How do we ask for prayer publicly?

How do we ask for prayer publicly? I know there are lots of folks that need prayer that have reservations about asking for prayer publicly. Not many folks want to be airing out their lives to people in cyberspace or maybe even at Church. If a person needs Prayer, do we really have to know exactly what to Pray for? and if not, how do you Pray for them? I ask this because most all the folks I pray for, they tell me what they need Prayer for, maybe they just feel comfortable with me and trust me, but what about the ones we come across, that say please just pray for me?
Thanks
Mr. Bill

Personally Mr. Bill,

I wont ask for prayer unless I know who it is praying for me. I went to a Church and felt like I wanted some prayer. It was a new Church to me, but the ones who stood up front to pray had never spoken to me and I had been there 4 1/2 months.

So, I turned to the sister who always made it a point to sit next to me in service and as we sat in the chairs I asked her to pray for me. I gave no indication of what my need was etc. But I had heard her pray once before at a ladies gathering and knew she had a relationship with our Lord. She prayed and was right on.

I guess just don't rush into prayer but wait a bit and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. He will. That is what I do when asked to pray for someone. Glory to God.

Yes JH, I guess the Church is in a sad state, when we can trust what we tell our Doctors and Lawyers, more than we can our Christian Brothers and Sisters with our personal life.

Some people want to give all the horrid or sinful details of a "prayer" request. Sometimes it can turn into a gossip session. God knows all the details and He can answer it accordingly. I'm glad that He hears and answers prayer!

JB1968 Some people want to give all the horrid or sinful details of a "prayer" request. Sometimes it can turn into a gossip session.

See, this is counterproductive, we must tell them to stop right there, and let the Spirit within us take over.

but what about the ones we come across, that say please just pray for me?

Bill, this issue has troubled me much in the past. I may be in public and a stranger may get to talking with me and ask me to pray for her. Or, it may happen in our store...anywhere - it can and does happen. It troubled me much when I would say I would pray for them only to forget it.

As I pondered my dilemma I felt the LORD was asking me to pray for this person right then and there and it does not matter where we are. Now I can forget and if this person comes to mind I will pray for them. Otherwise my forgetfulness bothers me no more.

My experience...

(EDITED for clarity)