In a previous post, we looked at the consequences of gossip on prayer. For a prayer chain to be effective, gossip must be stopped due to its destructive nature. Better yet, prevent gossip by developing prayer efforts in ways that minimize the temptation.
Prevent Gossip in Prayer Chains
Develop a system whereby you moderate prayer requests before passing them along. Pass on only needed information. Details aren’t always required for people to pray effectively. In sensitive situations that could lend itself to gossip, eliminate much of the personal information. Change wording of prayer requests if necessary. In some cases you might choose to not even send a request along. — People need to be aware of all this when giving a prayer request.
Develop a criteria for what requests will be approved to be sent on the chain. Perhaps you will not take third party requests unless that person is aware and approves of what is being shared. Otherwise, perhaps it should go out anonymous with as minimal identifying data as possible.
Develop a process for sharing requests that minimizes the addition of content. Requests could be written down or e-mailed rather than passed along verbally. Or, you could use a automated recorded voice going out to everyone on the prayer chain.
Develop a plan for who is a part of the prayer chain. Who says prayer chains need to be all inclusive, of anybody and everybody who desires to be on it? It could be better to have a few people people who are committed and willing to abide by certain policies that protect confidentiality and prevent gossip than many people some of whom will only want to be on the chain to be kept in the “know.” Proverbs provides some help on who would be good to be on the prayer chain and who to avoid:
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (Prov. 11:13)
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. (Prov. 20:19)
Develop a means of training people who are on the prayer chain. They need to be aware of the purpose and priority of it. They also need to be aware of expectations that include keeping confidences and not gossiping. Help them understand signs that the passing on of the prayer request is moving into gossip.
Perpetuate Gossip-free Sharing in Prayer Efforts
Regularly communicate expectations to help prevent prayer chains from turning into gossip chains.
- Keep the high nature of what they are doing always before them. It is a privilege, not a prerogative to be on the prayer chain.
- Keep mandatory guidelines always before them (privacy, confidentiality, etc.).
In keeping the above always before them, make sure to vary how you communicate it. When always presented the same way, it becomes too easy to ignore it.
Check Out: Prayer Resources
Anyone can be tempted to gossip. But we can avoid it if we slow down and evaluate whether we are the right person, with the right motivation, talking to the right audience with the right information. A good prayer request comes from the good stored up in a good heart, and one day, we’ll all have to give an account for the prayer requests we passed on (cf. Matt. 12:35–36). May we be found faithful.
Remembering our personal accountability is key!