September 15, 2023

Finding Freedom in Our Prayer Life

☀️ HELLO, Beloved One.

Do you ever feel 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 hesitate to approach the throne room with our deepest emotions, wondering if our heavenly Father will accept our lamentations or if others will misunderstand us.

Hannah: 1 Samuel 1:9--18

In the latest Secure in God's Embrace podcast episode, 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 came from her mouth. Talk about being misunderstood! Yet we read the Lord heard and answered her.

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 this week's interview, we discuss Janet's latest book, Praying Personalities, which 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, Janet 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."

I especially love that last quote of Janet's and invite you to consider how 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)

Christ-follower, it is an incredible privilege to exercise our blood-bought access as we join our great High Priest in the throne room and receive the mercy and grace He promises His children today!

Finally, I encourage you to listen to or watch this episode of the podcast on your favorite podcast platform--or I would love for you to check it out on my new YouTube channel!

YouTube: Secure in God's Embrace Podcast-Janet McHenry-Praying Personalities

Apple Podcasts: Discovering Our Natural Praying Style

Spotify: Discovering Our Natural Praying Style

PS: Please send me a quick note and tell me if you have found a prayer style that works well with your personality--I would love to hear from you!

Your securely held sister,

💕Cheryl

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