What Is Media Prayer Ministry?

by Emily Vanden Heuvel

Media prayer ministry, or online prayer ministry, doesn't take place in a chapel or sanctuary but in the in-between moments of life, through devices and digital platforms. Prayer in this space is both ancient and modern, creating a connection to God and to other believers, a sacred space in a digital world, that reminds us that we are seen, known, and loved by God. This online prayer ministry serves as a way for us to connect with others around the world by praying with and for them.

The online prayer ministry is an integral part of ReFrame Ministries. ReFrame exists to share the gospel, disciple believers, and strengthen the church in nine major languages, using every available platform—from social media to radio to devotionals. In the English ministry, we offer spiritually enriching, ad-free content completely free of charge—thanks to donors who share our belief in this mission. Groundwork, the Today Devotional, Kids Corner, and the ReFrame Prayer Ministry all work together to help build a stronger faith and closer walk with God. 

The roots of this ministry run deep. In December 1939, our first program, The Back to God Hour, began airing on the radio. Decades later, our ministry has grown into a global mission, fueled by prayer. What began with a few volunteers answering letters and phone calls has now grown into a prayer team of over 7,000 faithful individuals. We receive prayer requests, pastoral care concerns, and theological questions from various sources, including email, social media, phone calls, and even handwritten letters—many of which come from individuals who are incarcerated. 

Many prayer requests come from people who are hurting, often beginning with a line like, “I’ve never told anyone this, but I feel safe telling you.” The anonymity of online space allows people to share with raw, vulnerable honesty. We honor that trust and vulnerability with empathy, prayer, and thoughtful responses written by trained pastors.

Every week, we send out curated prayer requests to our ReFrame Prayer Team, carefully segmented so that every single person who reaches out to us with a request is prayed for multiple times. Each response we send ends with a simple reminder: "Brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world are praying for you." Knowing others are praying for them can bring comfort and hope to someone who is lonely or feels forgotten. It serves as a reminder that God loves them and knows their name, and they are part of a big, caring family of believers. 

Many individuals who are incarcerated also write to us. Most of them are not online, but still come to us through media, most often our printed Today devotionals. Many of these individuals are seeking spiritual growth in incredibly hard places. Whenever possible, we connect them with Crossroads Prison Ministry, where they can be paired with mentors who guide them through Bible studies and personal devotions. If you feel called to support this type of ministry, we would be delighted to help you get involved.

In a world filled with distractions, we can sometimes forget why prayer matters. But Scripture gives us a clear and beautiful reminder: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer is not bound by geography and is never wasted. Whether we are praying alone, with our families, in small groups, or as part of a global network like the ReFrame Prayer Team, our prayers matter. They draw us nearer to God. They heal, uplift, and unite. 

So if you’re wondering what online prayer ministry is, here’s your answer: it’s a living, breathing testimony of God’s love. It’s a place of hope and healing for ourselves and a place to witness it in others, even those we will never meet face-to-face. 

Are you ready to join us in prayer? Share a prayer request or join our Prayer Team