Encouraging Prayer
Is it okay to pray, “Get ’em, God”? What do we do when someone has hurt us, harmed someone we love, or is actively persecuting others? Scripture contains some surprisingly bold prayers asking God to bring justice—and they’re not limited to the Old Testament. In this thought-provoking episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks explores the biblical practice of imprecatory prayer and the tension between asking God for justice while still obeying Jesus’ command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Discover why bringing our anger, pain, desire for justice, and...
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Is spending quiet time with God a luxury—or the most important investment you'll ever make? In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks and Robby Dilmore explore why what the world might call "wasting time" with God is actually where our deepest relationship with Him is formed. Together, they discuss the danger of making prayer another task to complete, the difference between pursuing productivity and pursuing friendship with God, and the life-changing power of simply sitting in His presence. If you've ever struggled to slow down, felt guilty about your prayer life, or...
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Dreams have fascinated people for centuries—but what if some dreams carry a deeper spiritual purpose? In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks and Robbie Dilmore explore what the Bible teaches about dreams and how believers can wisely discern whether a dream is simply a product of the mind or a message God may be using to encourage, warn, or guide. Looking at examples from Scripture and sharing personal experiences, they offer practical, biblical principles for testing dreams through God's Word, prayer, and the counsel of mature believers. If you've ever wondered what to do...
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Have you ever wondered if your prayers somehow got lost along the way? In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks and Robby Dilmore explore the comforting truth that God never loses track of a single prayer. While packages may be misplaced and people may fail us, our Heavenly Father faithfully hears every cry, remembers every tear, and responds in His perfect timing. Drawing from Scripture and personal experiences, James and Robby discuss God's incredible attention to detail, the importance of persistent prayer, and how seasons of deep need often lead to deeper intimacy with Him....
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What if one simple conversation could become an opportunity to share God's love? In this episode, we explore how everyday encounters can become powerful moments of ministry through prayer. Inspired by a simple visit to a medical office, we discuss how listening well, showing genuine kindness, and offering heartfelt prayer can open doors for God to work in the lives of those around us. You'll discover that loving your neighbor doesn't always require a long conversation or a perfect presentation of the gospel. Sometimes it begins with a kind word, a listening ear, and a quiet prayer lifted to...
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Have you ever wondered why some days prayer feels deeply personal and powerful, while other days it seems like your words never make it past the ceiling? In this encouraging episode, James and Robby explore what it means to pray faithfully "in and out of season." Drawing from Scripture, including the life of King Hezekiah and Jesus' teaching to "keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking," this conversation reminds us that God's presence is not measured by our feelings. Even during seasons when He seems silent, He is still at work—strengthening our faith, refining our hearts, and drawing us...
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Have you ever felt like you've failed too many times to come before God in prayer? Hebrews 4:16 offers a powerful reminder that God's invitation isn't reserved for spiritual giants—it's for anyone who is broken, struggling, and in need of His mercy. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to "come boldly before the throne of grace." Discover how this passage isn't about demanding answers with confidence, but about approaching God with complete honesty, knowing that Jesus understands every weakness and welcomes us with compassion. Learn how God's mercy meets us in our most desperate...
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In a world filled with constant demands, endless distractions, and overwhelming responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of the peace God offers through prayer. In this episode, Dr. James Banks and Robby Dilmore explore a simple yet often overlooked truth: when life feels most chaotic, prayer is not something we can afford to skip—it's exactly what we need most. Drawing from the life of David in the Psalms, James shares how turning to God in times of stress, uncertainty, and pressure brings a peace that circumstances cannot provide. Whether you're facing unanswered prayers, difficult...
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Have you ever felt angry with God because your prayers seemed unanswered? In this honest and encouraging episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks and Robby Dilmore explore a topic many believers experience but few openly discuss: how to pray when you're frustrated, disappointed, or even angry with God. Drawing from personal experience and powerful biblical examples, Dr. Banks shows that God invites us into authentic relationship—even when our emotions are raw. Looking at Moses’ heartfelt complaint in Numbers 11, he reveals how Scripture gives us permission to bring our deepest...
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What does it really mean to pray—and how can we avoid turning prayer into mere religious routine? In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore explores the difference between authentic, heart-to-heart communication with God and the empty rituals that often get mistaken for prayer. Looking at the life of Jesus, who was known as a friend of sinners and someone people genuinely wanted to be around, James challenges listeners to embrace a prayer life that is honest, vulnerable, and deeply relational. Rather than hiding our weaknesses or putting on a spiritual performance,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss having God's peace inside of you.