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# Sending Private Messages and Prayer Requests

This article explains the difference between a direct message, a private prayer request, and a public prayer-request post, and where each one lives.

## Three different ways to talk about prayer

It's easy to mix these up, so here's the difference:

- **A public prayer-request post** is a regular update, visible to everyone following that missionary — see our article on how to send a prayer request. Anyone connected can see it and respond.
- **A direct message (DM)** is a private, one-on-one conversation between you and a missionary. Only the two of you can see it.
- **A private prayer request sent as a message** works a bit differently — it's a private conversation that can go to more than one missionary or ministry at once, if you choose. Each recipient sees your request in their own conversation with you; they don't see who else you sent it to.

## Sending a message

1. Open the missionary's profile or your conversation list.
2. Tap **Message**.
3. Write what you'd like to share.
4. Send it.

<!-- SCREENSHOT: a private conversation thread -->

## Who can see a private conversation

Only you and the missionary (or missionaries, for a prayer request sent to more than one) can see what's written. It never appears in anyone's public feed.

## If a missionary isn't selectable for messages

Some missionaries choose to turn off direct messages entirely. If that's the case, you won't be able to start a new conversation with them — their public prayer-request posts and other updates are still visible, just not private messaging.

## Tips

- **Be specific where it's safe to be.** A clear, specific request is easier to pray over than a vague one — but keep sensitive details private if a missionary serves somewhere that calls for extra caution.
- **A message is still the right tool for anything you don't want broadcast** to everyone who follows a missionary, even if it isn't a prayer request at all.

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