How to Collect Prayer Requests Online (Forms That Actually Work)
Prayer is one of the most meaningful ways a church can support its community. But not everyone is comfortable raising a hand during worship or calling the church office. That’s why creating an easy, safe way for people to share prayer requests online is so important.
The good news? You don’t need fancy software to set it up. With a few simple tools, your church can receive and respond to prayer requests in a way that feels caring and accessible.
[IMAGE: STOCK PHOTO OF HANDS TYPING ON LAPTOP WITH A PRAYER JOURNAL BESIDE IT]
Why Collect Prayer Requests Online?
Accessibility: People can share needs anytime, not just on Sunday morning.
Privacy: Some requests are easier to write privately than to speak aloud.
Connection: Even people who don’t attend regularly can reach out.
Follow-up: Digital requests make it easier for staff to track and respond.
[IMAGE: GRAPHIC OF PHONE SCREEN SHOWING A SIMPLE PRAYER REQUEST FORM MOCKUP]
Option 1: Use a Google Form
Google Forms is free, simple, and easy to link from your website or social media.
Steps:
Go to forms.google.com.
Create a new blank form titled “Prayer Requests.”
Add fields like:
Name (optional)
Email (optional, if follow-up is needed)
Prayer request (short answer paragraph)
Privacy option: “Would you like this kept private or shared in worship?”
Share the form link on your website, email newsletter, and social media.
[IMAGE: SCREENSHOT MOCKUP OF A GOOGLE FORM PRAYER REQUEST TEMPLATE]
Option 2: Embed a Form on Your Website
Most website builders (Squarespace, Wix, WordPress) have built-in form tools. These let visitors submit requests without leaving your site.
Tip: Make sure the form is clearly labeled and easy to find. A “Prayer Requests” button in your menu bar works well.
[IMAGE: WEBSITE MOCKUP WITH “PRAYER REQUESTS” MENU LINK HIGHLIGHTED]
Option 3: Use a Dedicated Tool
Some churches use tools like Jotform, Typeform, or even text-message systems to collect requests. These add design polish and extra features, but the core idea is the same: keep it simple and accessible.
[IMAGE: SIDE-BY-SIDE MOCKUP SHOWING JOTFORM VS TYPEFORM INTERFACE]
Best Practices for Online Prayer Requests
Honor privacy: Make clear whether requests will stay with staff or be shared publicly.
Respond promptly: Even a short “We’re praying with you” message goes a long way.
Keep it simple: The fewer clicks and fields, the more likely people are to use it.
Test it: Try submitting a request yourself to see what the experience feels like.
[IMAGE: STOCK PHOTO OF CHURCH STAFF MEMBER READING A SUBMITTED REQUEST ON A TABLET]
Wrapping Up
Online prayer requests are a simple but powerful way to extend care beyond Sunday morning. By offering a clear, welcoming form, you make space for people to share what’s really on their hearts — and that’s digital ministry at its best.
If you’d like to get a bigger-picture sense of how churches are connecting online today, download the Digital Ministry Trend Report. It’s free, and it highlights the shifts shaping digital ministry right now.
[IMAGE: MOCKUP OF DIGITAL MINISTRY TREND REPORT COVER]