A prayer chain is when groups of people or church members pass on prayer requests from one person to another. The symbolic language of a prayer chain shows the unbroken unity of those coming before God in prayer.
The Bible doesn’t present the concept of prayer chains. However, both the Old and New Testaments show people praying for others, which is the end result of a prayer chain. Abraham prayed to God to heal Abimelech (Genesis 20:17), and both Moses and later Samuel prayed to God for the nation of Israel (Exodus 32:11-14; 1 Samuel 12:23). The New Testament also contains examples of praying for others. The apostle Paul prayed for unbelieving Jews as well as believers to whom he wrote letters (Romans 1:9-10, 10:1; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16-17). Acts records believers praying for Peter who had been imprisoned (Acts 12:5). James 5:13-18 specifically encourages calling on other believers to pray for physical healing. Prayer chains can be a way for believers to support each other (Galatians 6:2). As we live in a Christ-like manner with fellow believers, we can encourage and love others through participating in community-building activities like prayer chains.
A “prayer chain” is a phrase that originated before the Internet or instant messaging when passing requests via phone was a regular occurrence. A church or group would establish the prayer chain beforehand so that each person knew the two or three people they were to call, who each had two or three people to call and so on, until the whole list was informed of the request and could pray as one. This was the most efficient way to get a large number of people praying at one time.
Today, we have even more means of connecting the church of God through technology in an even bigger chain of prayers that are like incense before our Father in Heaven (Revelation 5:8).
We can use any communication method available to share requests of concern or praise with as many Christians as possible. We do not need to feel specifically "gifted" in prayer to be a part of a prayer chain. The willingness of our hearts is most important. Imagine the impact of millions of voices lifted to God as one to intercede on behalf of a person or issue.