Are you craving real spiritual connection, but everyone you’d normally pray with is miles away, juggling their own schedules, or in a completely different season of life? Maybe you just left your college ministry, moved to a new city, or aren’t part of a small group right now. If so, it’s easy to feel spiritually isolated.
Here’s the thing: You don’t need the “perfect” church group or ideal leader to experience the power of praying with others. While church groups and strong leadership are important, today’s technology allows you to have a thriving prayer life with friends, family, mentors — even strangers — all at the tips of your fingers.
Phones get a bad rap, sometimes for good reason. But what if you could use your phone to help you grow spiritually and feel more connected to God and others? A simple virtual prayer circle, even with just a handful of people, can be a lifeline.
This step-by-step guide will help you create and sustain a meaningful and consistent prayer circle that works across distance, time zones, and busy schedules.
1. Find your people.
In this case, more isn’t necessarily better. Start small. Look for two to five people who are spiritually hungry and open to growing through prayer. You don’t need a dream team of prayer experts. You need a few people who want to seek God together.
Think beyond your immediate circle. Maybe it’s a friend from college, a coworker who shares your faith, or a long-distance friend you haven’t talked to in months. A simple text can go a long way: “Hey, would you want to try a weekly virtual prayer group?” You might be surprised — others often want the same thing but are waiting for someone else (you) to take the first step.
A while ago, I desperately wanted someone to pray with but didn’t have anyone around who would. Instead of waiting for Sunday morning, I texted a friend a simple prayer for their day. Texting felt less intimidating than praying in person can sometimes feel. I immediately felt better, knowing that someone was engaging in prayer with me instead of me doing it on my own.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) We didn’t need to be in the same room to be gathered in the name of God. We just needed to pray together.
2. Choose a format that fits your lives.
The best prayer circle is the one your group can stick with, not the one that looks most impressive online or seems like the “right” way to do things. Think about what works for everyone’s schedule and energy. Here are a few ideas:
- Weekly Zoom/FaceTime: Set up a consistent day/time to meet on Zoom or FaceTime, but keep it simple. Be clear from the beginning about how long you will meet and respect that time limit. This makes it easier for people to keep coming.
- Group text: Create an ongoing text thread to share prayer requests, updates, and to celebrate answered prayers throughout the week. You can do this on its own or in addition to Zoom/FaceTime. Be clear about expectations and make sure everyone is participating.
- Voxer or voice memos: Sometimes hearing another person’s voice in prayer makes a big difference. This is a perfect way to do that while allowing everyone to maintain their own schedules.
- Shared document or Google Doc rotation: Create a document and rotate prayer requests or reflections weekly. Comment on one another’s entries to encourage each other and share Scripture.
Sharing in one another’s lives is one of the most powerful things about praying together. Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Having a consistent prayer circle allows us to do that in the middle of everyday life. You don’t need it to be fancy. Rather, it needs to be consistent enough that people can depend on it.
3. Set a simple, repeatable flow.
If every week you have to figure out how things will go, your prayer circle will feel burdensome and will likely fizzle out. Creating a structure removes awkwardness and keeps everyone focused. Here’s a sample flow you can adapt to any format:
- Quick check-in: How’s your heart today? One or two sentences is fine.
- Scripture: Share a verse or a short devotional thought.
- Prayer requests: One request each; no pressure.
- Prayer time: Out loud, written in chat, or through voice memos — whatever works.
- Closing encouragement: One line or a blessing to wrap it up.
You can follow this flow no matter what format you choose. If you’re using a group text, try one of these each day. For Zoom/FaceTime, try going through all of these steps each time you meet. There isn’t a magic formula that will make it work. Just pick something so you can connect with God and each other.
4. Make a plan to keep it going.
Consistency is the lifeblood of a prayer circle. Most groups don’t fail because of a lack of interest, but because of unspoken expectations, disorganization, or getting off track. You can avoid this with some simple intentions.
- Rotate leadership: Take turns initiating the meeting or sending reminders. This way it doesn’t always fall on one person. No one is the boss; you’re all on equal ground.
- Plan for absences: Decide in advance how to handle missed sessions. A simple recap or rescheduling works great. Don’t let a missed session put an end to things.
- Communicate openly: Let the group know if you’ll be late or can’t join. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and avoids conflict.
- Check in monthly: Ask, “Is this rhythm still working?” Be willing to adjust as needed.
Life changes, and that’s OK. Your prayer circle’s format and schedule can change, too. When you prioritize communication, it allows everyone to be honest about their circumstances and their needs. Make grace and flexibility part of the rhythm to keep your prayer circle going.
5. Don’t quit too soon.
Every meaningful relationship has weird phases, and prayer circles are no different.
If things feel awkward or off, try mixing it up: Switch formats, share a new Scripture prompt, or introduce a short devotional. If someone pulls back, check in one-on-one. Try questions like:
Hey, just checking on you. Is everything ok? Is there something that could work better for you? Do you still want to do this? If things feel off, a simple conversation or text can go a long way in setting things right.
When I tried praying with a friend via text, things didn’t go as I planned. It felt like I was carrying the burden myself, and I gave up. Now I wish I had taken the time to check in and see if we could have done things differently.
Part of praying together is caring about one another. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Even imperfect groups can bear lasting fruit. The goal isn’t flawless execution. It’s meeting with God and with each other.
Praying with others matters
You don’t need a church stage or a Bible degree to pray with others. You need a few willing hearts, a little consistency, and the courage to start. Even a tiny, imperfect virtual prayer circle can be a lifeline. God honors small beginnings, especially when they’re rooted in real connection. Invite a few friends, set a simple rhythm, and pray — no perfection required.
Copyright 2025 Rebecca Hastings. All rights reserved.
