{"id":7242,"date":"2011-09-07T13:00:49","date_gmt":"2011-09-07T17:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/?p=7242"},"modified":"2026-07-27T16:13:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T20:13:43","slug":"prevent-gossip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/prevent-gossip.htm","title":{"rendered":"Prayer Chains: Prevent from Becoming Gossip Chains"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PreventIn a previous post, we looked at the consequences of gossip on prayer<\/a>.\u00a0 For a prayer chain to be effective, gossip must be stopped due to its destructive nature<\/a>.\u00a0 Better yet, prevent gossip by developing prayer efforts in ways that minimize the temptation.<\/p>\n

Prevent Gossip in Prayer Chains<\/h2>\n

Develop a system whereby you moderate prayer requests before passing them along.<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Pass on only needed\u00a0 information. Details aren’t always required for people to pray effectively.\u00a0 In sensitive situations that could lend itself to gossip, eliminate much of the personal information.\u00a0 Change wording of prayer requests if necessary.\u00a0 In some cases you might choose to not even send a request along.\u00a0 —\u00a0 People need to be aware of all this when giving a prayer request.<\/p>\n

Develop a criteria for what requests will be approved to be sent on the chain.<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Perhaps you will not take third party requests unless that person is aware and approves of what is being shared.\u00a0 Otherwise, perhaps it should go out anonymous with as minimal identifying data as possible.<\/p>\n

Develop a process for sharing requests that minimizes the addition of content.<\/span><\/strong> Requests could be written down or e-mailed rather than passed along verbally.\u00a0 Or, you could use a automated recorded voice going out to everyone on the prayer chain.<\/p>\n

Develop a plan for who is a part of the prayer chain.<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Who says prayer chains need to be all inclusive, of anybody and everybody who desires to be on it?\u00a0 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.”\u00a0 Proverbs provides some help on who would be good to be on the prayer chain and who to avoid:<\/p>\n

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (Prov. 11:13)<\/span><\/p>\n

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.\u00a0 (Prov. 20:19)<\/span><\/p>\n

Develop a means of training people who are on the prayer chain.<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 They need to be aware of the purpose and priority of it.\u00a0 They also need to be aware of expectations that include keeping confidences and not gossiping.\u00a0 Help them understand signs that the passing on of the prayer request is moving into gossip<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Perpetuate Gossip-free Sharing in Prayer Efforts<\/h2>\n

Regularly communicate expectations to help prevent prayer chains from turning into gossip chains.<\/p>\n