difficult situations we are facing. Thank you for praying!
Thank you for this devotion. Please pray for my family who aren’t following the LORD and for family and myself who are having health issues. Thanks! Dear LORD, i lift Sandra up to You . She would like to have self control and walk in the Spirit. Please help her to hear You voice and give her wisdom in the choices she makes. May she give You the glory in all she does! In Jesus’ name i pray!
Lord, you are good and we know that it is your will that Alisa’s family would be saved. Lord, I ask that you would come near them now. Open their eyes and their hearts to the truth of your word. Lord, I ask that you would meet their innermost needs and provide an opportunity for each of them to hear the gospel message and come to a saving knowledge of you. I pray also that you would heal Alisa and her loved ones in body, mind and spirit. I pray that you would come alongside them and give them strength and courage. Guide the doctors hands lord and give them wisdom in treating these health issues that weigh on her heart. Lord Jesus, would you please lighten Alisa’s load today, that she may walk with a renewed sense of your loving presence. Above all, Lord, I ask that your will be done in her life. That she may live for you and glorify you here on the earth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Thank you for these words of wisdom! It was what I needed today.
Thank you for sharing, prayers for you and your family. I would appreciate your prayers for me, to have self control and walk in the Spirit not the flesh. Thank you so much!
Im fearful to ask…there is shame that I carry at times This shame is overbearing for me and I worry about what other will think. I know better but the feeling is still there. So many times I rely on myself to speak and pray with GOD in these matters
Renee, thank you for sharing this! I would like to ask prayer for wisdom as a parent and blogger. Thank You!
I’m bad about asking for prayer because i know so many other people struggle with things far more important (i fear) than my needs. But you are right, just knowing, feeling that we are being supported helps that burden feel not as heavy. Next time i feel like i need prayer, instead of hesitating, i will hit the send button and ask for prayer.
Praying for my marriage
My prayer request is for my husband. He is having terrible pains in his side. He’s already had his appendix out (the pain is in the same area). He’s been rechecked by the surgeon quite a while ago. Last week he went back to our primary dr. They are scheduling more appointments with the original surgeon and an urologist. It difficult waiting, I’m not sure if we will end up in the ER. He’s not one to complain so I know it is really bad. Thank you.
My mother had Alzheimers. It was difficult, But, God is so faithful and so trustworthy. He will be with you always every day.. He cares. I am praying for you and all prayer requests.
I would ask for prayer over my marriage and my husband. I’m in a very difficult marriage with verbal and emotional destruction. I believe prayer changes everything because hears us and sees all. Thank you.
I’m praying for you and your marriage. It’s a very difficult place to be-verbal and emotional abuse. I’ve been there and it is truly hard. God sees you and hears your prayers. HUGS to you.