Do you ever find yourself feeling guilty or overwhelmed by the idea of perfection when it comes to prayer? It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable praying in a group when we believe our prayers aren't as eloquent as the others. We may even be hesitant to approach the throne room with our deepest emotions, wondering if our heavenly Father will accept our lamentations or if others will misunderstand us.
In the latest episode of the podcast, we explore the biblical character Hannah. Hannah wasn't "composed" in her prayers outside the temple. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk as she prayed and wept with her lips moving, but no words were coming from her mouth. Yet we read the Lord heard and answered her.
Special Guest Janet McHenry
We're also excited to introduce our special guest, Janet McHenry, an inspiring author and speaker who has written 27 books, including the bestselling PrayerWalk and The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus. In her latest book, Praying Personalities, Janet guides readers through biblical praying styles, spiritual gifts, and personality assessments to help them find their natural praying style.
Notable quotes from Janet in this episode
Regarding setting aside, the time for prayer-walking and observing so many wants in her neighborhood, she says, "I realized the needs outweigh my obsessive need to control my time."
"You can still begin the praying without ceasing lifestyle as you open up your eyes to the needs around you and then continue that kind of prayer throughout your day."
"The stories and the people in the Bible aren't all glossed over and beautiful. We see people in pain. And we have their prayers in pain. And, we have those kinds of praying styles that are more lament in orientation—more emotional."
Last: "Prayer is not about answers; it's about access."
And friend, Hebrews 4:14-16 shows us what blessed access believers enjoy through our great high priest, Christ Jesus!
"Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV)
Learn more about discovering the particular way God designed you to connect with prayer--by reading Janet's latest book!
Amazon Link to preorder Praying Personalities by Janet McHenry:
(Preorders help the book generate interest and can encourage big retailers to place larger orders!)
Learn more about Janet and her other books and speaking topics, and sign up for her free newsletter by visiting her website:
JanetMcHenry.com
Last, check out Janet's Facebook group!
Bible Girls 2023—(READING THROUGH THE BIBLE TOGETHER SINCE 2014)—where she leads women through God's Word.
