Everyday there are needs, in my life and the lives of others, that call for my attention in prayer. And, almost everyday I receive prayer request from others who spell out the nature of their need. I try to give these matters the attention they deserve. But there is one class of prayer request that is becoming more and more meaningful to me– it’s what we often refer to as an “Unspoken request”.
I realize that some preachers have taken folks to task for using this phrase, and some might make good points. However it seems to me that their time would be better spent praying for these folks rather than trying to prove a point. Regardless of what opposition you might have to the use of this phrase, the fact remains that people have needs, the nature of which does not need to be explained to others. We don’t have to know all the details about a situation to pray effectively for others. God knows and He can help.
At this very moment I can think of several people who are in urgent need of our prayer, but there is one in particular that is troubling me this morning. Although you probably have something different on your heart that is more important to you at this moment, I hope you will take a few minutes to pray about this matter. Like most things, the outcome doesn’t affect just one person, it affects a family and a church as well. As you know, the actions of one person can wreak havoc in the lives of a great many, affecting them for the duration of their days on earth. So this time and every time you hear someone say, “I have an unspoken request”, please don’t take it lightly. It just might be of far greater importance than the things you know all about. It would be cruel to ignore such a need. No doubt the day will come when you will find yourself in need of prayer, so please pray for these desperate people the same way in which you would want them to pray for you were the roles reversed. Think about it!
