Encouraging Prayer

You’ll find practical, Scripture-based help here to really encourage you as you pray, including information on my latest books and projects, a very active prodigal “prayer wall,” videos and podcasts, Our Daily Bread devotionals, and much more (keep scrolling down!). Good things await as we pray!

Get ’Em, God! 08/08/2026

Get ’Em, God! 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 even our struggle to forgive honestly before God can be part of a genuine prayer life. Most importantly, learn why justice ultimately belongs in God’s hands—not ours. It’s a challenging conversation about trusting God when we desperately want to take matters into our own hands—and remembering that He hears the prayers of His people. To learn more about the power of prayer and discover additional biblical resources from Dr. James Banks, visit jamesbanks.org. You'll find encouragement, books, articles, and more to help you grow deeper in your walk with Christ. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/42362145

Wasting Time With God 08/01/2026

Wasting Time With God 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 wondered how to move beyond routine conversations with God, this episode offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom to help you rediscover the joy of prayer. Learn why listening can be just as important as speaking, how God gently leads us through quiet moments with Him, and why time spent in His presence is never wasted. To learn more about the power of prayer and discover additional biblical resources from Dr. James Banks, visit jamesbanks.org. You'll find encouragement, books, articles, and more to help you grow deeper in your walk with Christ. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/42282340

What We Do With Dreams 07/25/2026

What We Do With Dreams 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 with a dream that stays with you long after you wake up, this conversation will help you seek God's wisdom with confidence and discernment. To learn more about the power of prayer and discover additional biblical resources from Dr. James Banks, visit jamesbanks.org. You'll find encouragement, books, articles, and more to help you grow deeper in your walk with Christ. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/42199680

Lost Prayer? 07/18/2026

Lost Prayer? 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. If you've ever felt like heaven was silent or your prayers were unanswered, this conversation will remind you that your loving Father is listening—and He has never forgotten you. Join us for this encouraging reminder that every prayer matters because every child of God matters to Him. To learn more about the power of prayer and discover additional biblical resources from Dr. James Banks, visit jamesbanks.org. You'll find encouragement, books, articles, and more to help you grow deeper in your walk with Christ. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/42133415

How To Love Your Neighbor In Prayer 07/11/2026

How To Love Your Neighbor In Prayer 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 God on someone's behalf. As we learn to walk closely with Christ, the Holy Spirit helps us recognize opportunities to encourage others and reflect His love in natural, authentic ways. Join us as we are reminded that prayer is one of the greatest ways we can love the people God places in our path—and that even the smallest acts of faithfulness can have an eternal impact. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/42040860

Prayer In And Out Of Season 07/04/2026

Prayer In And Out Of Season 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 closer to Him. If you've ever struggled with spiritual dryness, unanswered prayers, or simply wondered how to remain faithful when you don't feel God's presence, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical hope to help you persevere. Join us as we discover that some of our greatest spiritual growth happens not in the mountaintop moments, but in the quiet seasons when we choose to keep praying. Don't give up—God hears every prayer, and He is faithfully working even when you can't yet see it. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41927010

Better Than Bold 06/27/2026

Better Than Bold 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 moments and how His grace holds us together when life feels like it's falling apart. If you've ever wondered whether God still wants to hear from you after you've stumbled, this episode is a timely reminder that His invitation remains open. Come as you are, speak freely, and experience the grace that only God can give. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41834815

The Missing Peace 06/20/2026

The Missing Peace 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 situations, or simply struggling to slow down and seek God, this conversation offers practical encouragement to pause, quiet your heart, and experience the comfort of God's presence. Join us as we discover how seeking God's face transforms our perspective, anchors our souls, and fills us with lasting peace—even when nothing around us changes. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41629775

How To Pray When You're Angry With God 06/13/2026

How To Pray When You're Angry With God 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 struggles, questions, and frustrations directly to the Lord. Rather than turning away from God in difficult seasons, we are encouraged to lean into Him, trusting that He hears, understands, and responds with grace. If you've ever prayed, "Why, Lord?" or wondered how to keep talking to God when life doesn't make sense, this episode offers biblical wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement for deepening your relationship with Him through every emotion. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41629505

How To Pray That You're Not Religious 06/06/2026

How To Pray That You're Not Religious 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, we're invited to bring our real selves before God and allow His love to flow through us to others. Join us as we discuss how genuine prayer helps us connect with people where they are, see them through God's eyes, and become living examples of Christ's love in a world that desperately needs hope. Discover how praying with authenticity can transform not only your relationship with God, but also your relationships with those around you. Whether you're new to prayer or have been praying for years, this conversation will encourage you to move beyond religion and into a deeper, more personal connection with the Father. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41553390

Affirmations 05/30/2026

Affirmations In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss affirmations. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41469275

Giving Our Doubts And Questions To God 05/23/2026

Giving Our Doubts And Questions To God In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss giving our doubts and prayers to God. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41399755

Prayers That Dreams Are Made Of 05/16/2026

Prayers That Dreams Are Made Of In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss prayers that dreams are made of. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41311830

Mother's Prayer 05/09/2026

Mother's Prayer In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, mother's prayer. Happy Mother's Day !!! /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41221180

7 Reasons To Praise When You Pray 05/02/2026

7 Reasons To Praise When You Pray In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss 7 reasons to praise when you pray. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41121635

Leading With Prayer 04/25/2026

Leading With Prayer In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss leaping with prayer. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/41011210

Prodigal Acrostic 04/18/2026

Prodigal Acrostic In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss prodigal acrostic. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40916490

How To Pray For Hurting Friends 04/11/2026

How To Pray For Hurting Friends In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray for hurting friends. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40807030

Soaking In Prayer (Revisited) 04/04/2026

Soaking In Prayer (Revisited) In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, we take a look back to when James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discussed soaking in prayer. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40718485

How To Pray Like A Little Kid 03/28/2026

How To Pray Like A Little Kid In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray like a little kid. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40613535

Leaving Your Legacy Through Prayer 03/21/2026

Leaving Your Legacy Through Prayer In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss leaving your legacy through prayer. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40562110

How To Practice The Prayer Of Lament With Others 03/14/2026

How To Practice The Prayer Of Lament With Others In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to practice the prayer of lament with others. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40452260

Top 3 Reasons Why Christians Don't Pray & Why They Should 03/07/2026

Top 3 Reasons Why Christians Don't Pray & Why They Should In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss 3 reasons why Christians don't pray and 3 reasons why they should. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40345650

How To Get More Of The Word Into Us 02/28/2026

How To Get More Of The Word Into Us In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to get more of the word into us. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40247815

How To Do A Beautiful Thing 02/21/2026

How To Do A Beautiful Thing In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to do a beautiful thing. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40169335

How To Have God's Peace Inside You 02/14/2026

How To Have God's Peace Inside You In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss having God's peace inside of you. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40105375

How To Get Real With God By Turning Your Longings Into Prayer 02/07/2026

How To Get Real With God By Turning Your Longings Into Prayer In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to get real with God by turning your longings into prayer. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/40026265

Prayers That Proves Something 01/31/2026

Prayers That Proves Something In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss prayers that proves something. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/39929265

Loving Your List 01/24/2026

Loving Your List In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss loving your prayer list. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/39856915

LTL (Learning To Linger) 01/17/2026

LTL (Learning To Linger) In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss learning to linger. /episode/index/show/encouragingprayer/id/39762775

Encouraging Prayer

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