How to Tell Someone You’re Praying for Them (10 Creative Ways)

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Learning how to tell someone you’re praying for them can be a tricky thing to master, especially if you want to communicate this message in a creative way. Often, we think, “How many ways are there to tell someone you’ll be praying for them or currently are?”

Sometimes, we have to think outside the box and remember that God wants to give this individual a heartfelt message, even if it is very short, so it is Him speaking, not us. When you put the issue in front of Him, rather than depending on how you look, trust your words.

With the 10 creative ways in this article to tell someone you are praying for them, you will have a cache of ideas to communicate this message effectively. If you can’t think of anything on your own, this article will get your creative juices flowing!

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10 Ways to Tell Someone You’re Praying for Them

Read how to tell someone you’re praying for them in these unique ways.

#1. Use the Word of God.

I love how Joyful Life Magazine explains why and how to use the Word of God (the Bible) to communicate to others that you are praying for them. Here are a few of the highlights from a portion of that article that I found useful.

Prayer is intimate (or personal) communication between a person and God. It unifies and encourages believers. Letting someone know specifically how you are praying for them is not boasting about your prayer life. Instead, you’re loving others through your intercessions.

Paul spoke about his specific prayers to almost every church he wrote to:

“… without ceasing, I mention you always in my prayers…” (Romans 1:9-10).
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy.” (Philippians 1:3-4).
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you always in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16).
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you…” (Colossians 1:9).
“I thank my God when I remember you in my prayers.” (Philemon 1:4).
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).

Additional Helpful Articles:

Related: How to Pray for Beginners

“… I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.” – 2 Timothy 1:3

#2. Say it and mean it.

Often, people say, “I’ll pray for you,” or “I’ll add that to my prayer list.” However, they just say it and either do not pray at all or they are just being nice and have no plans to add that individual to their prayer list. This is not to be harsh, but it is true from time to time.

IF you truly pray and WILL pray for this person, you don’t have to be fancy about it. You can just tell someone you’re praying for them, or you will be praying for them in the future. You could add that you are here for them if they need anything at all.

Related: How to Start a Prayer Journal

Related: A FREE Daily Prayer Journal

There are many more free prayer journals and war binder information on my website that will help get you started.

#3. Try a devotional book.

A devotional book is a great way to tell someone you are praying for them. Usually, a devotional book has a Scripture, a message, and a short prayer included on one page of the book. Use that short prayer as a prompt when you prepare your own prayer. Let God guide you.

Recommended Devotional Books:

Nevertheless, She Was Courageous is an engaging devotional book with each of the 180 entries having a Scripture from the Holy Bible, a brief devotional message (often, light and breezy), and a short prayer for you to adapt to make your own or reword to recite.

You Are Endlessly Loved: Encouraging Devotions for Women is a book full of devotions and prayers to inspire your soul. Each entry has a Scripture, a short devotional message (usually something light and inspiring), and a small prayer that you can work off of or use directly.

#4. Ask God what to say, and wait.

Speak to the Lord, and He will listen to the words you are trying to communicate to Him (Jeremiah 29:12). Even if you can only speak from the heart, God will speak back – in one way or another. Listening to God is the key to following this way to tell you’re praying for someone.

#5. Use discretion.

Have you ever heard someone say that the best thing to say is nothing at all? Well, while we want people to know they are being lifted up in prayer, we don’t have to brag about it. You might say, “I’ll be praying for you.” However, this is more appropriate for an acquaintance.

If you have a close friend going through a difficult time, you may want to expand upon what you say. For example, you could say, “Oh dear, I will be on my knees,” or “Sweet friend, I would really like to pray for you and this situation. If you need anything, just ask. I am here!”

#6. Send a card, short note, or other RAOK without expectations.

Some people know they are cared about and prayed for when they receive something special in the mail or in their inbox online. For example, think about if you were in their shoes. How would you feel if someone sent you flowers or a sweet note? Be empathetic to their needs.

It is very important that you make sure your gift or note is appropriate, but do not expect a “thank you” or any similar message in response. They might not have time to respond, considering everything that is changing in their life. They also might not even think of it.

When you send something without expecting anything in return, keep that in mind when you write what you plan to say or send what you decide to give them. You don’t want them to feel pressured into responding, or you might end up with a poor attitude.

I know someone who sends out at least ten cards a week to different people – some strangers in need and some people they know well. Only a few times a year does this person hear a “thank you” or receive a reply. At times, we have to remember why we do things, right?

If you are seeking a reward for your kindness, you are likely not going to receive one. We do things for the Lord, to seek His favor alone. That is the best attitude to have. Knowing you have an eternal reward in heaven will fill you with more joy than anything here on earth will.

#7. Tell them with purpose.

One way to tell someone you’re praying for them is to say it in a way that allows them to expand or not expand, depending on what is going on with them, how close you are to them, and the extent they like to keep their private life to themselves.

For example, you could say, “I have been praying for you. Do you have any updates I could add to my prayer list?” Another way to tell someone you’re praying for them is by letting them know that you’ve had them on your prayer list and “just wanted them to know.”

That keeps it simple and requires no response, judgment, or advice. Of course, if they indicate they want some advice or your opinion on the matter, you can certainly share it with them. Make sure you are not too judgmental or talkative, as this can make them regret their request for help.

Another way to tell someone you’re praying for them is by asking additional non-offensive questions. For example, you could tell them that you are praying for them and their family. Then, ask specific names that you could add to your prayers (if appropriate).

#8. Let your heart do the speaking.

Often, I get nervous before speaking or doing a video in our Women’s Facebook Group. However, once the Lord takes over, it becomes a piece of cake, because He is leading, not me. If I ever do feel anxiety when delivering a message, I read a devotional book.

The one that has helped me is found in Nevertheless, She was Courageous. On the page I have bookmarked (Relax), I added a note of things I need to help myself not feel so on edge when speaking God’s message. Here are the highlights.

“If Christ is alive in you, then He is at work. If He wants you to do or say something in a certain situation, you can trust Him to let you know. And you don’t have to worry about it ahead of time.”

The author also explains that this will not happen overnight or without some practice. I love the next part.

“Whenever you’re headed into a stressful situation, be present with God the whole time. Invite Him to speak to you. Tell Him how you’re feeling. Let it rest in His hands and trust Him.”

The stickers I added to this page say the following:

God is within her. She will not fall.
Spirit, lead me.

Also, the following Scriptures were included:

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. – Luke 12:12
Speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. – 1 Peter 4:10-11

Finally, the short prayer that is added says:

“Lord, this kind of thing takes much more trust than I feel I have. Please fill me with more faith.”

This is very encouraging to me and helpful when speaking to others.

#9. Attach a comforting word.

At times, we know what we want to say but not how to say it. Additionally, it’s easier to say comforting words rather than saying that you are or that you will be praying for someone. You might not know how to exactly put that into your own words. Add a comforting thought.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep fighting this battle. I am right beside you, sister.
I know that you can do anything with Christ’s help. I will be praying, as well.
I’ve added you to my prayer list if that is okay with you. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.

You might also just ask the following:

How can I pray for you?
Would you like to talk about it?
Is there anything I can do to help?

#10. Keep it simple.

Sometimes, we just need to be simple when someone is going through a tough time. You might want to give them a simple call or a text without the expectation of a reply. Here are some ideas for things you could say in a call or text so as not to pressure them into a lengthy conversation.

I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and praying about your issue.
I have been lifting you up in prayer each day, Sally.
You’ve been on my mind and in my prayers daily.
You are in my daily prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
I am here for you, and you are in my prayers, Neal.

Conclusion

Did you learn how to tell someone you’re praying for them in a new, creative way? Which way did you try? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. If you wish to keep your answers quiet, join our subscription newsletter, and tell us all about it discreetly!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4