Kickstart Your Prayer Life [The Deep Dish - Ep. 31]

My rhythm is I read a prayer of the My rhythm is I read a prayer of the Puritan [music] and then I pray and then Puritan [music] and then I pray and then Puritan [music] and then I pray and then I read scripture and then I pray. That's I read scripture and then I pray. That's I read scripture and then I pray. That's kind of my rhythm. And the prayers of kind of my rhythm. And the prayers of kind of my rhythm. And the prayers of the Puritans just have given me new the Puritans just have given me new the Puritans just have given me new vocabulary, new things to pray for. And vocabulary, new things to pray for. And vocabulary, new things to pray for. And in some ways, I [music] would say just in some ways, I [music] would say just in some ways, I [music] would say just better things to pray for. better things to pray for. better things to pray for. [music] Hi friends, welcome to the Deep Dish, a Hi friends, welcome to the Deep Dish, a podcast from the Gospel Coalition where podcast from the Gospel Coalition where podcast from the Gospel Coalition where we love having deep conversations about we love having deep conversations about we love having deep conversations about deep truths. I'm Melissa Krueger and I'm deep truths. I'm Melissa Krueger and I'm deep truths. I'm Melissa Krueger and I'm here with my friend and co-host Courtney here with my friend and co-host Courtney here with my friend and co-host Courtney Doctor. Um, and today we are going to be Doctor. Um, and today we are going to be Doctor. Um, and today we are going to be talking about structuring your prayer talking about structuring your prayer talking about structuring your prayer life. So, we already had one episode life. So, we already had one episode life. So, we already had one episode with Nancy Guthrie where we talked about with Nancy Guthrie where we talked about with Nancy Guthrie where we talked about why we pray. So, I think of that as kind why we pray. So, I think of that as kind why we pray. So, I think of that as kind of like the the big reason. Hey, we need of like the the big reason. Hey, we need of like the the big reason. Hey, we need this. So, go back and listen to that this. So, go back and listen to that this. So, go back and listen to that episode if you haven't already listened episode if you haven't already listened episode if you haven't already listened to it. That gets into the, hey, why is to it. That gets into the, hey, why is to it. That gets into the, hey, why is this so important? Today, we're going to this so important? Today, we're going to this so important? Today, we're going to kind of go, you know, if that's kind of kind of go, you know, if that's kind of kind of go, you know, if that's kind of the balcony, we're going to go to the the balcony, we're going to go to the the balcony, we're going to go to the dance floor and we're going to get in dance floor and we're going to get in dance floor and we're going to get in the weeds. I'm using way too many the weeds. I'm using way too many the weeds. I'm using way too many metaphors already. Let's just see how metaphors already. Let's just see how metaphors already. Let's just see how this episode goes because it's going all this episode goes because it's going all this episode goes because it's going all over the place. We got weeds on the over the place. We got weeds on the over the place. We got weeds on the dance floor. Um, but we're going to get dance floor. Um, but we're going to get dance floor. Um, but we're going to get into how do we specifically into how do we specifically into how do we specifically do this, you know, and and I think we do this, you know, and and I think we do this, you know, and and I think we already Courtney, even as we start on already Courtney, even as we start on already Courtney, even as we start on this, I already have to say we can get this, I already have to say we can get this, I already have to say we can get all the structures in the world, but we all the structures in the world, but we all the structures in the world, but we have to have the why. So, that have to have the why. So, that have to have the why. So, that conversation with Nancy is so important, conversation with Nancy is so important, conversation with Nancy is so important, but today we do want to talk about but today we do want to talk about but today we do want to talk about things that have actually helped us in things that have actually helped us in things that have actually helped us in this process. Yeah. So, go back and

this process. Yeah. So, go back and this process. Yeah. So, go back and listen to that episode. It's called listen to that episode. It's called listen to that episode. It's called Conversations with God. And I loved it. Conversations with God. And I loved it. Conversations with God. And I loved it. I was so encouraged and helped uh as I was so encouraged and helped uh as I was so encouraged and helped uh as Nancy was talking as as per usual. But Nancy was talking as as per usual. But Nancy was talking as as per usual. But our goal today is not to be either our goal today is not to be either our goal today is not to be either legalistic or prescriptive about what legalistic or prescriptive about what legalistic or prescriptive about what your prayer life should look like. And your prayer life should look like. And your prayer life should look like. And neither Melissa nor I would claim to be neither Melissa nor I would claim to be neither Melissa nor I would claim to be the examples in any way. But what we do the examples in any way. But what we do the examples in any way. But what we do want to do is just talk about what we've want to do is just talk about what we've want to do is just talk about what we've learned over the years of praying and learned over the years of praying and learned over the years of praying and what has worked for us. um which might what has worked for us. um which might what has worked for us. um which might or might not work for you. And so so we or might not work for you. And so so we or might not work for you. And so so we just want to just like you said, get in just want to just like you said, get in just want to just like you said, get in the weeds. Get in the weeds. Get on the the weeds. Get in the weeds. Get on the the weeds. Get in the weeds. Get on the dance floor. I love that. I love the dance floor. I love that. I love the dance floor. I love that. I love the balcony dance floor uh metaphor. So So balcony dance floor uh metaphor. So So balcony dance floor uh metaphor. So So we're going to just talk about doing we're going to just talk about doing we're going to just talk about doing this thing that is such an integral part this thing that is such an integral part this thing that is such an integral part of the Christian life. So I want to of the Christian life. So I want to of the Christian life. So I want to start by asking you Melissa, where and start by asking you Melissa, where and start by asking you Melissa, where and when do you pray? Probably the most when do you pray? Probably the most when do you pray? Probably the most regular pray place of prayer for me is regular pray place of prayer for me is regular pray place of prayer for me is my back porch. you've sat with me on my my back porch. you've sat with me on my my back porch. you've sat with me on my back porch and um there is something back porch and um there is something back porch and um there is something about it that it it's just relaxing to about it that it it's just relaxing to about it that it it's just relaxing to me. It's the place where um I go every me. It's the place where um I go every me. It's the place where um I go every morning with my tea and I sit out there morning with my tea and I sit out there morning with my tea and I sit out there and I read my Bible and I pray and I I and I read my Bible and I pray and I I and I read my Bible and I pray and I I tell you my dog Gus because Gus needs to tell you my dog Gus because Gus needs to tell you my dog Gus because Gus needs to be a regular part of our conversation as be a regular part of our conversation as be a regular part of our conversation as well. Um I feel like he is my quiet time well. Um I feel like he is my quiet time well. Um I feel like he is my quiet time companion.

companion. companion. Like, you know, if you have support Like, you know, if you have support Like, you know, if you have support dogs, he is my quiet time support dog. dogs, he is my quiet time support dog. dogs, he is my quiet time support dog. If I pick up my tea in the kitchen, he If I pick up my tea in the kitchen, he If I pick up my tea in the kitchen, he immediately scuries to the back door immediately scuries to the back door immediately scuries to the back door like it's time. You need Jesus. Like, like it's time. You need Jesus. Like, like it's time. You need Jesus. Like, [laughter] he'll probably sense you [laughter] he'll probably sense you [laughter] he'll probably sense you really need Jesus. You go to the door. really need Jesus. You go to the door. really need Jesus. You go to the door. >> That is precious. I love God so much. >> That is precious. I love God so much. >> That is precious. I love God so much. It's like he's like hurting you out It's like he's like hurting you out It's like he's like hurting you out there. Like, you know, like he's going there. Like, you know, like he's going there. Like, you know, like he's going to make sure you get your time with to make sure you get your time with to make sure you get your time with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Yes. I love that. >> Yes. I love that. >> Yes. I love that. >> Yes. What about you? Where do you do you >> Yes. What about you? Where do you do you >> Yes. What about you? Where do you do you have a place? I do. And you know, we've have a place? I do. And you know, we've have a place? I do. And you know, we've moved uh a significant number of times. moved uh a significant number of times. moved uh a significant number of times. And so it has shifted in different And so it has shifted in different And so it has shifted in different houses, but the one thing that's houses, but the one thing that's houses, but the one thing that's consistent and so the morning is and I'm consistent and so the morning is and I'm consistent and so the morning is and I'm hearing you say that too. I do as far as hearing you say that too. I do as far as hearing you say that too. I do as far as that kind of structured formal time of that kind of structured formal time of that kind of structured formal time of prayer. I mean, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 prayer. I mean, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 prayer. I mean, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." So says, "Pray without ceasing." So says, "Pray without ceasing." So obviously this isn't the the only time obviously this isn't the the only time obviously this isn't the the only time that I pray throughout the day. In fact, that I pray throughout the day. In fact, that I pray throughout the day. In fact, I went through a season when I didn't I went through a season when I didn't I went through a season when I didn't even end my morning prayer with amen even end my morning prayer with amen even end my morning prayer with amen because I it was a reminder to me to because I it was a reminder to me to because I it was a reminder to me to continue to just be in prayer. Exactly.

continue to just be in prayer. Exactly. continue to just be in prayer. Exactly. And I wouldn't say it until I went to And I wouldn't say it until I went to And I wouldn't say it until I went to bed, until I prayed um just reflecting bed, until I prayed um just reflecting bed, until I prayed um just reflecting on the day. But I do have a I'm pretty on the day. But I do have a I'm pretty on the day. But I do have a I'm pretty consistent about a morning prayer time. consistent about a morning prayer time. consistent about a morning prayer time. And in this house, it's upstairs. We And in this house, it's upstairs. We And in this house, it's upstairs. We have um kind of a TV family room and have um kind of a TV family room and have um kind of a TV family room and I've got a chair and I I for years have I've got a chair and I I for years have I've got a chair and I I for years have um prayed on my knees. I mean I we can um prayed on my knees. I mean I we can um prayed on my knees. I mean I we can talk about this in a minute, but I mean talk about this in a minute, but I mean talk about this in a minute, but I mean I I had a season that I would I would I I had a season that I would I would I I had a season that I would I would lie on my face uh but I found myself lie on my face uh but I found myself lie on my face uh but I found myself drifting off [laughter] a little. So but drifting off [laughter] a little. So but drifting off [laughter] a little. So but I remember a long time. I know. Well, I remember a long time. I know. Well, I remember a long time. I know. Well, no, I can fall asleep. Craig says it's no, I can fall asleep. Craig says it's no, I can fall asleep. Craig says it's my spiritual gift. I can fall asleep so my spiritual gift. I can fall asleep so my spiritual gift. I can fall asleep so fast. So I do I do get on my knees and I fast. So I do I do get on my knees and I fast. So I do I do get on my knees and I find a ch like I I find a chair and find a ch like I I find a chair and find a ch like I I find a chair and that's just my posture of prayer, right? that's just my posture of prayer, right? that's just my posture of prayer, right? So I find a chair to kind of lean on So I find a chair to kind of lean on So I find a chair to kind of lean on while I'm praying. So it's the morning, while I'm praying. So it's the morning, while I'm praying. So it's the morning, it's upstairs, it's by my comfy chair it's upstairs, it's by my comfy chair it's upstairs, it's by my comfy chair and um yeah, and it just that that and um yeah, and it just that that and um yeah, and it just that that routine in and of itself, having that routine in and of itself, having that routine in and of itself, having that place. Uh when my kids were little, it place. Uh when my kids were little, it place. Uh when my kids were little, it was the dining room and I had a chair was the dining room and I had a chair was the dining room and I had a chair again. I mean, it's just finding that again. I mean, it's just finding that again. I mean, it's just finding that place where you know you're going to go place where you know you're going to go place where you know you're going to go is actually really helpful, isn't it?

is actually really helpful, isn't it? is actually really helpful, isn't it? >> Yeah. It It's almost >> Yeah. It It's almost >> Yeah. It It's almost It just settles you. It just settles you. It just settles you. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I I think into it. You're like, "This is >> I I think into it. You're like, "This is >> I I think into it. You're like, "This is what we do here." what we do here." what we do here." >> Exactly. Exactly. And it just helps you >> Exactly. Exactly. And it just helps you >> Exactly. Exactly. And it just helps you get there quicker than if you were just get there quicker than if you were just get there quicker than if you were just always in a different place or or always in a different place or or always in a different place or or whatever. So, what benefits have you whatever. So, what benefits have you whatever. So, what benefits have you found? Because obviously we're going to found? Because obviously we're going to found? Because obviously we're going to talk about this in a minute. It's or or talk about this in a minute. It's or or talk about this in a minute. It's or or we would probably talk about this in we would probably talk about this in we would probably talk about this in general. It's fine to pray anytime. I general. It's fine to pray anytime. I general. It's fine to pray anytime. I mean like sometimes I mean you you and I mean like sometimes I mean you you and I mean like sometimes I mean you you and I do this all the time when we're just do this all the time when we're just do this all the time when we're just discussing our day and we'll say okay discussing our day and we'll say okay discussing our day and we'll say okay let's pray about that right now. So we let's pray about that right now. So we let's pray about that right now. So we are all for spontaneous prayer like that are all for spontaneous prayer like that are all for spontaneous prayer like that is a good and godly thing to do. Um is a good and godly thing to do. Um is a good and godly thing to do. Um especially when you're getting like an especially when you're getting like an especially when you're getting like an email someone asking to pray or a text email someone asking to pray or a text email someone asking to pray or a text and just pray right then. and just pray right then. and just pray right then. >> But what are some of the benefits you've >> But what are some of the benefits you've >> But what are some of the benefits you've had from taking that structured time? had from taking that structured time? had from taking that structured time? cuz I think it's good to have both. So, cuz I think it's good to have both. So, cuz I think it's good to have both. So, what are some of the benefits you found what are some of the benefits you found what are some of the benefits you found from that? from that? from that? >> Oh, the structure helps and I'm sure >> Oh, the structure helps and I'm sure >> Oh, the structure helps and I'm sure we'll talk about different structures we'll talk about different structures we'll talk about different structures that we've used, but the structure that we've used, but the structure that we've used, but the structure really helps me orient my heart.

really helps me orient my heart. really helps me orient my heart. >> Um, it reminds me to not just and I I >> Um, it reminds me to not just and I I >> Um, it reminds me to not just and I I mean because we will bring kind of this mean because we will bring kind of this mean because we will bring kind of this wish list, this things these things that wish list, this things these things that wish list, this things these things that we need to our father, but it reminds me we need to our father, but it reminds me we need to our father, but it reminds me to not just bring that to him. And I to not just bring that to him. And I to not just bring that to him. And I think I think often of Psalm 100 vers4 think I think often of Psalm 100 vers4 think I think often of Psalm 100 vers4 that says, "Enter his gates with that says, "Enter his gates with that says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. thanksgiving and his courts with praise. thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him. Bless his name." Give thanks to him. Bless his name." Give thanks to him. Bless his name." Which is almost the reverse of those Which is almost the reverse of those Which is almost the reverse of those things. So this idea of praise and things. So this idea of praise and things. So this idea of praise and thanksgiving. thanksgiving. thanksgiving. >> Um so I've long used just acts, >> Um so I've long used just acts, >> Um so I've long used just acts, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. And I I know there are supplication. And I I know there are supplication. And I I know there are many others that is one that has has many others that is one that has has many others that is one that has has really helped me. And so there's the really helped me. And so there's the really helped me. And so there's the structure of the time of day and then structure of the time of day and then structure of the time of day and then there's the structure of actually how I there's the structure of actually how I there's the structure of actually how I pray and that one that adoration, pray and that one that adoration, pray and that one that adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication confession, thanksgiving, supplication confession, thanksgiving, supplication really helps me orient my heart to the really helps me orient my heart to the really helps me orient my heart to the Lord. And it's helped me understand the Lord. And it's helped me understand the Lord. And it's helped me understand the difference between praise and difference between praise and difference between praise and thanksgiving. They're not the same thanksgiving. They're not the same thanksgiving. They're not the same things. And I remember we had a prayer things. And I remember we had a prayer things. And I remember we had a prayer night at church one night and the pastor night at church one night and the pastor night at church one night and the pastor was asking us just to have a time of was asking us just to have a time of was asking us just to have a time of praise and it was just constant praise and it was just constant praise and it was just constant thanksgiving. We thank you for this. We thanksgiving. We thank you for this. We thanksgiving. We thank you for this. We thank you. And it's like no, they're thank you. And it's like no, they're thank you. And it's like no, they're different things. And so to praise God different things. And so to praise God different things. And so to praise God simply for who he is. Like I praise you simply for who he is. Like I praise you simply for who he is. Like I praise you that you are the creator and the that you are the creator and the that you are the creator and the sustainer and the redeemer and the sustainer and the redeemer and the sustainer and the redeemer and the deliverer that you are sovereign over deliverer that you are sovereign over deliverer that you are sovereign over all things. That you are enthroned in all things. That you are enthroned in all things. That you are enthroned in the heavens. like you just praise his the heavens. like you just praise his the heavens. like you just praise his holy name and then I start thanking him

holy name and then I start thanking him holy name and then I start thanking him for what he's done. So one is who he is, for what he's done. So one is who he is, for what he's done. So one is who he is, the other is who he, you know, who he is the other is who he, you know, who he is the other is who he, you know, who he is and then what he's done. And then and then what he's done. And then and then what he's done. And then because I would so I'd be so prone to because I would so I'd be so prone to because I would so I'd be so prone to move right into then supplication or move right into then supplication or move right into then supplication or asking for um but confession because asking for um but confession because asking for um but confession because when you praise him for who he is, then when you praise him for who he is, then when you praise him for who he is, then it reminds me of who I am. And I I think it reminds me of who I am. And I I think it reminds me of who I am. And I I think this prayer that I've prayed almost this prayer that I've prayed almost this prayer that I've prayed almost every morning for a long time and I every morning for a long time and I every morning for a long time and I don't do it as a routine. I do it don't do it as a routine. I do it don't do it as a routine. I do it because my heart just gets there almost because my heart just gets there almost because my heart just gets there almost every morning is every morning is every morning is Lord, I don't love you the way I should Lord, I don't love you the way I should Lord, I don't love you the way I should and I love I I don't love you as much as and I love I I don't love you as much as and I love I I don't love you as much as I should and I love myself more than I I should and I love myself more than I I should and I love myself more than I should. should. should. >> And it's just that confession of like >> And it's just that confession of like >> And it's just that confession of like pure self-centeredness that I need him pure self-centeredness that I need him pure self-centeredness that I need him to like strip me of. Right. Yeah. to like strip me of. Right. Yeah. to like strip me of. Right. Yeah. >> Well, I was just going to say I think >> Well, I was just going to say I think >> Well, I was just going to say I think it's so important. You were talking it's so important. You were talking it's so important. You were talking about the order of those things. This is about the order of those things. This is about the order of those things. This is really interesting. I had never thought really interesting. I had never thought really interesting. I had never thought about this before. You know, you were about this before. You know, you were about this before. You know, you were saying, okay, so our praise is God's saying, okay, so our praise is God's saying, okay, so our praise is God's character. Our thanksgiving is what he's character. Our thanksgiving is what he's character. Our thanksgiving is what he's accomplished in some sense. But I also accomplished in some sense. But I also accomplished in some sense. But I also think and and the order kind of matters.

think and and the order kind of matters. think and and the order kind of matters. I also think it's so important to have I also think it's so important to have I also think it's so important to have confession before supplication. Yes. confession before supplication. Yes. confession before supplication. Yes. >> And here's why. After confession, I'm >> And here's why. After confession, I'm >> And here's why. After confession, I'm praying for different things. praying for different things. praying for different things. That's so good. Melissa comes in with That's so good. Melissa comes in with That's so good. Melissa comes in with supplication first. It's all about my supplication first. It's all about my supplication first. It's all about my will be done. My kingdom come. Thanks will be done. My kingdom come. Thanks will be done. My kingdom come. Thanks Jesus. You know, like honestly, that's Jesus. You know, like honestly, that's Jesus. You know, like honestly, that's how it would start versus, oh, after how it would start versus, oh, after how it would start versus, oh, after I've confessed, I realized, oh, I need I've confessed, I realized, oh, I need I've confessed, I realized, oh, I need to be praying a lot bigger things. I was to be praying a lot bigger things. I was to be praying a lot bigger things. I was praying that, you know, my day would go praying that, you know, my day would go praying that, you know, my day would go well. I need to pray that my heart would well. I need to pray that my heart would well. I need to pray that my heart would be changed, right? And it confession be changed, right? And it confession be changed, right? And it confession kind of tills the soil to change our kind of tills the soil to change our kind of tills the soil to change our supplication in so many ways. Um one one supplication in so many ways. Um one one supplication in so many ways. Um one one thing I pray and I started doing this thing I pray and I started doing this thing I pray and I started doing this years ago when I did KA Arthur's Lord years ago when I did KA Arthur's Lord years ago when I did KA Arthur's Lord teach me to pray in 28 days. I don't teach me to pray in 28 days. I don't teach me to pray in 28 days. I don't know if you ever did that study. I love know if you ever did that study. I love know if you ever did that study. I love it. It goes through the Lord's prayer it. It goes through the Lord's prayer it. It goes through the Lord's prayer >> and that really structured it changed >> and that really structured it changed >> and that really structured it changed how I prayed and it started structuring how I prayed and it started structuring how I prayed and it started structuring my prayer time with beginning with our my prayer time with beginning with our my prayer time with beginning with our father who art in heaven hallowed be father who art in heaven hallowed be father who art in heaven hallowed be your name. So the first thing I your name. So the first thing I your name. So the first thing I sometimes when I I'm because I often sometimes when I I'm because I often sometimes when I I'm because I often will write my prayers out. We'll talk will write my prayers out. We'll talk will write my prayers out. We'll talk about that in a minute. I I'm ready to about that in a minute. I I'm ready to about that in a minute. I I'm ready to go with my list.

go with my list. go with my list. >> Pray for this child. Pray for that >> Pray for this child. Pray for that >> Pray for this child. Pray for that child. Do this. You know what? I got my child. Do this. You know what? I got my child. Do this. You know what? I got my list and it just stops me list and it just stops me list and it just stops me >> and it says Lord may your name be >> and it says Lord may your name be >> and it says Lord may your name be declared holy in the world. declared holy in the world. declared holy in the world. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Like that becomes such a ro but when I >> Like that becomes such a ro but when I >> Like that becomes such a ro but when I really say it when I say it my own words really say it when I say it my own words really say it when I say it my own words may your name be declared holy in the may your name be declared holy in the may your name be declared holy in the whole world. I realize if that would whole world. I realize if that would whole world. I realize if that would happen my prayer list would be gone. happen my prayer list would be gone. happen my prayer list would be gone. Right. Right. Well and even the first Right. Right. Well and even the first Right. Right. Well and even the first three things in the Lord's prayer it's three things in the Lord's prayer it's three things in the Lord's prayer it's his name it's his kingdom and it's his his name it's his kingdom and it's his his name it's his kingdom and it's his will. Well, how much do we want our will. Well, how much do we want our will. Well, how much do we want our name, our kingdom, and our will? Right? name, our kingdom, and our will? Right? name, our kingdom, and our will? Right? And so, it's that reorienting again of And so, it's that reorienting again of And so, it's that reorienting again of like, that's right. I'm not here for my like, that's right. I'm not here for my like, that's right. I'm not here for my name. I'm not here for my kingdom, and name. I'm not here for my kingdom, and name. I'm not here for my kingdom, and I'm not here for my will. It's I I've I'm not here for my will. It's I I've I'm not here for my will. It's I I've said this so many times, but that said this so many times, but that said this so many times, but that question of, you know, we all ask the question of, you know, we all ask the question of, you know, we all ask the Lord, how can my life or what is your Lord, how can my life or what is your Lord, how can my life or what is your will for my life? Like, what is, you will for my life? Like, what is, you will for my life? Like, what is, you know, show me your will for my life? And know, show me your will for my life? And know, show me your will for my life? And the better question, I think, is to ask, the better question, I think, is to ask, the better question, I think, is to ask, "How can my life serve your will?" "How can my life serve your will?" "How can my life serve your will?" because he has a will and he has a because he has a will and he has a because he has a will and he has a kingdom that he's advancing. And it's kingdom that he's advancing. And it's kingdom that he's advancing. And it's not my kingdom and it's not your not my kingdom and it's not your not my kingdom and it's not your kingdom. It's his kingdom that we get to kingdom. It's his kingdom that we get to kingdom. It's his kingdom that we get to tether our lives to. And so I love that tether our lives to. And so I love that tether our lives to. And so I love that even in that like the Lord's prayer, he even in that like the Lord's prayer, he even in that like the Lord's prayer, he just rightly orients us right at the just rightly orients us right at the just rightly orients us right at the beginning that it this is about him.

beginning that it this is about him. beginning that it this is about him. This is about him. Okay. I want to go I This is about him. Okay. I want to go I This is about him. Okay. I want to go I want to ask you a follow-up question to want to ask you a follow-up question to want to ask you a follow-up question to that then because I think so often we that then because I think so often we that then because I think so often we have been taught or there's an entire have been taught or there's an entire have been taught or there's an entire you know theology built around this idea you know theology built around this idea you know theology built around this idea that first of all what is powerful is that first of all what is powerful is that first of all what is powerful is our prayer our prayer our prayer >> and that if we pray in the right way it >> and that if we pray in the right way it >> and that if we pray in the right way it obligates God to answer that prayer obligates God to answer that prayer obligates God to answer that prayer right if we claim it in the name of right if we claim it in the name of right if we claim it in the name of Jesus if we um declare are it to be so Jesus if we um declare are it to be so Jesus if we um declare are it to be so if we declare, you know, victory over if we declare, you know, victory over if we declare, you know, victory over it, then then God is obligated to do it, then then God is obligated to do it, then then God is obligated to do that. And so I think that's a really that. And so I think that's a really that. And so I think that's a really important thing of how prayer is not important thing of how prayer is not important thing of how prayer is not only effective, but it's formative for only effective, but it's formative for only effective, but it's formative for us. And so what like what are your us. And so what like what are your us. And so what like what are your thoughts on this idea that prayer is thoughts on this idea that prayer is thoughts on this idea that prayer is submitting submitting submitting our our our desires to the Lord's versus requiring desires to the Lord's versus requiring desires to the Lord's versus requiring our desires to become the Lord's?

our desires to become the Lord's? our desires to become the Lord's? >> Yeah, I mean that is a great question >> Yeah, I mean that is a great question >> Yeah, I mean that is a great question and and I think we can even say there and and I think we can even say there and and I think we can even say there are certain scriptures that can make us are certain scriptures that can make us are certain scriptures that can make us feel confused when we read them. And and feel confused when we read them. And and feel confused when we read them. And and this is what a really important this is what a really important this is what a really important principle. There are certain scripture principle. There are certain scripture principle. There are certain scripture that say things like if you ask it will that say things like if you ask it will that say things like if you ask it will be given. If you say to this mountain be given. If you say to this mountain be given. If you say to this mountain move into the sea it will be given. move into the sea it will be given. move into the sea it will be given. You're like huh okay I'm not praying big You're like huh okay I'm not praying big You're like huh okay I'm not praying big enough prayers. But then scripture enough prayers. But then scripture enough prayers. But then scripture interprets scripture. So we need to see interprets scripture. So we need to see interprets scripture. So we need to see all of scripture in light of other all of scripture in light of other all of scripture in light of other scriptures because there are other ones scriptures because there are other ones scriptures because there are other ones that say you know as you pray basically that say you know as you pray basically that say you know as you pray basically in the Lord's will it's going to be in the Lord's will it's going to be in the Lord's will it's going to be done. And so it's it's we we have to done. And so it's it's we we have to done. And so it's it's we we have to realize it's not the amount of prayers realize it's not the amount of prayers realize it's not the amount of prayers we give. It's not the faith of the we give. It's not the faith of the we give. It's not the faith of the person praying, person praying, person praying, >> right? Say that again. [laughter] >> right? Say that again. [laughter] >> right? Say that again. [laughter] >> Yeah. It's the object. It's whom we're >> Yeah. It's the object. It's whom we're >> Yeah. It's the object. It's whom we're praying to. He has the power and praise praying to. He has the power and praise praying to. He has the power and praise God, he has the power to take my prayers God, he has the power to take my prayers God, he has the power to take my prayers that would not be good. I mean, there that would not be good. I mean, there that would not be good. I mean, there are things that I'm desperately praying are things that I'm desperately praying are things that I'm desperately praying for that might not be be the best for for that might not be be the best for for that might not be be the best for me, the best for the kingdom, the be, me, the best for the kingdom, the be, me, the best for the kingdom, the be, you know, that that in my limited view, you know, that that in my limited view, you know, that that in my limited view, they look, oh, this needs to happen, they look, oh, this needs to happen, they look, oh, this needs to happen, Lord. How can it not be good that lots Lord. How can it not be good that lots Lord. How can it not be good that lots of women show up for this event, of women show up for this event, of women show up for this event, >> right? How how can that it might not be >> right? How how can that it might not be >> right? How how can that it might not be good there? There are purposes that he good there? There are purposes that he good there? There are purposes that he is wiser than us. And so all of prayer is wiser than us. And so all of prayer is wiser than us. And so all of prayer is a submission to his bigger is a submission to his bigger is a submission to his bigger understanding, his bigger knowledge.

understanding, his bigger knowledge. understanding, his bigger knowledge. It's a it's a right right saying. And I It's a it's a right right saying. And I It's a it's a right right saying. And I think this is why the Lord's prayer think this is why the Lord's prayer think this is why the Lord's prayer begins with thy will be done. Thy begins with thy will be done. Thy begins with thy will be done. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Because we simply actually don't heaven. Because we simply actually don't heaven. Because we simply actually don't know even what to pray for what is best. know even what to pray for what is best. know even what to pray for what is best. And so I'm actually so thankful that the And so I'm actually so thankful that the And so I'm actually so thankful that the Lord is always taking our prayers and he Lord is always taking our prayers and he Lord is always taking our prayers and he is they they do matter. This is the is they they do matter. This is the is they they do matter. This is the thing and and this is the mystery thing and and this is the mystery thing and and this is the mystery because you know I I have gone there because you know I I have gone there because you know I I have gone there with my husband many many times saying with my husband many many times saying with my husband many many times saying if God's sovereign why do we pray? Well if God's sovereign why do we pray? Well if God's sovereign why do we pray? Well because he asked us to because he asked us to because he asked us to >> and if God's not sovereign why would we >> and if God's not sovereign why would we >> and if God's not sovereign why would we pray? Exa. Yes. Yes. Exactly. And pray? Exa. Yes. Yes. Exactly. And pray? Exa. Yes. Yes. Exactly. And somehow they are doing they are somehow they are doing they are somehow they are doing they are effectual. They are actually doing effectual. They are actually doing effectual. They are actually doing things. I don't know how all that works things. I don't know how all that works things. I don't know how all that works because I'm not God. This is the thing because I'm not God. This is the thing because I'm not God. This is the thing prayer teaches us. We're not God. prayer teaches us. We're not God. prayer teaches us. We're not God. Thankfully, he is. And he invites us to Thankfully, he is. And he invites us to Thankfully, he is. And he invites us to come and pray and bring all these come and pray and bring all these come and pray and bring all these requests to him. And it does matter.

requests to him. And it does matter. requests to him. And it does matter. >> Like my lack of prayerfulness is a >> Like my lack of prayerfulness is a >> Like my lack of prayerfulness is a problem. problem. problem. >> Mhm. and my prayerfulness, the Lord does >> Mhm. and my prayerfulness, the Lord does >> Mhm. and my prayerfulness, the Lord does establish his will through the prayers establish his will through the prayers establish his will through the prayers of the saints and yet his his will will of the saints and yet his his will will of the saints and yet his his will will be done. And so all of that gets into be done. And so all of that gets into be done. And so all of that gets into these larger theological conversations, these larger theological conversations, these larger theological conversations, you know, that we have to we have to you know, that we have to we have to you know, that we have to we have to wrestle with. So what do you think about wrestle with. So what do you think about wrestle with. So what do you think about that? How do you I mean because I think that? How do you I mean because I think that? How do you I mean because I think this is one thing that's really hard and this is one thing that's really hard and this is one thing that's really hard and I mean I think we've seen it in really I mean I think we've seen it in really I mean I think we've seen it in really hard places. Um, I can remember hard places. Um, I can remember hard places. Um, I can remember discussing with a friend of mine who was discussing with a friend of mine who was discussing with a friend of mine who was dying of cancer and she had gone to a dying of cancer and she had gone to a dying of cancer and she had gone to a prayer ministry and the prayer ministry prayer ministry and the prayer ministry prayer ministry and the prayer ministry had said, "No, you're going to be had said, "No, you're going to be had said, "No, you're going to be healed." And um, and I I you know, it healed." And um, and I I you know, it healed." And um, and I I you know, it was a really hard conversation. I said, was a really hard conversation. I said, was a really hard conversation. I said, you know, I do believe you'll be healed. you know, I do believe you'll be healed. you know, I do believe you'll be healed. You you may be healed in heaven, the You you may be healed in heaven, the You you may be healed in heaven, the heavenly kingdom. You may be healed heavenly kingdom. You may be healed heavenly kingdom. You may be healed here. I don't believe that their prayer here. I don't believe that their prayer here. I don't believe that their prayer is what is going to heal you, you know, is what is going to heal you, you know, is what is going to heal you, you know, in that moment. The Lord is the one and in that moment. The Lord is the one and in that moment. The Lord is the one and he always answers prayer. He always he always answers prayer. He always he always answers prayer. He always answers prayer. Sometimes it's a yes, answers prayer. Sometimes it's a yes, answers prayer. Sometimes it's a yes, sometimes it's a wait, and sometimes sometimes it's a wait, and sometimes sometimes it's a wait, and sometimes it's a no. But he always answers it. And it's a no. But he always answers it. And it's a no. But he always answers it. And so that idea of receiving his answer. We so that idea of receiving his answer. We so that idea of receiving his answer. We think he only answers it if it's yes think he only answers it if it's yes think he only answers it if it's yes according to our will. But that's just according to our will. But that's just according to our will. But that's just not true. And that's that's not true not true. And that's that's not true not true. And that's that's not true with us with our children. We tell them with us with our children. We tell them with us with our children. We tell them no sometimes. And we want them to accept no sometimes. And we want them to accept no sometimes. And we want them to accept that. And so what I heard you saying that. And so what I heard you saying that. And so what I heard you saying that I just want to reiterate or restate that I just want to reiterate or restate that I just want to reiterate or restate is that the the power of prayer is the

is that the the power of prayer is the is that the the power of prayer is the one to whom we're praying. He is the one to whom we're praying. He is the one to whom we're praying. He is the powerful one. He is the sovereign one. powerful one. He is the sovereign one. powerful one. He is the sovereign one. He is the good one. And he is working He is the good one. And he is working He is the good one. And he is working all things out. And and even when Romans all things out. And and even when Romans all things out. And and even when Romans 8 tells us, you know, his son and his 8 tells us, you know, his son and his 8 tells us, you know, his son and his spirit are interceding for us. I mean spirit are interceding for us. I mean spirit are interceding for us. I mean Jesus and the spirit are constantly Jesus and the spirit are constantly Jesus and the spirit are constantly praying to the father. That's an amazing praying to the father. That's an amazing praying to the father. That's an amazing thing. So prayer matters but we have to thing. So prayer matters but we have to thing. So prayer matters but we have to understand and start accepting all of understand and start accepting all of understand and start accepting all of his answers. Now there are we all have his answers. Now there are we all have his answers. Now there are we all have things I'm sure I have something that things I'm sure I have something that things I'm sure I have something that I've prayed for years and I feel I've prayed for years and I feel I've prayed for years and I feel convicted to continue to pray for it. I convicted to continue to pray for it. I convicted to continue to pray for it. I do think the Lord has said not now do think the Lord has said not now do think the Lord has said not now but I am going to continue to pray for but I am going to continue to pray for but I am going to continue to pray for it. And I think scripture also commends it. And I think scripture also commends it. And I think scripture also commends >> that would be nicer to you. [laughter] >> that would be nicer to you. [laughter] >> that would be nicer to you. [laughter] Well, no. The Lord has said no to that Well, no. The Lord has said no to that Well, no. The Lord has said no to that and so I've stopped praying. and so I've stopped praying. and so I've stopped praying. >> Okay. You just stopped praying for me >> Okay. You just stopped praying for me >> Okay. You just stopped praying for me altogether. I just wanted to get it altogether. I just wanted to get it altogether. I just wanted to get it straight. I was like, "Huh, this straight. I was like, "Huh, this straight. I was like, "Huh, this mysterious something that Courtney's mysterious something that Courtney's mysterious something that Courtney's been praying for.

been praying for. been praying for. >> I will continue to pray for it. I will >> I will continue to pray for it. I will >> I will continue to pray for it. I will continue to pray because I do know." continue to pray because I do know." continue to pray because I do know." [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] But I just think it's really important But I just think it's really important But I just think it's really important to orient even our prayers under that to orient even our prayers under that to orient even our prayers under that concept of, you know, who the Lord is concept of, you know, who the Lord is concept of, you know, who the Lord is and the fact that he is answering. And and the fact that he is answering. And and the fact that he is answering. And again, it's not even the strength of our again, it's not even the strength of our again, it's not even the strength of our faith. It is the strength of our God faith. It is the strength of our God faith. It is the strength of our God that answers. that answers. that answers. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Prayers. Amen. >> Prayers. Amen. >> Prayers. Amen. >> Um, okay. So, we've been talking about >> Um, okay. So, we've been talking about >> Um, okay. So, we've been talking about you didn't did you tell us what you didn't did you tell us what you didn't did you tell us what structure you use to your prayer times structure you use to your prayer times structure you use to your prayer times and then if it's changed? and then if it's changed? and then if it's changed? >> Just kind of the Lord's prayer. I I >> Just kind of the Lord's prayer. I I >> Just kind of the Lord's prayer. I I mean, I will say the biggest thing that mean, I will say the biggest thing that mean, I will say the biggest thing that has structured my prayer life really has structured my prayer life really has structured my prayer life really since I became a Christian. So when I since I became a Christian. So when I since I became a Christian. So when I was 14 or 15, I was doing um I was doing was 14 or 15, I was doing um I was doing was 14 or 15, I was doing um I was doing a daily devotional and there was a week a daily devotional and there was a week a daily devotional and there was a week on the discipline of journaling and on the discipline of journaling and on the discipline of journaling and writing out your prayers. And so I writing out your prayers. And so I writing out your prayers. And so I started it and I just never stopped. I started it and I just never stopped. I started it and I just never stopped. I just kept writing out my prayers. So I just kept writing out my prayers. So I just kept writing out my prayers. So I have prayer journals from 15year-old have prayer journals from 15year-old have prayer journals from 15year-old Melissa that I have never read. I do not Melissa that I have never read. I do not Melissa that I have never read. I do not go back. Some people go back. Um go back. Some people go back. Um go back. Some people go back. Um >> but you have them.

>> but you have them. >> but you have them. >> I have them which is a little >> I have them which is a little >> I have them which is a little terrifying. um because who knows what terrifying. um because who knows what terrifying. um because who knows what 15-year-old Melissa was praying for um 15-year-old Melissa was praying for um 15-year-old Melissa was praying for um back in the day. But I will say this, I back in the day. But I will say this, I back in the day. But I will say this, I don't always go back, but some I I don't always go back, but some I I don't always go back, but some I I rarely go back and like reread them. But rarely go back and like reread them. But rarely go back and like reread them. But sometimes when it's recent history, sometimes when it's recent history, sometimes when it's recent history, >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> and I'm thinking, "Oh, I think I just >> and I'm thinking, "Oh, I think I just >> and I'm thinking, "Oh, I think I just prayed about this." I will go back and prayed about this." I will go back and prayed about this." I will go back and then I will write, then I will write, then I will write, >> "Oh my goodness, the Lord answered >> "Oh my goodness, the Lord answered >> "Oh my goodness, the Lord answered this." You know, and so if I remember to this." You know, and so if I remember to this." You know, and so if I remember to do that, normally it's close close to do that, normally it's close close to do that, normally it's close close to the date. I'll be like, "Oh yeah, this the date. I'll be like, "Oh yeah, this the date. I'll be like, "Oh yeah, this is exactly what we were praying for and is exactly what we were praying for and is exactly what we were praying for and oh my goodness, Lord, you did it." So, I oh my goodness, Lord, you did it." So, I oh my goodness, Lord, you did it." So, I like writing for that reason because the like writing for that reason because the like writing for that reason because the recorded helps me remember and praise recorded helps me remember and praise recorded helps me remember and praise the Lord. I love that. I I know you the Lord. I love that. I I know you the Lord. I love that. I I know you journal and you know that I really journal and you know that I really journal and you know that I really don't. Um I the time but I don't but the don't. Um I the time but I don't but the don't. Um I the time but I don't but the times that I have either through like a times that I have either through like a times that I have either through like a Bible study. I've got all my old Bible Bible study. I've got all my old Bible Bible study. I've got all my old Bible studies down here on the bottom shelf studies down here on the bottom shelf studies down here on the bottom shelf and um I've gone back to ones from 20 and um I've gone back to ones from 20 and um I've gone back to ones from 20 years ago and read prayers that I wrote years ago and read prayers that I wrote years ago and read prayers that I wrote and it's that same thing. It's just that and it's that same thing. It's just that and it's that same thing. It's just that reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord and it helps us to remember the and it helps us to remember the and it helps us to remember the faithfulness of the Lord. I I I have had faithfulness of the Lord. I I I have had faithfulness of the Lord. I I I have had seasons where I would journal it and seasons where I would journal it and seasons where I would journal it and again it helps. It actually is. I don't again it helps. It actually is. I don't again it helps. It actually is. I don't know why I don't do it as a more, you know why I don't do it as a more, you know why I don't do it as a more, you know, regular discipline. I just I just know, regular discipline. I just I just know, regular discipline. I just I just don't. But I do think that um it helps don't. But I do think that um it helps don't. But I do think that um it helps me not only um think through what I'm me not only um think through what I'm me not only um think through what I'm praying, but then see the answers praying, but then see the answers praying, but then see the answers because so often it's so easy to ask the

because so often it's so easy to ask the because so often it's so easy to ask the Lord for something. We all, my whole Lord for something. We all, my whole Lord for something. We all, my whole family was together this past weekend, family was together this past weekend, family was together this past weekend, 24 of us. And of course, I prayed for 24 of us. And of course, I prayed for 24 of us. And of course, I prayed for safe travels for everybody home. Well, safe travels for everybody home. Well, safe travels for everybody home. Well, >> the Lord gave it. The Lord gave it. And >> the Lord gave it. The Lord gave it. And >> the Lord gave it. The Lord gave it. And so I'm just like to stop and thank him so I'm just like to stop and thank him so I'm just like to stop and thank him for it, which is one reason that I then for it, which is one reason that I then for it, which is one reason that I then pray again before I go to bed, pray again before I go to bed, pray again before I go to bed, reflecting on the day, reflecting on my reflecting on the day, reflecting on my reflecting on the day, reflecting on my prayers that morning in order to prayers that morning in order to prayers that morning in order to remember like what the Lord has done and remember like what the Lord has done and remember like what the Lord has done and the prayers that he's that he's the prayers that he's that he's the prayers that he's that he's answered. Um, okay. One thing I love answered. Um, okay. One thing I love answered. Um, okay. One thing I love that you talked about earlier is that that you talked about earlier is that that you talked about earlier is that you pray on your knees. Um, I rarely do you pray on your knees. Um, I rarely do you pray on your knees. Um, I rarely do that. I'll just admit it. I'm like, "Oo, that. I'll just admit it. I'm like, "Oo, that. I'll just admit it. I'm like, "Oo, that's really good." partn that's really good." partn that's really good." partn that counterbalances. You journal. I that counterbalances. You journal. I that counterbalances. You journal. I pray on my knees. pray on my knees. pray on my knees. >> I journal on my knees. Flexibility. >> I journal on my knees. Flexibility. >> I journal on my knees. Flexibility. We're getting older. That's going to be We're getting older. That's going to be We're getting older. That's going to be harder and harder. But do you pray out harder and harder. But do you pray out harder and harder. But do you pray out loud when you do that or are you praying loud when you do that or are you praying loud when you do that or are you praying quietly? How what do you do? quietly? How what do you do? quietly? How what do you do? >> I actually do pray out loud. Um now I >> I actually do pray out loud. Um now I >> I actually do pray out loud. Um now I don't It might just be a whisper or it don't It might just be a whisper or it don't It might just be a whisper or it really helps me stay engaged. It really really helps me stay engaged. It really really helps me stay engaged. It really helps me stay awake. I I do I do pray helps me stay awake. I I do I do pray helps me stay awake. I I do I do pray out loud. And I was thinking about this out loud. And I was thinking about this out loud. And I was thinking about this the other day. I used to I pray in the the other day. I used to I pray in the the other day. I used to I pray in the car sometimes and when cell phones first car sometimes and when cell phones first car sometimes and when cell phones first came out, I was embarrassed to be came out, I was embarrassed to be came out, I was embarrassed to be talking in my in my car. I would pick up talking in my in my car. I would pick up talking in my in my car. I would pick up my phone and I would pretend to be on my my phone and I would pretend to be on my my phone and I would pretend to be on my phone while I prayed because I didn't phone while I prayed because I didn't phone while I prayed because I didn't want anybody driving by, right? Thinking want anybody driving by, right? Thinking want anybody driving by, right? Thinking I was really weird, which we all know

I was really weird, which we all know I was really weird, which we all know probably didn't work. Um, but I do pray probably didn't work. Um, but I do pray probably didn't work. Um, but I do pray out loud. What about you? That's out loud. What about you? That's out loud. What about you? That's actually so good. I just love thinking actually so good. I just love thinking actually so good. I just love thinking of you in your car just praying. Why not of you in your car just praying. Why not of you in your car just praying. Why not pray in your car? pray in your car? pray in your car? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, I mean, that's again, it just >> You know, I mean, that's again, it just >> You know, I mean, that's again, it just makes that Oh, now everybody would just makes that Oh, now everybody would just makes that Oh, now everybody would just think you're talking to your hands free. think you're talking to your hands free. think you're talking to your hands free. So, So, So, >> keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes >> keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes >> keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes open. open. open. >> Yeah, you're totally fine. Yeah, keep >> Yeah, you're totally fine. Yeah, keep >> Yeah, you're totally fine. Yeah, keep your eyes open. That's good. But, um I I your eyes open. That's good. But, um I I your eyes open. That's good. But, um I I think praying out loud when I'm not think praying out loud when I'm not think praying out loud when I'm not writing, that's that's what I do. Like writing, that's that's what I do. Like writing, that's that's what I do. Like when I just feel like I just can't write when I just feel like I just can't write when I just feel like I just can't write this out today. Yeah. Whatever. I pray this out today. Yeah. Whatever. I pray this out today. Yeah. Whatever. I pray out loud because it keeps me focused. I out loud because it keeps me focused. I out loud because it keeps me focused. I mean, it is really hard to close my eyes mean, it is really hard to close my eyes mean, it is really hard to close my eyes and pray. and pray. and pray. >> Yes. And not just get distracted. I >> Yes. And not just get distracted. I >> Yes. And not just get distracted. I know. I just wander off. I feel like my know. I just wander off. I feel like my know. I just wander off. I feel like my mind is just weak in that and it drives mind is just weak in that and it drives mind is just weak in that and it drives me crazy. Okay. Speaking of me crazy. Okay. Speaking of me crazy. Okay. Speaking of >> No, I was going to ask you, do you use >> No, I was going to ask you, do you use >> No, I was going to ask you, do you use lists? lists? lists? >> Does that help you stay organized? >> Does that help you stay organized? >> Does that help you stay organized? >> Oh, that Yes. Okay, let's talk about >> Oh, that Yes. Okay, let's talk about >> Oh, that Yes. Okay, let's talk about list. That's a good question. Let's talk list. That's a good question. Let's talk list. That's a good question. Let's talk about list. I like list. Um, about list. I like list. Um, about list. I like list. Um, and I like them, we use them at family and I like them, we use them at family and I like them, we use them at family devotions, like that was always a devotions, like that was always a devotions, like that was always a helpful way and to stay on task and we helpful way and to stay on task and we helpful way and to stay on task and we would pray for one member of the family.

would pray for one member of the family. would pray for one member of the family. We'd pray for um something going on in We'd pray for um something going on in We'd pray for um something going on in the world, you know, that was happening, the world, you know, that was happening, the world, you know, that was happening, a current event. We'd pray for one a current event. We'd pray for one a current event. We'd pray for one leader in our life because the leader in our life because the leader in our life because the scriptures tell us pray for your scriptures tell us pray for your scriptures tell us pray for your leaders. And then we pray for leaders. And then we pray for leaders. And then we pray for missionaries that we supported. And what missionaries that we supported. And what missionaries that we supported. And what I love about that looking back is when I love about that looking back is when I love about that looking back is when those missionaries came to visit, our those missionaries came to visit, our those missionaries came to visit, our kids knew who so and so from Thailand kids knew who so and so from Thailand kids knew who so and so from Thailand was, they knew who so and so from Prague was, they knew who so and so from Prague was, they knew who so and so from Prague was. Like they were excited to hear that was. Like they were excited to hear that was. Like they were excited to hear that missions update because they'd been missions update because they'd been missions update because they'd been praying for them. And so it it was a way praying for them. And so it it was a way praying for them. And so it it was a way of, you know, connecting them to the of, you know, connecting them to the of, you know, connecting them to the Lord and asking the Lord to do things, Lord and asking the Lord to do things, Lord and asking the Lord to do things, but also connecting them to the body and but also connecting them to the body and but also connecting them to the body and what's happening in the world. And I'll what's happening in the world. And I'll what's happening in the world. And I'll be honest, I don't just remember to do be honest, I don't just remember to do be honest, I don't just remember to do that without a list. that without a list. that without a list. >> Right. Right. >> Right. Right. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. What about you? Do you ever use >> Yeah. What about you? Do you ever use >> Yeah. What about you? Do you ever use list? list? list? >> I do. I'm just like, that's just so >> I do. I'm just like, that's just so >> I do. I'm just like, that's just so good. We did not do that uh growing up. good. We did not do that uh growing up. good. We did not do that uh growing up. I feel like most of the prayers that I I feel like most of the prayers that I I feel like most of the prayers that I just sort of let the kids pray were just sort of let the kids pray were just sort of let the kids pray were like, "Help me have a good day." You like, "Help me have a good day." You like, "Help me have a good day." You know, [laughter] basically, I didn't I know, [laughter] basically, I didn't I know, [laughter] basically, I didn't I didn't do a great job with that. Um but didn't do a great job with that. Um but didn't do a great job with that. Um but I do my family alone makes it really I do my family alone makes it really I do my family alone makes it really easy. I have four children and one easy. I have four children and one easy. I have four children and one husband, so that's five five days of the husband, so that's five five days of the husband, so that's five five days of the week. So Craig gets prayed for on week. So Craig gets prayed for on week. So Craig gets prayed for on Monday. my oldest on Tuesday. I mean, Monday. my oldest on Tuesday. I mean, Monday. my oldest on Tuesday. I mean, it's it's been that way for years. And it's it's been that way for years. And it's it's been that way for years. And so, even as they've gotten married and so, even as they've gotten married and so, even as they've gotten married and had kids, I just put all of that family had kids, I just put all of that family had kids, I just put all of that family group on that on that day. And then, you group on that on that day. And then, you group on that on that day. And then, you know, we have taken co-workers prayer know, we have taken co-workers prayer know, we have taken co-workers prayer cards and I I keep those in my Bible. Um

cards and I I keep those in my Bible. Um cards and I I keep those in my Bible. Um I keep them as the bookmarkers for my I keep them as the bookmarkers for my I keep them as the bookmarkers for my Old Testament, New Testament reading. Old Testament, New Testament reading. Old Testament, New Testament reading. And then I pick a day of the week to And then I pick a day of the week to And then I pick a day of the week to pray for them. So again, like that pray for them. So again, like that pray for them. So again, like that person gets Thursday and that's just person gets Thursday and that's just person gets Thursday and that's just when I pray for them. Um, so that really when I pray for them. Um, so that really when I pray for them. Um, so that really helps me and and I think that idea of helps me and and I think that idea of helps me and and I think that idea of categories like you said, not just list categories like you said, not just list categories like you said, not just list of who we pray for, but categories of of who we pray for, but categories of of who we pray for, but categories of what we're praying. So missionaries, what we're praying. So missionaries, what we're praying. So missionaries, current events, leaders, family. I current events, leaders, family. I current events, leaders, family. I really like that. That is I think those really like that. That is I think those really like that. That is I think those structures for my personality, those structures for my personality, those structures for my personality, those really those really help me. Um, but if really those really help me. Um, but if really those really help me. Um, but if you have a list, so we have like you have a list, so we have like you have a list, so we have like co-workers and I commit to a year of of co-workers and I commit to a year of of co-workers and I commit to a year of of praying for them when I have those praying for them when I have those praying for them when I have those cards. I feel so guilty when that year cards. I feel so guilty when that year cards. I feel so guilty when that year is up. Like I don't even know what to do is up. Like I don't even know what to do is up. Like I don't even know what to do with the card. I feel like it's with the card. I feel like it's with the card. I feel like it's sacriiggious to throw it away. I feel sacriiggious to throw it away. I feel sacriiggious to throw it away. I feel like I shouldn't stop praying for them. like I shouldn't stop praying for them. like I shouldn't stop praying for them. So, how do you how do you take someone So, how do you how do you take someone So, how do you how do you take someone off the list? Okay, I have an idea for off the list? Okay, I have an idea for off the list? Okay, I have an idea for you. Okay, I do have an idea because you. Okay, I do have an idea because you. Okay, I do have an idea because this is I used to do this with my this is I used to do this with my this is I used to do this with my women's ministry team. So, this is women's ministry team. So, this is women's ministry team. So, this is actually a really helpful actually a really helpful actually a really helpful thing to discuss. How do you if you're thing to discuss. How do you if you're thing to discuss. How do you if you're like a women's ministry leader in your like a women's ministry leader in your like a women's ministry leader in your church, how do you pray for the other church, how do you pray for the other church, how do you pray for the other women's ministry leaders in your in your women's ministry leaders in your in your women's ministry leaders in your in your environment? That's basically what we do environment? That's basically what we do environment? That's basically what we do as a staff. And so, I did I would give as a staff. And so, I did I would give as a staff. And so, I did I would give them those cards once a year. And so, them those cards once a year. And so, them those cards once a year. And so, for my just my leadership team, I would for my just my leadership team, I would for my just my leadership team, I would take if there were 15 women on that take if there were 15 women on that take if there were 15 women on that team, I would take all their cards and I team, I would take all their cards and I team, I would take all their cards and I asked them like four questions. We do asked them like four questions. We do asked them like four questions. We do this exact same thing with our our team

this exact same thing with our our team this exact same thing with our our team here. Um, usually it's like one ministry here. Um, usually it's like one ministry here. Um, usually it's like one ministry thing they have going on to pray for, thing they have going on to pray for, thing they have going on to pray for, one family situation maybe they want one family situation maybe they want one family situation maybe they want prayer for, one area of spiritual growth prayer for, one area of spiritual growth prayer for, one area of spiritual growth that they'd like to grow. And if there's that they'd like to grow. And if there's that they'd like to grow. And if there's a verse or something they want us to a verse or something they want us to a verse or something they want us to pray for them anyway. So we even give pray for them anyway. So we even give pray for them anyway. So we even give them some structure in that. So because them some structure in that. So because them some structure in that. So because sometimes when you ask someone, how sometimes when you ask someone, how sometimes when you ask someone, how could I pray for you for a year? They could I pray for you for a year? They could I pray for you for a year? They freeze up. I freeze up. So we give them freeze up. I freeze up. So we give them freeze up. I freeze up. So we give them something to help them. And then what I something to help them. And then what I something to help them. And then what I started doing at the end of that year is started doing at the end of that year is started doing at the end of that year is I would actually give the card back to I would actually give the card back to I would actually give the card back to them. And let me say that was always them. And let me say that was always them. And let me say that was always really significant for the women because really significant for the women because really significant for the women because it was like, oh, look at what the Lord it was like, oh, look at what the Lord it was like, oh, look at what the Lord did, did, did, >> right? We got through that or I did get >> right? We got through that or I did get >> right? We got through that or I did get teaching opportunities in my church this teaching opportunities in my church this teaching opportunities in my church this year. year. year. >> That is something I can do. I've got my >> That is something I can do. I've got my >> That is something I can do. I've got my Bible right here and I've got some cards Bible right here and I've got some cards Bible right here and I've got some cards in it that I'm going to be mailing back in it that I'm going to be mailing back in it that I'm going to be mailing back to people and and and I think it it will to people and and and I think it it will to people and and and I think it it will say to them, "Oh my goodness, Courtney say to them, "Oh my goodness, Courtney say to them, "Oh my goodness, Courtney was praying this for me all this year was praying this for me all this year was praying this for me all this year and that's why the Lord did it." So it and that's why the Lord did it." So it and that's why the Lord did it." So it [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] and I think sometimes people hesitate to and I think sometimes people hesitate to and I think sometimes people hesitate to tell others, "I've been praying for tell others, "I've been praying for tell others, "I've been praying for you." In fact, I got a text yesterday you." In fact, I got a text yesterday you." In fact, I got a text yesterday from a woman who has a wonderful from a woman who has a wonderful from a woman who has a wonderful ministry. Um and it was the sweetest ministry. Um and it was the sweetest ministry. Um and it was the sweetest thing. She texted me and she texted me thing. She texted me and she texted me thing. She texted me and she texted me from her journal that she had been from her journal that she had been from her journal that she had been praying for us for um TGCW24 praying for us for um TGCW24 praying for us for um TGCW24 exactly a year ago exactly a year ago exactly a year ago >> and she showed me the written out prayer >> and she showed me the written out prayer >> and she showed me the written out prayer that she had been praying for us and I

that she had been praying for us and I that she had been praying for us and I could see someone might be hesitant to could see someone might be hesitant to could see someone might be hesitant to send that and be like oh I don't you send that and be like oh I don't you send that and be like oh I don't you know she sent it and for me it is like know she sent it and for me it is like know she sent it and for me it is like Paul telling Paul telling Paul telling Timothy hey I've been praying for you Timothy hey I've been praying for you Timothy hey I've been praying for you because this was an older woman saying because this was an older woman saying because this was an older woman saying it to me and it was the kindest thing to it to me and it was the kindest thing to it to me and it was the kindest thing to hear, oh, you've been praying for me. hear, oh, you've been praying for me. hear, oh, you've been praying for me. So, when you send those cards back to So, when you send those cards back to So, when you send those cards back to these women, it really is what Paul and these women, it really is what Paul and these women, it really is what Paul and Timothy did. I think sometimes we shy Timothy did. I think sometimes we shy Timothy did. I think sometimes we shy away from doing that, you know, because away from doing that, you know, because away from doing that, you know, because our prayers should be secret. There's a our prayers should be secret. There's a our prayers should be secret. There's a rightness to that. rightness to that. rightness to that. >> You know, we don't have to tell people >> You know, we don't have to tell people >> You know, we don't have to tell people every time we're praying for something, every time we're praying for something, every time we're praying for something, >> but Paul regularly said, "Hey, I'm >> but Paul regularly said, "Hey, I'm >> but Paul regularly said, "Hey, I'm praying for you." And what that does is praying for you." And what that does is praying for you." And what that does is it's a reminder when to pray. It's a it's a reminder when to pray. It's a it's a reminder when to pray. It's a what a care. Like I feel so loved when what a care. Like I feel so loved when what a care. Like I feel so loved when someone tells me they're praying for me. someone tells me they're praying for me. someone tells me they're praying for me. Even when it's Courtney for years and Even when it's Courtney for years and Even when it's Courtney for years and years and it's not being answered, I years and it's not being answered, I years and it's not being answered, I [laughter] feel really loved by that. Um [laughter] feel really loved by that. Um [laughter] feel really loved by that. Um and so I think it's I think it's a great and so I think it's I think it's a great and so I think it's I think it's a great way for us to do it. But if you are a way for us to do it. But if you are a way for us to do it. But if you are a women on woman on leadership, I think women on woman on leadership, I think women on woman on leadership, I think what Courtney was talking about keeping what Courtney was talking about keeping what Courtney was talking about keeping those prayers of your team because those prayers of your team because those prayers of your team because sometimes you might say, "How can I care sometimes you might say, "How can I care sometimes you might say, "How can I care for these women who are serving others?"

for these women who are serving others?" for these women who are serving others?" >> Pray for them. >> Pray for them. >> Pray for them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Pray for them. pray for their lives. >> Pray for them. pray for their lives. >> Pray for them. pray for their lives. >> I know that's really I love that. That >> I know that's really I love that. That >> I know that's really I love that. That is really really beautiful. is really really beautiful. is really really beautiful. >> Um, okay. Well, back to immediate family >> Um, okay. Well, back to immediate family >> Um, okay. Well, back to immediate family members though because we do have a members though because we do have a members though because we do have a couple resources to recommend that you couple resources to recommend that you couple resources to recommend that you have written that are so helpful. So, have written that are so helpful. So, have written that are so helpful. So, you wrote two small books, five things you wrote two small books, five things you wrote two small books, five things to pray for your kids, five things to to pray for your kids, five things to to pray for your kids, five things to pray for your spouse. It's a series of pray for your spouse. It's a series of pray for your spouse. It's a series of other small books that are five things. other small books that are five things. other small books that are five things. Are they all five things to pray? Yes, Are they all five things to pray? Yes, Are they all five things to pray? Yes, they have they have every five things to they have they have every five things to they have they have every five things to pray for your church, five things to pray for your church, five things to pray for your church, five things to pray for someone who's hurting or pray for someone who's hurting or pray for someone who's hurting or something like you know suffering in something like you know suffering in something like you know suffering in some way. They are great. What I love some way. They are great. What I love some way. They are great. What I love about them and I say this because I did about them and I say this because I did about them and I say this because I did not come up with this series. I just got not come up with this series. I just got not come up with this series. I just got to participate in it. You're you're to participate in it. You're you're to participate in it. You're you're praying through a p passage of praying through a p passage of praying through a p passage of scripture, those five things. So scripture, those five things. So scripture, those five things. So everything in them is just a scripture. everything in them is just a scripture. everything in them is just a scripture. You pray for them and then it's written You pray for them and then it's written You pray for them and then it's written out so you can pray it. out so you can pray it. out so you can pray it. Honestly, it's the only one of my books Honestly, it's the only one of my books Honestly, it's the only one of my books that I ever look at. [laughter] >> Right. I keep those beside my Bible and >> Right. I keep those beside my Bible and I will pull them out and pray them for I will pull them out and pray them for I will pull them out and pray them for my kid. I do I do have to admit I use my kid. I do I do have to admit I use my kid. I do I do have to admit I use the one for my kids more than my the one for my kids more than my the one for my kids more than my husband. Right. [laughter] You know, husband. Right. [laughter] You know, husband. Right. [laughter] You know, that was one of the first books of that was one of the first books of that was one of the first books of prayer I ever read was the uh Stormy prayer I ever read was the uh Stormy prayer I ever read was the uh Stormy Omarian. Is that book? And I just Omarian. Is that book? And I just Omarian. Is that book? And I just remember the first sentence in the remember the first sentence in the remember the first sentence in the introduction was um you're here because introduction was um you're here because introduction was um you're here because you think your spouse, it was something you think your spouse, it was something you think your spouse, it was something you I'm botching it, but you you're here you I'm botching it, but you you're here you I'm botching it, but you you're here because you think your spouse needs to

because you think your spouse needs to because you think your spouse needs to change and yet you're the one that's change and yet you're the one that's change and yet you're the one that's here. You're the one the Lord's brought here. You're the one the Lord's brought here. You're the one the Lord's brought here. And I just remember the conviction here. And I just remember the conviction here. And I just remember the conviction of that of like, oh, that is so right. of that of like, oh, that is so right. of that of like, oh, that is so right. But but resources help us. I know But but resources help us. I know But but resources help us. I know parenting with hope offers some ways to parenting with hope offers some ways to parenting with hope offers some ways to pray together as a family. I love Nancy pray together as a family. I love Nancy pray together as a family. I love Nancy Guthri's book, I'm praying for you, Guthri's book, I'm praying for you, Guthri's book, I'm praying for you, because again, it's just scripture. I because again, it's just scripture. I because again, it's just scripture. I use I haven't I don't think I've use I haven't I don't think I've use I haven't I don't think I've mentioned this, but I do use um Piercing mentioned this, but I do use um Piercing mentioned this, but I do use um Piercing Heaven, Prayers of the Puritans every Heaven, Prayers of the Puritans every Heaven, Prayers of the Puritans every morning. So, my rhythm is I read a morning. So, my rhythm is I read a morning. So, my rhythm is I read a prayer of the Puritan and then I pray prayer of the Puritan and then I pray prayer of the Puritan and then I pray and then I read scripture and then I and then I read scripture and then I and then I read scripture and then I pray. That's kind of my rhythm. And the pray. That's kind of my rhythm. And the pray. That's kind of my rhythm. And the the prayers of the Puritans just have the prayers of the Puritans just have the prayers of the Puritans just have given me new vocabulary, new given me new vocabulary, new given me new vocabulary, new things to pray for. And in some ways I things to pray for. And in some ways I things to pray for. And in some ways I would say just better things to pray would say just better things to pray would say just better things to pray for. Um instead of just getting what I for. Um instead of just getting what I for. Um instead of just getting what I want instead conform Christ in me. Um want instead conform Christ in me. Um want instead conform Christ in me. Um instead of making you know remove my instead of making you know remove my instead of making you know remove my suffering instead make me somebody who suffering instead make me somebody who suffering instead make me somebody who can endure. Like it's it's teaching me can endure. Like it's it's teaching me can endure. Like it's it's teaching me how to pray. And so I think resources, how to pray. And so I think resources, how to pray. And so I think resources, especially when, like you said, um the especially when, like you said, um the especially when, like you said, um the the five things to pray books and the five things to pray books and the five things to pray books and anything that's giving us scripture to anything that's giving us scripture to anything that's giving us scripture to pray is actually pray is actually pray is actually forming us into kind of better prayers, forming us into kind of better prayers, forming us into kind of better prayers, which sounds a little silly, but I I which sounds a little silly, but I I which sounds a little silly, but I I want to be a better prayer. Um so often, want to be a better prayer. Um so often, want to be a better prayer. Um so often, you know, I just feel at a loss for you know, I just feel at a loss for you know, I just feel at a loss for words. And again, I'll just remind words. And again, I'll just remind words. And again, I'll just remind everybody that that's when I remind everybody that that's when I remind everybody that that's when I remind myself that the son and the spirit are

myself that the son and the spirit are myself that the son and the spirit are interceding for me when I don't have interceding for me when I don't have interceding for me when I don't have words. But it's beautiful to learn words. But it's beautiful to learn words. But it's beautiful to learn words, too. That's that makes me think words, too. That's that makes me think words, too. That's that makes me think too. We talk we talk most things on too. We talk we talk most things on too. We talk we talk most things on here, you know, we've talked about aging here, you know, we've talked about aging here, you know, we've talked about aging is a disciplehip issue. We've talked is a disciplehip issue. We've talked is a disciplehip issue. We've talked about all these things. Prayer is a about all these things. Prayer is a about all these things. Prayer is a disciplehip issue. disciplehip issue. disciplehip issue. >> So, >> So, >> So, do you structure times to pray with do you structure times to pray with do you structure times to pray with others? How what are some positive ways others? How what are some positive ways others? How what are some positive ways we could do that in our life? I mean, I we could do that in our life? I mean, I we could do that in our life? I mean, I think that the most simple thing is like think that the most simple thing is like think that the most simple thing is like we pray before we eat a meal, you know? we pray before we eat a meal, you know? we pray before we eat a meal, you know? So, if you and I are out, we just say a So, if you and I are out, we just say a So, if you and I are out, we just say a simple prayer. And, you know, there simple prayer. And, you know, there simple prayer. And, you know, there there's a thanksgiving aspect to that. there's a thanksgiving aspect to that. there's a thanksgiving aspect to that. Um, there could be confession. Um, there could be confession. Um, there could be confession. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Please forgive me for ordering that. >> Please forgive me for ordering that. >> Please forgive me for ordering that. [laughter] I don't know. But it, you [laughter] I don't know. But it, you [laughter] I don't know. But it, you know, there's but that's a structure know, there's but that's a structure know, there's but that's a structure that many people have added to their that many people have added to their that many people have added to their life that keeps them praying because if life that keeps them praying because if life that keeps them praying because if you just pray for your meals, that's you just pray for your meals, that's you just pray for your meals, that's three times a day that you're praying. three times a day that you're praying. three times a day that you're praying. Um, what benefits have you found from Um, what benefits have you found from Um, what benefits have you found from praying with others? And how has that praying with others? And how has that praying with others? And how has that structure helped grow your friendship?

structure helped grow your friendship? structure helped grow your friendship? How has structure helped grow intimacy How has structure helped grow intimacy How has structure helped grow intimacy like in a small group? I don't know. like in a small group? I don't know. like in a small group? I don't know. Have you seen that happen? I have. I Have you seen that happen? I have. I Have you seen that happen? I have. I think that so often we say to one think that so often we say to one think that so often we say to one another, you know, would you pray for me another, you know, would you pray for me another, you know, would you pray for me or I'll pray for you in that? And then or I'll pray for you in that? And then or I'll pray for you in that? And then we don't when the better thing I think we don't when the better thing I think we don't when the better thing I think so often, not every time, again, this is so often, not every time, again, this is so often, not every time, again, this is not prescriptive or legalistic, but so not prescriptive or legalistic, but so not prescriptive or legalistic, but so often the better thing is to say, "Can often the better thing is to say, "Can often the better thing is to say, "Can we pray right now? Can we pray right we pray right now? Can we pray right we pray right now? Can we pray right here?" And depending on the friend, I'll here?" And depending on the friend, I'll here?" And depending on the friend, I'll say, "Would you be comfortable with me say, "Would you be comfortable with me say, "Would you be comfortable with me praying for you right now? I can I'm praying for you right now? I can I'm praying for you right now? I can I'm happy to do it, you know, when I leave, happy to do it, you know, when I leave, happy to do it, you know, when I leave, when I get in my car, but if you're when I get in my car, but if you're when I get in my car, but if you're okay, I'd love to pray for you right okay, I'd love to pray for you right okay, I'd love to pray for you right now. now. now. >> And and that just there's something the >> And and that just there's something the >> And and that just there's something the immediaccy of it that is first of all, immediaccy of it that is first of all, immediaccy of it that is first of all, if I tell somebody I'm going to pray for if I tell somebody I'm going to pray for if I tell somebody I'm going to pray for them, I years ago was convicted deep in them, I years ago was convicted deep in them, I years ago was convicted deep in my soul that I I want to be a truth. I my soul that I I want to be a truth. I my soul that I I want to be a truth. I want to do what I say I'm going to do. want to do what I say I'm going to do. want to do what I say I'm going to do. And so doing it immediately actually And so doing it immediately actually And so doing it immediately actually really helps. Um I don't want to forget. really helps. Um I don't want to forget. really helps. Um I don't want to forget. I don't want it to drift away. But then I don't want it to drift away. But then I don't want it to drift away. But then to pray with them is a it's a it's a to pray with them is a it's a it's a to pray with them is a it's a it's a beautiful thing. Now I will say that beautiful thing. Now I will say that beautiful thing. Now I will say that there's a challenge in praying with there's a challenge in praying with there's a challenge in praying with others or praying out loud in a group.

others or praying out loud in a group. others or praying out loud in a group. And I sometimes feel more distant in my And I sometimes feel more distant in my And I sometimes feel more distant in my prayers at that time. Like I don't know prayers at that time. Like I don't know prayers at that time. Like I don't know what it is. I've tried to figure it out. what it is. I've tried to figure it out. what it is. I've tried to figure it out. It's not it's not like a performance. It's not it's not like a performance. It's not it's not like a performance. It's not um like I'm trying to I just It's not um like I'm trying to I just It's not um like I'm trying to I just sometimes feel sometimes feel sometimes feel just more distant from the Lord when I'm just more distant from the Lord when I'm just more distant from the Lord when I'm praying. And maybe it is because I'm praying. And maybe it is because I'm praying. And maybe it is because I'm trying to think of the words and I don't trying to think of the words and I don't trying to think of the words and I don't worry about that so much when I'm just worry about that so much when I'm just worry about that so much when I'm just here in the room by myself. But um but here in the room by myself. But um but here in the room by myself. But um but it's it's something I want to um I want it's it's something I want to um I want it's it's something I want to um I want there to be a a smaller and smaller gap there to be a a smaller and smaller gap there to be a a smaller and smaller gap between how I pray when I'm by myself between how I pray when I'm by myself between how I pray when I'm by myself and how I pray when I'm with others. And and how I pray when I'm with others. And and how I pray when I'm with others. And so I think that that's um it's just so I think that that's um it's just so I think that that's um it's just something worth like reflecting on, something worth like reflecting on, something worth like reflecting on, something I reflect on in my own life. something I reflect on in my own life. something I reflect on in my own life. But I want to get to this too. I want to But I want to get to this too. I want to But I want to get to this too. I want to ask you about your Bible reading and how ask you about your Bible reading and how ask you about your Bible reading and how does that influence your prayer time? does that influence your prayer time? does that influence your prayer time? How does do the two things interact with How does do the two things interact with How does do the two things interact with each other? Is there, you know, does each other? Is there, you know, does each other? Is there, you know, does your Bible reading inform your prayer your Bible reading inform your prayer your Bible reading inform your prayer time? I can say this is something I'm time? I can say this is something I'm time? I can say this is something I'm trying to grow in and and it is it's trying to grow in and and it is it's trying to grow in and and it is it's also kind of um that intersection also kind of um that intersection also kind of um that intersection between the word we read and the spirit between the word we read and the spirit between the word we read and the spirit and and just saying Lord bring to mind and and just saying Lord bring to mind and and just saying Lord bring to mind as I'm reading what I should pray as I'm reading what I should pray as I'm reading what I should pray because sometimes the application is oh because sometimes the application is oh because sometimes the application is oh I need to change I need to do something I need to change I need to do something I need to change I need to do something different you know I need to hear I need different you know I need to hear I need different you know I need to hear I need to believe differently about the Lord I to believe differently about the Lord I to believe differently about the Lord I need to remember the truth of scripture need to remember the truth of scripture need to remember the truth of scripture but sometimes I really believe we're in but sometimes I really believe we're in but sometimes I really believe we're in scripture specifically because the Lord

scripture specifically because the Lord scripture specifically because the Lord is giving us the words to pray for a is giving us the words to pray for a is giving us the words to pray for a person in our life. And I I'm getting person in our life. And I I'm getting person in our life. And I I'm getting better at this. I want to keep growing better at this. I want to keep growing better at this. I want to keep growing at this. Just taking the time after I at this. Just taking the time after I at this. Just taking the time after I read whatever the passage is for today, read whatever the passage is for today, read whatever the passage is for today, whatever maybe my daily light reading is whatever maybe my daily light reading is whatever maybe my daily light reading is for the day, and saying, for the day, and saying, for the day, and saying, >> "Lord, who do I need to pray these >> "Lord, who do I need to pray these >> "Lord, who do I need to pray these scriptures for today?" scriptures for today?" scriptures for today?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and then maybe they didn't just tell >> And and then maybe they didn't just tell >> And and then maybe they didn't just tell me. I don't know if you've ever done me. I don't know if you've ever done me. I don't know if you've ever done this. Sometimes I just feel like, "Hey, this. Sometimes I just feel like, "Hey, this. Sometimes I just feel like, "Hey, this person just keeps coming to mind this person just keeps coming to mind this person just keeps coming to mind again and again." And I I'm like, "Okay, again and again." And I I'm like, "Okay, again and again." And I I'm like, "Okay, I'm going to pray this." And I will tell I'm going to pray this." And I will tell I'm going to pray this." And I will tell them, "Hey, I don't know what's going on them, "Hey, I don't know what's going on them, "Hey, I don't know what's going on today, but I am praying these verses for today, but I am praying these verses for today, but I am praying these verses for you." And it's amazing. Then you get to you." And it's amazing. Then you get to you." And it's amazing. Then you get to see the spirit is doing things. see the spirit is doing things. see the spirit is doing things. >> You He's raising me up to pray for this >> You He's raising me up to pray for this >> You He's raising me up to pray for this person, even though I don't know their person, even though I don't know their person, even though I don't know their circumstance, but the Lord does. circumstance, but the Lord does. circumstance, but the Lord does. >> And that's a beautiful thing, too. But >> And that's a beautiful thing, too. But >> And that's a beautiful thing, too. But I'm not That's what I want to grow in. I'm not That's what I want to grow in. I'm not That's what I want to grow in. Um, what about you? How does the word Um, what about you? How does the word Um, what about you? How does the word >> impact your prayer life? Yeah. And well, >> impact your prayer life? Yeah. And well, >> impact your prayer life? Yeah. And well, I'll I'll answer that in just a second. I'll I'll answer that in just a second. I'll I'll answer that in just a second. But even that idea that um you know, the But even that idea that um you know, the But even that idea that um you know, the Lord lays people on your hearts. I have Lord lays people on your hearts. I have Lord lays people on your hearts. I have one friend in particular who I mean the one friend in particular who I mean the one friend in particular who I mean the it's got to be a dozen times now that it's got to be a dozen times now that it's got to be a dozen times now that she has reached out and it has been so she has reached out and it has been so she has reached out and it has been so Marbel, if you're listening, you know Marbel, if you're listening, you know Marbel, if you're listening, you know it's you. like it is so specific that um it's you. like it is so specific that um it's you. like it is so specific that um that she just knows like that it it's that she just knows like that it it's that she just knows like that it it's just it's just evidence that the spirit just it's just evidence that the spirit just it's just evidence that the spirit is at work in his people and that he is at work in his people and that he is at work in his people and that he loves the prayers of his people and it's

loves the prayers of his people and it's loves the prayers of his people and it's just been a really really sweet thing. just been a really really sweet thing. just been a really really sweet thing. But yeah, I do I I also want to grow in But yeah, I do I I also want to grow in But yeah, I do I I also want to grow in that ability to let what I'm reading in that ability to let what I'm reading in that ability to let what I'm reading in scripture inform how I'm praying. And scripture inform how I'm praying. And scripture inform how I'm praying. And even just this morning, I was thinking even just this morning, I was thinking even just this morning, I was thinking about this. I was in Deuteronomy 15. And about this. I was in Deuteronomy 15. And about this. I was in Deuteronomy 15. And Deuteronomy 15 is about releasing those Deuteronomy 15 is about releasing those Deuteronomy 15 is about releasing those who owe you something at the end of the who owe you something at the end of the who owe you something at the end of the seventh year. Um, and that the Lord's seventh year. Um, and that the Lord's seventh year. Um, and that the Lord's reminding the people before they go into reminding the people before they go into reminding the people before they go into the land like be generous, take care of the land like be generous, take care of the land like be generous, take care of each other because I have been so each other because I have been so each other because I have been so generous with you. And so I started off generous with you. And so I started off generous with you. And so I started off with kind of the obvious like I was with kind of the obvious like I was with kind of the obvious like I was asking the Lord to to make me more asking the Lord to to make me more asking the Lord to to make me more generous out of a grateful heart. But generous out of a grateful heart. But generous out of a grateful heart. But then I started praying that about how then I started praying that about how then I started praying that about how what does it mean for me to release what does it mean for me to release what does it mean for me to release those who owe me? Oh my word. I mean it those who owe me? Oh my word. I mean it those who owe me? Oh my word. I mean it was just like the spirit was like it's was just like the spirit was like it's was just like the spirit was like it's not just financial but it's emotional not just financial but it's emotional not just financial but it's emotional debts and how do you release those? And debts and how do you release those? And debts and how do you release those? And it was so convicting like how do I and it was so convicting like how do I and it was so convicting like how do I and then I thought oh do I have seven years? then I thought oh do I have seven years? then I thought oh do I have seven years? Awesome. [laughter] Awesome. [laughter] Awesome. [laughter] I'm kidding. But it's that idea of like, I'm kidding. But it's that idea of like, I'm kidding. But it's that idea of like, oh, I have I I don't want to hold people oh, I have I I don't want to hold people oh, I have I I don't want to hold people hostage, hostage, hostage, >> yes, >> yes, >> yes, >> to emotional debts anymore than the >> to emotional debts anymore than the >> to emotional debts anymore than the Israelites were supposed to hold their Israelites were supposed to hold their Israelites were supposed to hold their people hostage to um financial debts.

people hostage to um financial debts. people hostage to um financial debts. And so it's just that idea of like bend And so it's just that idea of like bend And so it's just that idea of like bend my will to yours, like bend my will to my will to yours, like bend my will to my will to yours, like bend my will to yours. And so, um, yeah, and then like yours. And so, um, yeah, and then like yours. And so, um, yeah, and then like you said, it gives us categories to you said, it gives us categories to you said, it gives us categories to pray, um, that, you know, we move out of pray, um, that, you know, we move out of pray, um, that, you know, we move out of help me have a good day, help me be help me have a good day, help me be help me have a good day, help me be safe, give me healing, give me safe, give me healing, give me safe, give me healing, give me prosperity, like bless this, bless that. prosperity, like bless this, bless that. prosperity, like bless this, bless that. Um, but instead like, give me the Um, but instead like, give me the Um, but instead like, give me the blessing of endurance, give me give me blessing of endurance, give me give me blessing of endurance, give me give me the blessing of opportunities to the blessing of opportunities to the blessing of opportunities to proclaim Christ. Give me the blessing of proclaim Christ. Give me the blessing of proclaim Christ. Give me the blessing of suffering with Christ. It's like there suffering with Christ. It's like there suffering with Christ. It's like there are there are categories that scripture are there are categories that scripture are there are categories that scripture will um will teach us to pray. Okay. I will um will teach us to pray. Okay. I will um will teach us to pray. Okay. I want to go back to you though. How does want to go back to you though. How does want to go back to you though. How does praying with others help you pray? And praying with others help you pray? And praying with others help you pray? And have you always like do you ever have you always like do you ever have you always like do you ever remember a time not being comfortable remember a time not being comfortable remember a time not being comfortable praying out loud in a group? Yeah, praying out loud in a group? Yeah, praying out loud in a group? Yeah, that's that's one thing I'm really that's that's one thing I'm really that's that's one thing I'm really thankful for. You know, my mom prayed thankful for. You know, my mom prayed thankful for. You know, my mom prayed with me every night when I went to bed. with me every night when I went to bed. with me every night when I went to bed. I mean, and it was just now I lay me I mean, and it was just now I lay me I mean, and it was just now I lay me down to sleep. I mean, it wasn't, you down to sleep. I mean, it wasn't, you down to sleep. I mean, it wasn't, you know, a a particularly know, a a particularly know, a a particularly profound prayer, but the act of her profound prayer, but the act of her profound prayer, but the act of her doing it, and I always added on, by the doing it, and I always added on, by the doing it, and I always added on, by the way, and pray for all the animals. My way, and pray for all the animals. My way, and pray for all the animals. My mom was convinced I was going to become mom was convinced I was going to become mom was convinced I was going to become a vet veterinarian because I cared about a vet veterinarian because I cared about a vet veterinarian because I cared about an the suffering of animals was very in an the suffering of animals was very in an the suffering of animals was very in on my heart.

on my heart. on my heart. >> Heavy on your heart. I love that you >> Heavy on your heart. I love that you >> Heavy on your heart. I love that you knew you were going to be entrusted with knew you were going to be entrusted with knew you were going to be entrusted with Gus one day. Gus one day. Gus one day. >> Exactly. Exactly. But that practice >> Exactly. Exactly. But that practice >> Exactly. Exactly. But that practice of a simple prayer before bedtime always of a simple prayer before bedtime always of a simple prayer before bedtime always made prayer very comfortable for me. Um made prayer very comfortable for me. Um made prayer very comfortable for me. Um just something you knew how to do. And just something you knew how to do. And just something you knew how to do. And so I would just say, you know, if you so I would just say, you know, if you so I would just say, you know, if you happen to be a parent, if you're happen to be a parent, if you're happen to be a parent, if you're listening, don't think you have to have listening, don't think you have to have listening, don't think you have to have these long beautiful prayers these long beautiful prayers these long beautiful prayers >> with your kids. Simple prayers given >> with your kids. Simple prayers given >> with your kids. Simple prayers given regularly will build habits in them that regularly will build habits in them that regularly will build habits in them that even if I feel like even if they wander even if I feel like even if they wander even if I feel like even if they wander even if they walk away from the faith even if they walk away from the faith even if they walk away from the faith for a season those habits there will for a season those habits there will for a season those habits there will come a day where they think I can't come a day where they think I can't come a day where they think I can't handle my life and they they will know handle my life and they they will know handle my life and they they will know how to call out to the Lord because of how to call out to the Lord because of how to call out to the Lord because of simple prayers taught at a young age. simple prayers taught at a young age. simple prayers taught at a young age. And so I'm really thankful just for that And so I'm really thankful just for that And so I'm really thankful just for that pattern in my life. Um, and then as I pattern in my life. Um, and then as I pattern in my life. Um, and then as I got older and started really walking got older and started really walking got older and started really walking with the Lord on my own, um, I was with the Lord on my own, um, I was with the Lord on my own, um, I was always in Bible studies and you know, always in Bible studies and you know, always in Bible studies and you know, you just always prayed together. And so you just always prayed together. And so you just always prayed together. And so I'm really thankful maybe I was too I'm really thankful maybe I was too I'm really thankful maybe I was too young to care, young to care, young to care, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> And and so and it just was always a >> And and so and it just was always a >> And and so and it just was always a habit of those groups and it never felt habit of those groups and it never felt habit of those groups and it never felt uncomfortable in friendship. Um, it was uncomfortable in friendship. Um, it was uncomfortable in friendship. Um, it was always just something that I was around always just something that I was around always just something that I was around and doing. But I do know that it can be and doing. But I do know that it can be and doing. But I do know that it can be a real place of discomfort. Have you a real place of discomfort. Have you a real place of discomfort. Have you ever been because you seem so ever been because you seem so ever been because you seem so comfortable at praying. Have you ever comfortable at praying. Have you ever comfortable at praying. Have you ever felt uncomfortable or really had a felt uncomfortable or really had a felt uncomfortable or really had a friend who was uncomfortable that you friend who was uncomfortable that you friend who was uncomfortable that you prayed with and just would be like, prayed with and just would be like, prayed with and just would be like, "It's okay. You don't have to pray out "It's okay. You don't have to pray out "It's okay. You don't have to pray out loud." Like I've had friends who are loud." Like I've had friends who are loud." Like I've had friends who are like, "I'm never going to pray out loud like, "I'm never going to pray out loud like, "I'm never going to pray out loud at Bible study." I'm like, "No problem." at Bible study." I'm like, "No problem." at Bible study." I'm like, "No problem." But what about you? Have you had gone But what about you? Have you had gone But what about you? Have you had gone through a season like that? through a season like that? through a season like that? >> Yeah. I mean, you know, I didn't become >> Yeah. I mean, you know, I didn't become >> Yeah. I mean, you know, I didn't become a believer. I didn't really start a believer. I didn't really start a believer. I didn't really start following the Lord until my early 20s following the Lord until my early 20s following the Lord until my early 20s and prayer was not a I I laugh growing and prayer was not a I I laugh growing and prayer was not a I I laugh growing up we used to pray when we ate in the up we used to pray when we ate in the up we used to pray when we ate in the dining room like for some reason those dining room like for some reason those dining room like for some reason those were the meals right that was really the were the meals right that was really the were the meals right that was really the prayer time um the the public prayer prayer time um the the public prayer prayer time um the the public prayer time I know my mom has been you know was time I know my mom has been you know was time I know my mom has been you know was praying for us privately but we didn't praying for us privately but we didn't praying for us privately but we didn't do a lot of prayer as a family but my do a lot of prayer as a family but my do a lot of prayer as a family but my personality you know it wasn't hard for personality you know it wasn't hard for personality you know it wasn't hard for me that you know [laughter] me that you know [laughter] me that you know [laughter] give me the opportunity to talk and I give me the opportunity to talk and I give me the opportunity to talk and I will so it wasn't Uh that was not a hard will so it wasn't Uh that was not a hard will so it wasn't Uh that was not a hard thing for me to do is to start praying thing for me to do is to start praying thing for me to do is to start praying out loud again. I was in Bible study. It out loud again. I was in Bible study. It out loud again. I was in Bible study. It was just kind of expected. But I think was just kind of expected. But I think was just kind of expected. But I think that I've definitely had friends who that I've definitely had friends who that I've definitely had friends who were like do not call on me. Like I am were like do not call on me. Like I am were like do not call on me. Like I am not comfortable doing this. And we just not comfortable doing this. And we just not comfortable doing this. And we just want to say that is okay. I think some want to say that is okay. I think some want to say that is okay. I think some ways to grow in that so that you can ways to grow in that so that you can ways to grow in that so that you can become somebody who can at least pray become somebody who can at least pray become somebody who can at least pray for another friend or whatever. Start for another friend or whatever. Start for another friend or whatever. Start praying out loud by yourself. Start

praying out loud by yourself. Start praying out loud by yourself. Start praying out loud you know when nobody praying out loud you know when nobody praying out loud you know when nobody else is is around. And then and then ask else is is around. And then and then ask else is is around. And then and then ask a friend to pray with you and maybe even a friend to pray with you and maybe even a friend to pray with you and maybe even divvy it up. Like you can grow in this. divvy it up. Like you can grow in this. divvy it up. Like you can grow in this. You can grow in your ability um to do You can grow in your ability um to do You can grow in your ability um to do that. And and you can also, you know, that. And and you can also, you know, that. And and you can also, you know, understand your own your own understand your own your own understand your own your own personality. If you're the one that personality. If you're the one that personality. If you're the one that always wants to be the one praying out always wants to be the one praying out always wants to be the one praying out loud, give someone else a chance. If loud, give someone else a chance. If loud, give someone else a chance. If you're the one that never wants to press you're the one that never wants to press you're the one that never wants to press into it and and offer to pray for one into it and and offer to pray for one into it and and offer to pray for one thing. Um so I I think we can grow all thing. Um so I I think we can grow all thing. Um so I I think we can grow all of us, no matter what our natural of us, no matter what our natural of us, no matter what our natural proclivities are. And maybe like you proclivities are. And maybe like you proclivities are. And maybe like you said even earlier if you're someone who said even earlier if you're someone who said even earlier if you're someone who feels maybe completely frozen kind of feels maybe completely frozen kind of feels maybe completely frozen kind of off the cuff one you could use the off the cuff one you could use the off the cuff one you could use the Puritan prayers from the past you could Puritan prayers from the past you could Puritan prayers from the past you could use somebody else's prayer every moment use somebody else's prayer every moment use somebody else's prayer every moment holy has beautiful prayers for like baby holy has beautiful prayers for like baby holy has beautiful prayers for like baby shower I mean for lots of things but if shower I mean for lots of things but if shower I mean for lots of things but if you want to incorporate a prayer from you want to incorporate a prayer from you want to incorporate a prayer from someone else that will start a habit of someone else that will start a habit of someone else that will start a habit of prayer prayer prayer >> or write yours out like you do and then >> or write yours out like you do and then >> or write yours out like you do and then and then read it. Yeah, I think that's and then read it. Yeah, I think that's and then read it. Yeah, I think that's really Yeah, that's good, Melissa.

really Yeah, that's good, Melissa. really Yeah, that's good, Melissa. >> Yes. I mean, so I think I think the >> Yes. I mean, so I think I think the >> Yes. I mean, so I think I think the thing for all of us is to realize we can thing for all of us is to realize we can thing for all of us is to realize we can all learn it and get better at it. all learn it and get better at it. all learn it and get better at it. You're not stuck where you are today. You're not stuck where you are today. You're not stuck where you are today. And and just even to maybe close this And and just even to maybe close this And and just even to maybe close this up, these structures, again, as Courtney up, these structures, again, as Courtney up, these structures, again, as Courtney said at the beginning, not intended to said at the beginning, not intended to said at the beginning, not intended to be legalistic things to make you be legalistic things to make you be legalistic things to make you righteous, but it's because we're righteous, but it's because we're righteous, but it's because we're invited in. Jesus says, "Come to me in invited in. Jesus says, "Come to me in invited in. Jesus says, "Come to me in prayer." And I and I the Lord of all the prayer." And I and I the Lord of all the prayer." And I and I the Lord of all the earth listens to us. What an amazing earth listens to us. What an amazing earth listens to us. What an amazing thing. So to be thoughtful about that is thing. So to be thoughtful about that is thing. So to be thoughtful about that is a good thing. And so we just encourage a good thing. And so we just encourage a good thing. And so we just encourage you as you're listening in today to you as you're listening in today to you as you're listening in today to think through maybe like maybe just think through maybe like maybe just think through maybe like maybe just think through what's one thing I can add think through what's one thing I can add think through what's one thing I can add to my prayer life to grow in from even to my prayer life to grow in from even to my prayer life to grow in from even hearing this conversation. Don't think hearing this conversation. Don't think hearing this conversation. Don't think you have to do all 20 things we you have to do all 20 things we you have to do all 20 things we discussed. What's one thing I can do discussed. What's one thing I can do discussed. What's one thing I can do over the next six months to maybe over the next six months to maybe over the next six months to maybe improve my prayer life? Um, even if it's improve my prayer life? Um, even if it's improve my prayer life? Um, even if it's just praying with another friend really just praying with another friend really just praying with another friend really quickly as soon as they say, "Will you quickly as soon as they say, "Will you quickly as soon as they say, "Will you pray for me?" You know, whatever it pray for me?" You know, whatever it pray for me?" You know, whatever it might be, just picking up one thing. Um, might be, just picking up one thing. Um, might be, just picking up one thing. Um, but this time has been so good, but this time has been so good, but this time has been so good, Courtney. Thank you for this discussion.

Courtney. Thank you for this discussion. Courtney. Thank you for this discussion. I really do love and I can say this. Um, I really do love and I can say this. Um, I really do love and I can say this. Um, this is how we live life together. I this is how we live life together. I this is how we live life together. I mean, I can't tell you. Yeah, y'all know mean, I can't tell you. Yeah, y'all know mean, I can't tell you. Yeah, y'all know Voxer cuz it's not our sponsor, but it Voxer cuz it's not our sponsor, but it Voxer cuz it's not our sponsor, but it should be our sponsor. should be our sponsor. should be our sponsor. But we often I mean Courtney so quickly But we often I mean Courtney so quickly But we often I mean Courtney so quickly will pray for me on Boxer or and so will pray for me on Boxer or and so will pray for me on Boxer or and so quickly say, "Okay, let's pray about quickly say, "Okay, let's pray about quickly say, "Okay, let's pray about this." Every time before we do one of this." Every time before we do one of this." Every time before we do one of these episodes, she's like, "Let's these episodes, she's like, "Let's these episodes, she's like, "Let's pray." Um and so I see you as a friend pray." Um and so I see you as a friend pray." Um and so I see you as a friend who you live this out. Um and and I who you live this out. Um and and I who you live this out. Um and and I think it happens more um sporadically think it happens more um sporadically think it happens more um sporadically when it's being done regularly hidden in when it's being done regularly hidden in when it's being done regularly hidden in a structured way. And so I just want you a structured way. And so I just want you a structured way. And so I just want you to know if you if you're going to bring to know if you if you're going to bring to know if you if you're going to bring this into your life more all throughout this into your life more all throughout this into your life more all throughout the day, starting with those structures the day, starting with those structures the day, starting with those structures is going to actually help that I think. is going to actually help that I think. is going to actually help that I think. Um, but we always close up with one Um, but we always close up with one Um, but we always close up with one question before we wrap up. I want to question before we wrap up. I want to question before we wrap up. I want to ask one question for you. Okay, I think ask one question for you. Okay, I think ask one question for you. Okay, I think I know the answer to this already. Have I know the answer to this already. Have I know the answer to this already. Have you ever fallen asleep while praying you ever fallen asleep while praying you ever fallen asleep while praying [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] or have you ever fallen asleep while or have you ever fallen asleep while or have you ever fallen asleep while praying in a group?

praying in a group? praying in a group? >> Yes and yes. [laughter] NO. >> Yes and yes. [laughter] NO. >> Yes and yes. [laughter] NO. >> WELL, not while I was praying in the >> WELL, not while I was praying in the >> WELL, not while I was praying in the group, thank goodness. But I group, thank goodness. But I group, thank goodness. But I [clears throat] have definitely fallen [clears throat] have definitely fallen [clears throat] have definitely fallen asleep like in church when my, you know, asleep like in church when my, you know, asleep like in church when my, you know, if a pastor is going on and on and it's if a pastor is going on and on and it's if a pastor is going on and on and it's dark and my eyes are closed and dark and my eyes are closed and dark and my eyes are closed and definitely definitely and then, you definitely definitely and then, you definitely definitely and then, you know, then you're in that kind of halfin know, then you're in that kind of halfin know, then you're in that kind of halfin halfout phase and you're like just keep halfout phase and you're like just keep halfout phase and you're like just keep praying because I really want to just praying because I really want to just praying because I really want to just keep my eyes closed. Definitely keep my eyes closed. Definitely keep my eyes closed. Definitely definitely I've fallen asleep while definitely I've fallen asleep while definitely I've fallen asleep while praying myself. It is. Uh, yeah. Haven't praying myself. It is. Uh, yeah. Haven't praying myself. It is. Uh, yeah. Haven't you? you? you? >> No. But but let me let me say the >> No. But but let me let me say the >> No. But but let me let me say the definitive answer. Melissa is more definitive answer. Melissa is more definitive answer. Melissa is more righteous. righteous. righteous. >> No, it is not. Here's what I can >> No, it is not. Here's what I can >> No, it is not. Here's what I can honestly say. It is not a spiritual honestly say. It is not a spiritual honestly say. It is not a spiritual thing. It is a sleep thing. thing. It is a sleep thing. thing. It is a sleep thing. >> Um, I don't fall asleep in movies. I >> Um, I don't fall asleep in movies. I >> Um, I don't fall asleep in movies. I don't fall. don't fall. don't fall. >> I don't fall asleep like where I see >> I don't fall asleep like where I see >> I don't fall asleep like where I see other people doing that. Like, no, no, I other people doing that. Like, no, no, I other people doing that. Like, no, no, I fall asleep in my bed after 30 minutes fall asleep in my bed after 30 minutes fall asleep in my bed after 30 minutes of reading. So, of reading. So, of reading. So, >> that is amazing. I love people like you >> that is amazing. I love people like you >> that is amazing. I love people like you who can fall asleep on a couch who can fall asleep on a couch who can fall asleep on a couch somewhere. I mean, that is like a rare somewhere. I mean, that is like a rare somewhere. I mean, that is like a rare gift that happens maybe twice a year gift that happens maybe twice a year gift that happens maybe twice a year somewhere, but it's not a normative somewhere, but it's not a normative somewhere, but it's not a normative thing for me. So, it's not Melissa's so thing for me. So, it's not Melissa's so thing for me. So, it's not Melissa's so spiritual. It's Melissa can't sleep.

spiritual. It's Melissa can't sleep. spiritual. It's Melissa can't sleep. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] That's a different It's both. That's a different It's both. That's a different It's both. >> That's a different different thing. So, >> That's a different different thing. So, >> That's a different different thing. So, well, thanks so much for listening to well, thanks so much for listening to well, thanks so much for listening to this episode of [music] The Deep Dish this episode of [music] The Deep Dish this episode of [music] The Deep Dish from the Gospel Coalition. If you found from the Gospel Coalition. If you found from the Gospel Coalition. If you found this conversation helpful, please this conversation helpful, please this conversation helpful, please [music] like and subscribe wherever you [music] like and subscribe wherever you [music] like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcast and also share it listen to your podcast and also share it listen to your podcast and also share it with a friend.