Alex,
The problem I have with your prayer request is the same one I have with all the prayer requests and prayers I've seen on the Forum. They do not follow what Jesus says in the Scriptures.
Silver and gold I don't have, but what I have I give to you. Study Jesus' words.
When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:5-8
I'm sure most of us do pray like this and we don't go around making a show of it. But what is wrong with sharing your concerns and what about this passage:
Jas 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Jas 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Jas 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
We are told to pray for one another so what is wrong with knowing what the issue is so you can pray about that. Once you know the situation from the person then go into your inner room and pray.
I'm sure many prayed for Ray because he shared what he was going through, was he wrong to do so and therefore should of been quiet about his suffering.
Nothing will change God's will but does not mean we can't play a part and being informed helps to care and love others.
2Th 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
2Th 1:4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
2Th 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—
How do others know unless you share. How would you hear about it when we don't physically visit each other to see what others are going through. How can I boast about others and rejoice in God for what they suffer if I don't know and they don't share. I would be left alone to think I'm the only one suffering here as everyone else seems fine.
Sorry but I think share what you want of the struggles you go through whether medical or any other afflictions that you suffer from.
If we can help others in anyway either by praying, encouraging or giving advice then we should. If you don't say anything about what you are going through then how can we.
Well that's how I see it and could be wrong but just adding my 2 cents for what it's worth.
Rhys