Prayer request collection and automated distribution

Purpose

1.1. Streamline the collection of prayer requests from congregation members via multiple channels (web, SMS, email, forms) and automate their organized, secure distribution to prayer teams or designated group leaders.
1.2. Ensure privacy, traceability, and follow-up, giving members confidence their needs are being addressed and enhancing community involvement.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. Submission of a prayer request via website, SMS, email, chatbot, or digital forms.
2.2. Scheduled intervals for batch distribution to prayer teams.
2.3. Keyword detection (e.g., "pray for", "prayer request") in monitored communication channels.

Platform Variants

3.1. Twilio SMS
• Feature: Programmable SMS webhook — set incoming message trigger, collect request, extract content.
• Sample Config: Use webhook URL, map "Body" to request text field.
3.2. Google Forms
• Feature: Form submission event — capture responses, auto-push to cloud spreadsheet.
• Sample Config: Enable form response webhook or Sheets integration.
3.3. Typeform
• Feature: Webhook integration — send response payload to capture endpoint.
• Sample Config: Configure webhook post on form submit.
3.4. JotForm
• Feature: "Thank You Page" setting with webhook, submit to collection endpoint.
• Sample Config: Define custom webhook, map questions to fields.
3.5. Wufoo
• Feature: Notifications & API webhooks — deliver incoming requests.
• Sample Config: Provide endpoint URL in "Notifications" tab.
3.6. Slack
• Feature: Slash command or bot listener — collect requests in user-defined format; direct message to automation workflow.
• Sample Config: Register slash command, set custom endpoint.
3.7. Microsoft Teams
• Feature: Incoming webhook or message action — capture requests to automation channel.
• Sample Config: Enable connector, map request data.
3.8. Facebook Messenger
• Feature: Messenger bot API — recognize keywords, collect entry, send to workflow.
• Sample Config: Configure webhook, set conditional keyword detection.
3.9. WhatsApp (Meta API)
• Feature: Message webhook — parse inbound prayer requests, route data automatically.
• Sample Config: Set webhook endpoint, enable message logging.
3.10. Gmail
• Feature: Label/filter/tag — incoming email triggers extraction and automated routing.
• Sample Config: Filter by subject/keywords, apply custom label for automation hook.
3.11. Outlook 365
• Feature: Rule and mail-flow trigger — monitor mailbox, route relevant emails.
• Sample Config: Create rule with keywords, forward to automation address.
3.12. SendGrid
• Feature: Inbound Parse Webhook — receive emails as programmatic payload.
• Sample Config: Point MX domain to SendGrid, send POST to endpoint.
3.13. Airtable
• Feature: Form submission/Webhook trigger — store requests, provide API for data pull.
• Sample Config: Create base, enable form view, configure webhook.
3.14. Google Sheets
• Feature: App Script trigger on row add — automate new entry pickup for action.
• Sample Config: Set script to listen for additions, call webhook.
3.15. Tally
• Feature: API + Webhook — push form responses to automation.
• Sample Config: Set destination webhook on form submit.
3.16. Zapier
• Feature: Multi-app trigger-action automation — route from source to team.
• Sample Config: Set multi-step automation; connect input and output services.
3.17. Pabbly Connect
• Feature: Workflow automation between form/email and communication tools.
• Sample Config: Form trigger, assign recipient, email/SMS step.
3.18. Mailchimp
• Feature: Automated tagged email trigger — notify prayer teams via campaign.
• Sample Config: Add tag on entry, trigger campaign.
3.19. HubSpot
• Feature: Workflow API — capture service ticket as prayer request, notify assignees.
• Sample Config: Create form, configure workflow with contact assignment.
3.20. Salesforce
• Feature: Case Management API — create case on form/email, distribute to team queue.
• Sample Config: Capture email/form as case, assign to prayer support queue.

Benefits

4.1. Ensures all requests are received, logged, tracked, and responded to, minimizing manual oversight.
4.2. Maintains confidentiality by automating privacy controls and limiting distribution accurately.
4.3. Provides analytical insights for church leadership on engagement, frequency, and request types.
4.4. Frees up ministry staff for high-impact relationship work while ensuring no request is missed.
4.5. Supports multi-channel input, giving all members equal access regardless of digital literacy.