How to find a prayer partner, and keep praying together

A prayer partner is someone who agrees to pray for you while you pray for them. That’s all it is. But having one person who knows what you are carrying, and holds it with you every day, can change your whole prayer life.

Here is how to find one, and how to keep it going.

Why have a prayer partner

It’s easier to keep praying when someone is doing it with you. You notice more. You are more honest. And on the weeks you can’t pray for yourself, you know someone else is.

The Bible puts it simply: “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, WEB).

Who to ask

Look for someone you trust, who you will actually be in touch with. It doesn’t need to be your closest friend. It helps if they are:

• Someone you can be honest with. You will share things that matter.
• Someone who will keep a confidence. What is shared stays between you.
• Of a similar stage, or not. A friend your age understands your life. Someone older or younger brings perspective. Both work.

Many people choose a friend from church or a small group. Others pray with a sibling, a parent, or a friend who lives far away.

How to ask

Keep it light and specific: “Would you like to be prayer partners for the next three months? We’d each share one or two things a week and pray for each other.”

A set length takes the pressure off. You can always keep going.

What to pray about

Share one or two things at a time. Be specific: “my meeting with my manager on Wednesday” is easier to pray for than “work”. It’s also good to pray for:

• Each other’s families, by name.
• The thing they are most worried about.
• Their faith: that they would know God is near.
• Something they are looking forward to.

Lord, thank you for [name]. Be with them in [what they shared]. Give them peace today, and let them know they are not alone. Amen.

How to keep it going

• Agree a simple rhythm. A message on Monday with your requests, and a quick check-in at the weekend.
• Say when you prayed. “Prayed for you this morning” takes two seconds and means a lot.
• Meet now and then. Coffee every month or so, even online, keeps it from becoming a list.
• Look back. Every few weeks, notice what has changed and give thanks.

Using Prayershake together

Every Prayershake profile has a prayer code, a QR code your friend can scan with their phone camera to connect with you. Once you’re connected, you can pray for each other by name. When you pray, your partner gets a gentle note that they were held today. There are no streaks or scores, just two people carrying each other.