a prayer request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prayer request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking others to pray for a specific intention or need. Example: "I would like to share a prayer request for my friend who is going through a difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In Kerala's churches, memorial and thanksgiving prayers conducted for local residents are said for a donation of 40 rupees (90 cents), whereas a prayer request from the United States typically comes with $5, the Indian priests say.

The New York Times

I'm sure if Jesus was around today he'd use the internet!" The site runs a message board that Campbell says attracts a lot of good natured discussion, and a prayer request service.

The Guardian - Tech

A picture of a rainbow-painted house across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church got 100 times more shares than the Family Research Council's recent top update, a prayer request for the Supreme Court.

TechCrunch

It could come from the pulpit in the form of a prayer request.

HuffPost

Wearing red aprons with a "Prayer Changes Things" logo, they offer brief conversation or a prayer request from people of any or no faith.

Huffington Post

But Gooch said she ended up fielding a prayer request from a young woman facing jail time and worried about what that would mean for her 2-month-old baby and a mother fighting cancer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

* Thirty-one percent of Americans say they receive "a definite answer to a specific prayer request" at least once a month.

Los Angeles Times

Now, we are being bequeathed with a new prayer request.

Huffington Post

A devout Catholic, Carr would sometimes bow his head in church and say a silent prayer requesting divine assistance in landing a good case.

The Guardian

At a minimum, the individual prayer request for health has now been personally blessed by hundreds of people.

Los Angeles Times

Every time Emma Watson, Solange Knowles, or any of our other favorite style stars step out, we say a silent prayer requesting that their outfits somehow magically appear in our closets.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, use "a prayer request" to introduce a need for prayer during meetings or services to encourage collective support.

Common error

Avoid phrasing "a prayer request" as a guarantee of a specific outcome. Instead, frame it as a hope for divine guidance, strength, or healing, acknowledging that the result is ultimately beyond your control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prayer request" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific request or petition for prayer, often presented within religious or spiritual contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prayer request" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to express a need for prayerful support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. It's prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, clarity and specificity are key to guide the prayers effectively. While alternatives like "plea for prayer" or "prayer intention" exist, "a prayer request" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to ask for spiritual assistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plea for prayer

Replaces "request" with "plea", emphasizing the urgency or emotional need behind the request.

a petition for prayer

Substitutes "request" with "petition", suggesting a formal request.

a supplication for prayer

Uses "supplication" for a more formal and religious tone.

a call for intercession

Employs "intercession" to highlight the act of mediating through prayer.

prayer intention

A more concise way to refer to the subject of the prayer request.

a need for prayerful consideration

Focuses on the need for thoughtful and prayerful attention.

ask for prayers

Simplified verb-based alternative.

request for divine intervention

Highlights the desired outcome of the prayer.

prayer offering

Suggests a contribution to a collective prayer effort.

a request for spiritual support

Broadens the scope beyond prayer to include other forms of spiritual assistance.

FAQs

How do I use "a prayer request" in a sentence?

You can use "a prayer request" to introduce a specific intention for which you are seeking prayer. For example, "I have "a prayer request" for my family's health".

What can I say instead of "a prayer request"?

You can use alternatives like "plea for prayer", "prayer intention", or "petition for prayer" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to share "a prayer request" online?

Yes, it is often acceptable, especially in faith-based communities. However, ensure you have consent from individuals involved, especially if the "prayer request" concerns sensitive or personal matters.

What's the difference between "a prayer request" and "a prayer offering"?

"A prayer request" is a specific intention or need for which you are asking others to pray. "A prayer offering" /s/prayer+offering, on the other hand, can imply a more general expression of faith or gratitude, or a commitment to pray for others.