Online Prayer Requests
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Many well-known ministries promote online prayer requests as a feature on their organizations' websites. Other internet sites are set up specifically for people to post the needs that they have so that other visitors to the site can pray for them. Depending on the sponsoring site's chosen format, a Christian prayer request may either be submitted to the ministry through an online form or posted on its message boards. These kinds of formats are familiar to most internet users because they have become standard means of setting up feedback features for internet websites. Message boards are popular for bringing together people with similar interests and hobbies to the same websites. Along with information on the specific topic, message boards provide a way for users to communicate with each other. Submission forms are used on many sites to get feedback on a company's products or services, or to request information from a company or organization. Progressive ministries and caring individuals have taken these standard formats and are using them in to minister to people in need.
The proliferation of online prayer requests is a natural result of a twenty-first century society that turns to the internet for all kinds of services, solutions to problems, for information, and to gain a sense of community. By posting a request on a message board, a person can be sure that others will pray for the expressed need. The message board may be part of a larger community that an individual participates in, such as a forum for women who work at home or for new fathers. A community site like this will have a variety of forums and message boards so that people can communicate with each other through postings and leaving comments on message threads. When the website also has a spiritual focus that connects the particular group, a Christian prayer request forum will most likely be available. As the people in the group get to know each other through their shared interest in a particular subject or hobby, they will develop friendships even though they may never meet in person or even talk on the phone. That won't matter. The friendships within the community will help a hurting individual feel that the group is a safe place for sharing needs and asking others to pray. When the other community members respond to the prayer request with concern and love, the friendships are strengthened even more.
As mentioned earlier, many sites that contain prayer message boards are specifically ministry-based. As part of their ministry and depending on the focus of the particular organization, these sites may offer Bible studies, daily devotionals, articles on theological issues and Scriptural commentaries, and sermon outlines. Some ministry websites also provide news commentary and political opinion pieces that keep interested persons informed on important news and issues from a Christian perspective. For online prayer requests, the ministry may choose a message board format or to have requests submitted on an online form. With message boards, users log on to the website with the chosen user name and password. By logging in, the user gains access to the message threads and can post new messages and leave comments on other people's message. When using an online submission form, the individual types the prayer request or need into the designated box. Usually, the person's name and contact information, including an email address, will be requested, but user names and passwords are not required.
In addition to online prayer features, some ministries also offer telephone numbers so that a person can call with a Christian prayer request. Trained volunteers listen to the need and personally pray with the individual. Some organizations offer counseling referral services for people facing especially hard situations or difficult circumstances, such as individuals enduring spousal abuse or struggling with thoughts of suicide. Those groups may also encourage the site's visitors to find a local church to assist with serious needs. Referrals to local churches and counselors don't take away from the power of prayer. Oftentimes, the local church and Christian counselors are God's answer to the prayers of hurting people.
Prayer is an important spiritual discipline for Christians. The authors of the gospels write that Jesus often went into the mountains by Himself to talk to God in private. During Jesus' most dire need, the Son of God turned to the Heavenly Father for solace. The physician Luke wrote that Jesus "went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's case, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him" (Luke 22:39-43). This pivotal event took place in the Garden of Gethsemane, only moments prior to Jesus being illegally arrested and taken away to be beaten and scourged. Christians are encouraged by Jesus' example, and instruction, to pray for deliverance from temptation and for God's will to be done in their lives.
When an individual posts a Christian prayer request on a message board or forum, she is reaching out to a caring community of friends who will lift up her needs to the Heavenly Father. But posting online prayer requests is just one side of the message board format. Reading other people's postings provides an opportunity to pray for the needs of others. After logging in to a site's forum, visitors can comment on other people's posts, offering encouragement and sharing pertinent Scripture passages.
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