How to make a prayer list
A prayer list is a short, honest record of who and what you want to bring to God. It keeps a promise like “I’ll pray for you” from slipping away. You need a notebook, a note on your phone, or an app. Here is a simple way to start.
1. Start with names, not topics
Write down the people already on your heart: family, friends, your church, someone who is sick, someone you find hard to love. One line per person is enough. A first list of five to ten names is easier to keep than a list of fifty.
2. Group the list so it stays light
Split the names into a few groups, such as family, friends, church, the world, and yourself. You do not have to pray for every group every time. Some people pray one group each day of the week; others pray a few names each time they sit down.
3. Write one short request beside each name
Add a few words about what to pray for: a job interview, healing, peace at home, a decision. Keep it brief and kind. If someone shared something in confidence, write it in a way only you would understand.
4. Leave room for thanks and answers
Add a date when you start praying for something, and leave space to note what happened. Over time this turns your prayer list into a prayer journal: a record of what you asked, what changed, and what you are thankful for.
5. Choose a time, and keep it small
Tie your list to a moment you already have: morning coffee, a lunch break, the drive home, or before sleep. Two or three minutes is a real start. If you miss a day, simply pick up again. There is nothing to catch up on.
A sample prayer list
- Family: Mom, for strength after surgery. My son, for his first week at a new school.
- Friends: Sam, for a job. Ana, for peace while she waits on news.
- Church: Our pastor. The youth group retreat.
- The world: People affected by this week’s storms. Our town’s leaders.
- Me: Patience at work. Thanks for an answered prayer last month.
Paper works well. So does a prayer list app; see our comparison of the best prayer journal apps and the best prayer apps. Want to go further? Read how to start a prayer journal, with a free printable.
How to pray through it
Read a name, picture the person, and say a sentence or two to God about them. You can pray out loud or quietly. If you are not sure what to say, ask for what you would want for yourself: peace, wisdom, health, and to know God is near. Close with thanks. For more help, see how to pray for family and friends and how to build a daily prayer habit.
Questions about prayer lists
What should be on a prayer list?
The people you love, people who are struggling, your church and community, leaders, the wider world, and your own needs and thanks. Start with the names that come to mind first.
What is the difference between a prayer list and a prayer journal?
A prayer list is the names and requests you pray for. A prayer journal adds dates, reflections, and answers. Many people start with a list and let it grow into a journal.
How do I remember to pray through my list?
Pick a set time and a cue you already have, like a meal or a commute. A phone reminder can help. Called to Pray is an iPhone app with up to three prayer moments a day. It reminds you at the times you choose, and the Prayer Call rings your phone and can pray with you for people by name.