LEV144 We should pray for others even if we are not asked to do so. The Talmud states that the metzora shouted out, "Unclean! Unclean!" to publicize his plight in order that people should pray for his recovery. The Talmud adds that the same applies to anyone who is suffering. He should notify the public about his problem, and they will pray to God to have mercy upon him (Sotah 32b). From here we learn that when we hear about someone else's misfortune we should pray for that person even if we are not explicitly asked to do so. The Talmud does not state that the person whom misfortune has befallen must ask others to pray for him; all needs to do is publicize his plight. On their own the public will understand that they have an obligation to pray for him. The Chofetz Chayim notes that this principle is specifically mentioned with reference to a metzora. The Zohar states that the prayers of a person who speaks loshon hora are not accepted. Since the metzora has spoken loshon hora, his own prayers will not help. Hence, he needs others to pray on his behalf. (Shmiras Haloshon 1:7).