I am aware that praying for each other is a good thing. I get that. (James 5.16.)

But what is the real reason I ask others to pray or request to God so he would grant my prayer or request? I believe the motive is important.

If my motive is to have as many people to side with me so God would be moved, as if I can move God's mind when I and others gang up on him, then that is the wrong motive.

If the request is not aligned with God's will, ganging up on him is futile anyway.

When I ask others to pray for me, a better motive is of sharing the burden. For example, when my mind is burdened with something, I can lighten the burden by sharing it with dear friends. Likewise, I can lighten the burden by sharing it with fellow believers and then they pray for me to share or lighten the burden.

And vice versa. I see you have a heavy burden in your life about XYZ. I want to share your burden by praying for it and opening my heart to God's will in how I can help you, if needed, beyond praying for this burden.

And if God tells me what he wants me to do, beyond praying for you, then it is on me to go do it. Because it is God's answer to that prayer. It is now God's will for me. So do not pray for others lightly. "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (James 4.17 NLT)

The answer to prayer is never dependent on how many people pray. It is only dependent on God's will. My responsibility is to be ready for that will to manifest in my life in his time.

And by the way, praying in private is also a good thing. Jesus said so. "When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private." (Matthew 6.6 NLT)

See: Prayer produces results