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Since its inception in 2004, Facebook has continuously introduced new features to make it more appealing to its millions of users.

Now, the popular social media platform has launched a prayer request tool designed to draw the faithful.

The tool will allow members of Facebook Groups to request and respond to prayer requests for job interviews, illnesses, and life trials no matter how trivial or significant.

After writing the post, other users can readily tap the “I prayed” button, respond with a “like” or other reaction, send a direct message, or leave a comment.

The feature, said Facebook, was created to support faith communities in the wake of the global pandemic.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic we've seen many faith and spirituality communities using our services to connect, so we're starting to explore new tools to support them,” Facebook mentioned in a statement.

The innovation has earned praises from mostly religious groups, citing its ability to connect believers and encouraging people to hold on to their faith especially during these times.

But there were also some who expressed concern about the privacy of users and questions the need to publicize personal troubles in exchange for reactions.

“Is it wise to post everything about everyone for the whole world to see?” asked Rev. Bob Stec, pastor of St. Ambrose Catholic Parish in Brunswick, Ohio, told the Associated Press.

“On a good day we would all be reflective and make wise choices. When we are under stress or distress or in a difficult moment, it's almost too easy to reach out on Facebook to everyone.”

However, general sentiments about the feature were mostly positive given the current situation where people feel isolated and unable to attend religious services in public.

Prior to Facebook's new feature, religious groups have started utilizing modern technology to connect to its devotees.

Here in the Philippines, online masses have become the norm to encourage people to stay at home for health and safety reasons.

An online Visita Iglesia was also rolled out during the Lenten season to allow the public to practice the religious tradition albeit virtually.

Likewise, apps designed for Muslims to know accurate prayer schedules, locate the nearest mosques and halal restaurants, and read or listen to Quran verses complete with translation to other dialects have been existing even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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