Every day we receive emails from people who are struggling with issues and pain in their lives.  It is often difficult to know what to say.  There are times when all we can do is pray.  Including the text of a prayer in the email response has proven to be a very effective way of ministering to hurting people.  We have discovered that a personal prayer can be tremendously encouraging - even for those who are not going through a hard time.  You may want to consider praying for your friends in this way to let them know that you are thinking of them.

How to pray in an email

Praying in an email is a very effective way of presenting needs to the Lord while encouraging the person who has given the prayer request.  Initially, this method of praying can seem a little awkward; however, with practice, you will soon find it to be effective and comfortable.  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Be Specific.
When you type out the prayer, please pray specifically for the request that has been given.  Please pray for God's will in the related circumstance. We may not know the issues that are surrounding this request.

2. Pray Scripture.
In the body of your prayer or at the end of it, share a scripture reference.  You may find the need you are praying for is such that you don’t have any answers. In that case, you could pray a scripture reference.
Sample:  “Lord, you know the pain that (name) is struggling with as she is going through her divorce. I pray that your peace would guard her heart and mind during this difficult time (Philippians 4:7) In Jesus Name, Amen”

3. Don’t feel you need to give them an answer.
When you are praying for individuals, please don’t feel you need to offer them counsel or give them an answer. If they decide to write back you can refer them to further help.Your main responsibility is to pray for them and share the next step in their relationship with God.

4. Make the email personal.
Use a personal salutation (Dear name)
Indicate why you are responding (ie. “Your email has been forwarded to me as I am serving as a mentor for (name of site).  I would like to pray for you.
Begin to type the prayer. “Dear Lord,  I thank you for ____.”

5. Encourage them to respond back to you by suggesting: “I would love to share with you more about my personal spiritual journey – feel free to write back."
Sending in an email prayer request may be a new experience for the person who has sent the request. They may not know that they are free to write to you and discuss spiritual issues unless you tell them.  Always give them the option of corresponding further with you.
Many of the people writing in may not know Jesus Christ (especially if the request is coming from our evangelistic site, www.thelife.com) or they may be living defeated spiritual lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to share Christ with them.

6. Don’t be disheartened if they don’t email back.
People using the Internet are often looking for quick answers. You may never know the impact of the email you sent. Continue to pray for that person – and if the Lord lays it on your heart – try writing again at a later date.  (ie. “You came to my mind today and I prayed for you. I pray that God is giving you strength in the situation you were going through”). Often an email such as that will trigger a response – but even if it doesn’t, you may still have been a blessing.

7. Share the hope of Christ by including links to the gospel and Holy Spirit presentation.
Give the individual the “next step” for their spiritual life. Let them know that they can know Christ or have a deeper relationship with Him.
Sample: “I have discovered that Christ gives me incredible strength and guidance to deal with difficult situations in my life. If you would like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please check out Journey of Joy. If you already have a relationship with Christ, but feel that you are living a defeated life, please check out Spirit Filled Life 

Sample prayer request and the sample response
Email:  (email address)
Name:  Ann
Prayer_Request:  I am recently divorced, but my ex keeps taking to the supreme court just so he won't have to pay me anything and at the same time my best friend has betrayed me.  I have so much bitterness and hate in my heart that I can't seem to release.  I fear loosing my soul.
Please pray for me to be able to forgive, live it and to help me handle what ever the court says.  I am running out of money to fight or stand up for my self.  Please pray for me
Submit:  Send form
Subject:  Passion Prayer Request

Sample Response:
Dear  Ann ,
Thank you so much for sending your prayer request to our site, thelife.com.  Your email has been forwarded to me as I am serving as a mentor for this site. I would like to pray for you.

“Dear Lord, I thank you for Ann and her willingness to ask You to help her forgive in this situation. Lord, You have promised in Your Word that You will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7) and I pray that right now you would do just that for Ann. I pray that You would help her to forgive and not let any root of bitterness to take hold of her life in this very difficult situation(Hebrews 12:15). Today may she forgive as she herself has been forgiven by Your amazing love. Strengthen her this day, and as she walks with You, may You continue to give her strength and Your peace. Thank You that You have promised that Your grace is always sufficient for every situation that we find ourselves in(2 Corinthians 12:9) I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus, amen.”

Ann, I don’t what I would do in the difficult times of my life if I didn’t know that God has promised me His grace and that His Holy Spirit would give me strength and be my comforter in these times. Today, allow Him to fill your life, empower and control, and help you to forgive. If you would  like to know more about how to do this, I would love to e-mail further with you. In the meantime, check out this link, http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/spiritfilledlife.html

(closing)

Become a Mentor: If you are not already a mentor with us, please see more information  here.