How to keep a prayer list you will actually pray through

Most of us have said “I’ll pray for you” and then forgotten. Requests get buried in group chats, sticky notes and busy days. A prayer list is the simple fix: one place where every request waits until you have prayed it through.

Why keep a prayer list

You remember. A request written down is a request you can keep praying.
You pray specifically. Writing it forces you to name what you are asking for.
You see God answer. “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11).

What to put on your prayer list

It helps to sort requests by what kind of prayer they need:

Burdens to surrender: worries, sickness, grief, money. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Decisions you need wisdom for: a job offer, a move, a relationship. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).
Promises and goals you are holding onto: a verse God gave you, a habit you are building.
People: family, friends, your church, your leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

How to pray through it

Pray one request at a time, not the whole list in one breath.
Be specific, and date each request when you add it.
Pray through the list at your usual prayer time. A long list can be split over the days of the week.
Once a week, review it: update what changed, and remove what no longer needs prayer.
When God answers, write down how, and keep it.

When God answers

Answers come as yes, wait, or no. All three are answers. Keep a record of each one, with the story of what happened. On a hard day, that record is a reminder that God has been faithful before.

A prayer list app that keeps up with you

In the free Prayer War Room app, your prayer list is called your battles. Each one is a burden, a decision, or a promise and goal. You can pray with others on it: the people you choose see how many are praying and can write a word of encouragement. When God answers, you move it, write down how, and it goes to your victories.

The Battles screen: a list of burdens and decisions being prayed for, sorted into Incoming, Praying and answers — Battles: everything you are praying about, in one place.

Adding a new battle: choose Burden, Decision or Promise and Goal, name it, and choose who prays with you — Add a battle in a few taps.

The Victories screen: answered prayers, with “A year ago today, God answered.” — Victories: every answer, remembered.

Your prayer time in the app goes through your battles one at a time. Read how to pray the CAST way.