You may not like what you get from an “unspoken prayer request” …

You may have heard someone in a church service, Bible study, or Sunday school class say they have an “unspoken prayer request” for which they would like prayer.

These kinds of requests are plentiful on social media platforms.

I understand some topics of prayer may be of such a personal and sensitive nature that you don’t want your “private business” broadcast to just anyone.

But you need prayer.

What do you do?

Many opt for the “unspoken prayer request” option.

There could be a problem with that.

If there’s specific need or outcome you’re seeking from God, those you’re seeking prayer from don’t know how to pray with specificity when the need is unspecified.

Another very real problem is that some people want God to provide something they know He shouldn’t, it’s not a good outcome for the person. It may even be sinful! But they foolishly think they can hide that by getting multiple people to ask for it on their behalf.

Yes, people really do this … on purpose!

So if you state to me that you have an unspoken prayer request for which you would like me to pray, you may not like the outcome! That’s because my conversation with God will be like this …

“Lord, I don’t have any idea what the need or concern is that Billy Bob wants me to talk with you about, but you do. You know the whole of his thoughts, desires, needs and circumstances, and you know whether what he is seeking is good and right, or if it’s something that is not good for him or others. I ask you, Father, to not only hear his plea but see his heart and do in his life what is best for Him in being your child, a disciple of Jesus, and what will most glorify you! I fully trust that you always act in love and holiness, and whatever you would determine is best for Billy Bob will be the best outcome for him …”

If you really don’t want God’s will, but you float an unspoken prayer request, you’ll have me praying in a way you won’t like!

Any Christian facing a unspoken prayer request is faced with the same dilemma, so all we can do is pray for God’s will to be done, for your genuine best interest, and God’s glory.

If that’s what you really want, then an unspoken prayer request can still work for you. But if that kind of prayer works against what your real desires are, you might want to rethink what you’re asking people to do!

A final comment – when at all possible, it’s always better to try to give some insight, some kind of specificity, about what or how you would like others to pray for you. Understand that fellow Christians are going boldly before the throne to talk to God on your behalf; they should be able to speak plainly and only ask of God for you or others what would align with His will. Never secretly desire to have Christians praying for something you know is not God’s will for you.

Scotty