In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss the difference between gazing and glancing. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, howto rise from the dead.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, continue their discussion on finding peace through prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, continue their discussion on finding peace through prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss finding peace through prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss difficult prayers. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how there is no coincidences with prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss praying on the spot. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss the dangers of a heart that doesn't pray much. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss prayer in politics. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss peace being the ultimate antidote for anxiety. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss praying like Jesus. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss why Jesus needed to pray at all. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss the gift you can receive from God when you are part of a praying community. . 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how you can walk into 2024 with both assurance and peace. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss great prayers to start the year with.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss even more Christmas Prayers. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss more Christmas Prayers. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss Christmas Prayers. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss the beauty of lament. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, asks and discusses the question, is your soul satisfied?

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray when times get tough. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss the main ways that prayer changes us. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Carmen filling in for Robby Dilmore, discuss having a change of heart before making a regretful choice. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss the prayer that can't stay away. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss why we should pray for Jesus to return soon.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray when life gets hard. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss praying even when you feel like a hypocrite. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss where the church got prayer meetings wrong. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray when the devil won't leave you alone.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray when everything is against you. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss praying for a parking space. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss back to school prayers. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, continue their discussion about praying for a loved one that has an addiction. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss praying for a loved one that has an addiction. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss where do you go when you got nothing. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss resting in prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how good it is to pray.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss praying about everything. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how not to pray like a professional. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to pray like a little kid. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Carmen Ramirez filling in for Robby, discuss praising God in advance. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the secret to wanting what God wants. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the pleasure of prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss how to lose weight when we pray. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore celebrate 300 episodes by discussing overcoming prayer fatigue. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss switching gears and prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss waiting well with God.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss prodigals and prayer.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss "coincidences" in prayer. 

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss a Christian's journey as they seek to run to Jesus in prayer and scripture. 

In this episode James and Robby discuss praying as if God is watching. 

In this episode James and Robby discuss being prompted to pray, and what that means to us as Christians. 

In this episode James and Robby discuss an unanswered prayer, and why we should be thankful for it.

In this episode James and Robby discuss why fasting matters. 

In this episode James and Robby discuss how prayer at its best can be like talking to a friend. 

In this episode James and Robby discuss how to rest out souls in God.

In this episode James and Robby discuss how God is always ready to listen. 

In this episode James and Robby discuss the important in praying together and overcoming that fear. 

In this episode, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss praying. 

In this episode, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the Ephesians 6, the full Armor of God, and how important that passage is to your prayer life. 

In this episode, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss praying for the gift of forgiveness.

Today, Robby and James discuss peace.

Today, Robby and James discuss Jehoshaphat. Who was he, and why was he important?

Today, Robby and James discuss the true meaning of surrendering our lives to Christ and his mighty work.

James and Robby discuss the importance of trusting in God, even when our circumstances do not work out how we want them.

Robby: So today we want to talk especially to those listeners who are going through a crisis. And if you’re not, we want to encourage you to listen in. Because today’s talk will be helpful whatever season you’re in, whether for you or someone you love. James? James: That’s right. We want to talk about “Prayers from the Pit”—think about Joseph, thrown into a pit by his brothers, then sold into slavery, one crisis after another. Robby: James, when we were talking about this before you mentioned that you read something today about this that you really found helpful. James: Yeah, that will set this up well. A friend of mine gave me a book of quotes from Charles Spurgeon, the amazingly gifted British preacher. Just listen to this, because there’s a lot of truth in it (James reads). Robby: That’s beautiful. And that really does lead us right into talking about prayer, because when you’re going through something like that, it can be hard on your relationship with God. You can wonder why He allows it, what He’s up to, and that can really have an impact on the ways that we pray. James: Exactly. And that’s what I wanted to do today, to talk to that person who is in that place right now and encourage you, even though it’s hard, even though it’s dark right now, don’t give up. Especially don’t give up on God. Robby: I can see why you’d like that message from Spurgeon so much, because you’ve really been there. I know there were some times where you and your wife had to feel like you were—how did Spurgeon put it—“marked for sorrow” because of what was going on in your life with your kids. But then later, you became a comforter to others because of it, especially the parents of other prodigals, helping them learn how to pray in those times through your book “Prayers for Prodigals” James: Yeah, that’s just the thing. You wonder why God allows it at the time—and I’m not just talking about those “life doesn’t seem fair” moments, I’m talking about those circumstances that are heartbreaking. And then later you see how God really did get you through even those moments when it seemed like He wasn’t there. But you have to go through them, you have to feel it in your own skin. Because if you don’t go through something like that you won’t be as real when it comes to helping others. And of course that’s the farthest thing from your mind in the moment, you just want to go through it, to come through the other side. And this is where it comes down to prayer. How do you pray at a time like that? I think there are three things we can do that really make a difference, and the first is a simple prayer of trust. “Lord, I don’t understand this, I don’t like it, but I’m yours. I trust that you’ve got this, and you’ve got me. I love you and I need you, please keep me close. Robby: I like that because when you think about Joseph, the Bible tells us God was with him in everything, even when he was in prison. James: That’s right. And think about something else Joseph said later to his brothers. Robby: I know where you’re going with this. He told them, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” James: That’s right. So after we pray a prayer of trust, pray a prayer of praise. Not for your circumstances—that would be really hard to do that and be real it in—but to just praise God for God, to take your eyes off yourself and put them on Him. Robby: Yeah, that can really help us. I find when I try to do that God has a way of lifting me out of whatever is going on somehow, and giving me what I need to just get through. He builds my faith when I do it. James: I think that’s really true. And faith brings us to the third way to pray—a prayer of thanks. Remember God’s Word encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, so we can thank God that He is good, He is faithful, and He will bring good even though you can’t see it right now. So that pretty much wraps it up. A prayer of trust, a prayer of praise, and a prayer of thanks. Robby: James, let’s pray for those listeners who are going through it right now as we wrap up. Will you do that? James: That would be good. (James prays)

Don't worry about the future...God is already there! This week, James and Robby share an encouragement that comes just after the Christmas Story in Luke 2.

James and Robby continue to discuss the true story of Christmas in this episode.

James and Robby continue to discuss the story of Christmas in this episode.

James and Robby go into detail regarding how to pray during the holiday season.

In this episode, James and Robby discuss how important it is to seek God more than material possessions. A lesson we can all learn from.

Have A Wonderful joyful Holiday Season! James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss having joy and a merry time this holiday season.

In this episode, James and Robby discuss how the power of prayer can be a major support and comfort when struggling to have a pure heart like Jesus asks of us.

In this episode, James and Robby discuss the story of David Brainerd who was a missionary to the native Americans.

Robby and James discuss what is to break into praise as we are changed after we believe in Lord Jesus.

Robby and James discuss actually meaning to pray for someone when we say it to them in discussion.

Robby and James discuss how Christians can trust God even through a rough storm whether it is literally a storm or a storm in our lives.

In this episode, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss how to enter into worship even when our hearts and minds are not in the right place.

In this episode James and Robby discuss how Christians are able to pray without ceasing in their walk with God.

In this installment of Encouraging Prayer James and Robby discuss a specific portion of the Bible, known as the Prayer Of Jabez. Join Robby and James as they guide you through this interesting passage.

Today, Robby Dilmore and James Banks discuss how to prepare for the Lord's coming in prayer.

Stop complaining and start praying! James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss how to turn our complaining and worrying into thoughtful prayers. This episode is filled with encouraging verses and motivating stories to uplift any troubled spirit.

Today On Encouraging Prayer, James and Robby discuss how Christians are able to ask God for help in the everyday life.

Start your engines! In this installment of Encouraging Prayer Robby and James discuss how to pray for a good auto mechanic.

Today Robby and James discuss how important it is to really listen to your heart and listen for God to speak in your life. Sometimes that still small voice may be telling you something important. Are you going to ignore it and wait for a more convenient time?

Today, Robby and James discuss the differences of how we talk to our friends and family, to how we talk to our Lord Jesus.

In this episode Robby and James discuss how to pray for someone who has drifted away from God.

Struggling to find times to pray in the middle of your day can be a challenge. However, Robby and James explain how to find ways to take the time in your everyday life and give thanks to God.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James and Robby discuss the harsh reality of someone who is battling addiction. Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or some other harmful substance, the two help and encourage the listener with hope and prayer.

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss how to deal with the anxiety and stress of this world.

James Banks and Robby discuss praising God through singing and songs.

In this installment of Encouraging Prayer, James and Robby discuss how Christians can at times lose faith in God and begin to put worry and fear ahead of their faith.

On this episode of Encouraging Prayer James and Robby discuss spending quality time with Jesus. This episode is filled with Scriptures and examples that enrich a believer's life.

In this installment of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss how to avoid the temptation of sin and how to grow closer to God through trials of temptation. They emphasize the importance of making room for God in our hearts in order to fight the good fight.

Following the school shooting in Texas this past week, James and Robby talk about Jesus' prayer, “deliver us from evil.”

Today James and Robby talk about gazing on the beauty of the Lord. Just like David we need to just sit and simply be in the presence of God and just love Him.  

James and Robby talk about how to pray during hard times, as the world faces war, inflation, supply shortages, and crime, and how to face the tough issues head on.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss how we, as Christians, can best pray for our mothers not just on Mother's Day but every day.       

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss a Christian's journey as they seek to run to Jesus in prayer and scripture. 

James and Robby talk about prayers for protection and how we can depend on God in the face of potential danger.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the story of Easter and how to pray God's word in our lives.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss in detail what Christ did for humanity on the Cross.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the power of prayer in times of emotional and physical pain.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss praying to God over favorite things. They go over 1st Thess 5:16-18.

In this episode, James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the power of prayer in times of little sleep.

With everything going on in the world right now, it's important to understand the role prayer plays in bringing peace back into our lives. Today, James and Robby talk about it!

James Banks Robby Dilmore Discuss the treasures of Heaven. They refer to Matthew 6:19. They further discuss storing treasures in Heaven rather than on Earth.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the current and unfortunate situation in the Ukraine. They especially keep believers, who live in the Ukraine in prayer James and Robby discuss Psalm 56 and encourage everyone listening to keep those in prayer in these uncertain times.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss praying for a lost family member whether it be a parent or cousin. The two discuss how to pray for the lost ones and how to approach them in a loving way.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss learning how to love to pray and how to serve God in all that you do. They discuss God's love in them, and how it shapes them day to day.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss wrestling with God through prayer and connecting to him better than before.

"If we can learn the way Jesus was praying for such a long time, it would help us learn to spend time with God as well.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss worshiping and praying to God wherever you are and wherever you go.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the story of Abraham and power of waiting and trusting in God.

Robby and James continue to discuss God showing Christians things in prayer.

Robby Dilmore and James Banks discuss the upcoming new year.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore continue to discuss the meaning behind Christmas music. This week they focus on the song Silent Night.

James Banks and Robby discuss meaning and origin of Joy to the World.

Robby and James continue to discuss Christmas music and the meaning behind the lyrics.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore continue to discuss Christmas music for a second addition.

Join Robby & James as they dive in to Christmas hymns as they help us connect to the deeper religious meaning theses traditional hymns hold. This week learn the history behind the “A Little Town of Bethlehem”.

God Is the source of everything good in our lives, thanking him personally is a way of placing all of that in perspective.

Robby Dilmore and James Banks discuss praying for prodigals, they go in depth into sharing and discussing stories

"Where your treasure there will be your Heart" Jesus

Sometimes we can find it difficult to share our faith because having a spiritual conversation with someone is a personal thing, and that isn’t always easy to begin, especially if we don’t know someone. But people are often open to prayer. Today James and Robby discuss how prayer can really help us share our faith.

If we keep going and keep trusting God, that's when we'll begin to understand more of His goodness and faithfulness even though we didn't receive what we asked.

Sometimes When we are facing challenging things we can feel like no one would understand.

James and Robby discuss the issue that Christians have with trusting God with our fears.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss God knowing our every need even before we ask.

James Banks and Robby Dilmore discuss the story of Zechariah.

Don’t you think it’s safe to say that sometimes God uses the diffficult circumstances in our lives to keep us dependent, to keep us close to Him?

If God wants to hug me I am gong to let Him, I am going to lean into him.

It's so basic to the Christian life, but it’s often overlooked. We know we need to do it, but we often don’t just because we don’t feel like it. James & Robby talk about the importance of praise and thanks - and how to overcome the self-perpetuating cycle of neglecting to do so.

One of the Challenges that we so often face with prayer can be if it making a difference .

The whole emphasis is going to others in a weak place and keeping your eyes on the Lord with them.

This is one of those times when the journey is more important than the destination, because God is continually leading us into new places where we can discover His peace.

Some of the most brilliant things are also the most simple.

It makes such a difference when God is our last thought before we go to bed. James and Robby discuss interpreting God's voice in dreams.

One of the good things that happens when we pray is that sometimes we get to see what God is doing in the moment. James & Robby talk about one of those moments...involving puppies.  

Have you ever said, "Well, I guess I’m just a Martha, that’s who I am. But Jesus needs people who get stuff done?" James & Robby talk about how Mary "chose the better part" by sitting at Jesus' feet and what Jesus meant by that.

Though it sounds like a special parody edition of Encouraging Prayer, it's not! James & Robby talk about Jesus' words to those who pray like hypocrites - and how we can avoid doing that!

James & guest-host Rachel Torres talk about two people who walked on water (Jesus and Peter) and something amazing about that moment that can help us pray.

With Father's Day approaching, James & Robby take a special look at what it means to call God “Father,” and the difference that makes for our prayers.

James & Robby discuss blessing those who curse you - and genuinely wanting others to be happy - especially in Christ!

Wouldn’t you love to have some unhurried time with Jesus? What would you give to have some moments like that? James & Robby talk about what it means to be with Jesus in an unhurried way!

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." But what does Psalm 37:4 really mean by that? James & Robby talk about it!

What are you looking forward to right now? Are your best days in front of you, or behind you? Do you see yourself as blessed, or do you just wish that you were? James & Robby talk about it today!

James & Robby are discussing how parents can approach and pray for their prodigal children and people in the Bible who had similar struggles with their own children.

Mother’s Day is coming up and James & Robby are talking to moms this week about about how NOT to pray for your kids.

Today, James & guest-host Rachel Torres are talking about prayer and dreams - not daydreams, but those dreams about your life and its purpose and just what it is that God wants you to do in this world.  

James & guest-host Rachel Torres talk about praying in moments of frustration - and how you can learn to push pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and just quiet yourself in Him.

James & Robby are talking about distractions and prayer - and how to seek God's help with it!

We like to think of prayer as our idea. But it isn’t, really - prayer is God’s idea. And that makes all of the difference! James & Robby explore this idea.  

James & Robby are talking about Jesus and his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, right before his arrest, when he asked them, "Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?" They reflect on being with Jesus as a friend in prayer.

Finding it difficult to pray more than you do? Have we got the show for you! James & Robby talk about it!

Sometimes it’s easier to say that something is a good idea, then it is to actually do it. And if that were ever true of anything, it’s certainly true of prayer! Today, James & Robby talk about how we can learn to take the time to pray.

What's at the heart of prayer? Our hearts... God's heart... And the way to pray more and LOVE it when we do. James & Robby are talking about it today!

Many of us have had that experience where someone was praying for us, and we could really feel it. So what is that? And how does that work? James & Robby talk about it!  

James is once again joined by guest host Rachel Torres, as they discuss how to pray in times of worry and distress. How do we turn our minds to God when they're so focused on just one thing? Listen and find out.

Aren't the best relationships the ones where you can just be quiet with someone, without having to express what you’re thinking all of the time? Today, James and guest host Rachel Torres discuss how we can pursue a relationship with God like that - one where we can just stay quiet before Him, and keep our minds and hearts still.  

James & Robby discuss imprecatory prayers - praying for calamity to befall one's enemies - and how we can pray for our enemies in the way Jesus instructed us to.

We need to see ourselves as little children when we come to Jesus, when we talk to the father... and James & Robby are showing us how!

James & Robby are putting on the full armor of God, so that they can take their stand against the devil’s schemes... and they're showing you how to, as well! This week, they look at prayer as the forgotten piece of the armor of God.

James & Robby discuss one of the most challenging things - but also one of the best things - about our prayer life... Getting open and honest with God!

Have you ever prayed about something, and maybe right in the middle of your prayer, you realize, “I don’t really believe this can happen?” If we’re honest, we’ve all been there at times... James & Robby help us figure out how to move past this feeling and pray with real faith.  

Prayer is more than a duty - it's a calling! James & Robby talk about why this is and how we can better enjoy our time spent in prayer.

On the FIRST Encouraging Prayer of 2021, James & Robby talk about one particular New Year's resolution: to pray more. How do we do this AND be consistent with it? James and Robby challenge you to change how you view prayer.

Christmas may be over officially, but James & Robby talk about keeping the wonder of Christmas as we go about our everyday lives!

On the last Encouraging Prayer before Christmas, James & Robby talk about three special Christmas prayers from the Bible that can be a huge help for each of us - two from Mary and one from her older cousin Elizabeth.

When you think of prayer, what do you think of? Do you ever feel like you’d like to pray more, but there’s only so far you can go with it—and that makes you feel guilty? Prayer—real prayer—can seem like such a challenging thing, but God never intended it to be that way. James & Robby talk about it!

As this Advent season begins, James & Robby explore the very specific request Jesus taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come.”

Woah, Robby and Dr. Banks are prepared to duke it out.  Not really, but a set up for a kind of prayer that gets your attention.  No worries, no animals OR humans were hurt in the recording of this podcast. :)

Are you thankful this Thanksgiving? James & Robby talk about how we can and should give thanks to God, even after the year 2020 has been!

James & Robby are talking about peace and love - not a 60’s thing - but a Jesus thing. There is a peace that only Jesus can give when you have His love growing in your heart, so these two discuss how to stay close to Him and live with Him moment by moment.

2020 has been a highly charged year where the emotions of many are running rampant, and some, sadly, have given in to hating others who differ with them - and that is not what Jesus would have us do. James & Robby talk about how to pray when facing hate. 

James & Robby talk about how to pray in the chaotic time leading up to the election, as a good number of people are feeling like if their candidate loses, the earth could give way.

Andrew Brunson, the missionary who was imprisoned in Turkey for two years, came to speak at a prayer meeting at Peace with his wife Norine, and theirs is an incredible story. Listen as James and Robby share some of that story and talk prayer during the dark hour of the soul.

Have you ever told God you're sorry you did something, and right after you told him, maybe even moments, you went back and did the very same thing? That isn’t an easy place to be, and if we’re honest, we’ve all been there. And today on Encouraging Prayer we’re going to talk about how to move beyond that with God’s help.

James Banks and Robby discuss something that happens to us all during our prayer life.  Praying, praying and praying without a clear definitive answer. 

It's EASY to pray for our families and friends - but what about our prayers for those or are in AUTHORITY over us? 

Dr. James Banks and Robby discuss despair and doubt the focus of the wonderful read of the Pilgrims Progress.  Insightful and encouraging.

Robby and James chat about the times when God leads us to move on from a certain thing on our hearts in prayer.   Scripture backs it all up.  Be encouraged today.  Listen.

Few things show us more directly God’s involvement in our lives than when we ask for something and receive a direct answer. But of course the challenge is that it doesn’t always happen that way, and that can cause us to doubt and to question and to ask less. But we shouldn’t, we should keep asking, as Jesus told us. Not because we have a “Gimme” kind of faith, but simply because God wants us to.

If you look at the world around us one thing is clear, people need Jesus. It’s an election year, and many are placing their hopes in one candidate or another. But only God can save us and help us to love.

Today James suggests an approach to prayer that can help you do it more often, and also pray in strategic and practical ways. It just takes a little preparation, like putting together a playlist. But once you start to learn it you’ll find out how powerful it is.

In Psalm 13 David prays, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” It’s a great prayer to talk about because the fact that you see it in Scripture shows us something really important, that we CAN pray like this.  God never corrects or disciplines anyone for praying like this, not at all. Prayers like this are included in His Word to show us that we can talk about anything with Him, even our disappointments.

There’s a phrase that you see in both Ezra and Nehemiah, and it’s hard to miss because it’s in several places. Ezra 7:6, 7:9, 7:28, 8:18, 8:31 Nehemiah 2:8, I’m sure there are probably more references, but that’s just a quick reading, and all talk about “the gracious hand of God being on someone,” and as you read it, you can’t help feeling, “I want that in my life!”

James and Robby talk about learning how to pray well with other people like friends and family.

We've got some "fresh bread" for you today, a new course at Our Daily Bread University! For about a year James has been working on a 10 lesson video series there, and it’s now available there online, for free!

Today we have something for you that is so helpful and can make such a difference in the way you pray, but you’re going to have to listen very carefully because it’s so simple you can miss it, but so powerful that you won’t want to.

Today we’re talking about something that can really help you pray. We’re going to look at what it means to talk something out with God.

How do you end the day with God? Is there a special prayer that you say, or something unique that you do? Or do you just lie down and rest in Him and go to sleep?

Dr. James and Robby revel in the joy the Jesus has given us the REAL independance with prayer.

So today we’re talking about starting the day with God in prayer, and why we really want to do this. There’s a lot more to this than we sometimes think. Sometimes I think we can dismiss it too quickly because sometimes talking about this can sound, legalistic. Like a bunch of rule we have follow if we’re going to be right with God. But that’s not where we’re going today. Today, it’s like we’re going fishing.

Today on Encouraging Prayer we’re going to talk about keeping, or guarding our hearts. This is such a vital topic—it effects everything we do. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Today on Encouraging prayer we’re going to talk about something that, if you really think about it, will keep you going back to God again and again.

Today on Encouraging Prayer we’re going to be talking about such a vital topic, especially in the current climate of unrest in our country. We’re going to talk about the unity of prayer.

A prayer style is nothing more and nothing less than our preferred way to pray. We all have certain approaches, and we’ll talk about that today. But the most important thing to realize as we start out is that one approach is not better than another. Each has their own advantages, and I hesitate to say weaknesses because the important thing is that we just pray. And this matters because if you haven’t found the prayer style that works best for you, than you may find prayer to be harder than it should be. So you might even think of these as onramps to prayer, ways to really help you go places as you pray.

God’s Word reminds us in Hebrews 11:6 that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and that’s a big part of what prayer is. Remember that Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” So this is part of what it means to “abide” in Him, cling to Him, “hang out” with Him even, if you will.

This week James and Robby dive into some quotes and writings from Charles Spurgeon on the topic of prayer.

So often we can feel guilty when it comes to praying because we measure ourselves against verses like 1 Thess. 5:17–“Pray continually”—and we can think, “I’ll never get there.” But it’s so important to understand that we can’t build our prayer lives on legalism, do’s or don’ts, or methods either. It’s got to come from the heart. And the beautiful thing about that is when we go to God and say “Help me do this, help me be real in this” He will help us every time.

One of the greatest struggles many face when it comes to prayer is feeling like they just don't have the time. James Banks and Robby Dilmore tackle that issue in today's episode of Encouraging Prayer.

Today's show starts with a riddle,“What is the spiritual gift that isn’t?”

If you have a prodigal in your life you know how difficult it can be. Of course we usually think about a prodigal son or daughter, but it could be a parent, or a spouse, or a friend. A prodigal is someone who is running from God and needs to come home to Him.

James and Robby pray about what Easter really means to us, and how we can find that meaning in Psalm 62

James and Robby talk about a question many may have on their minds during this time of crisis.

Bob joins Robby in the Truth Booth.  Guess what Bob is wearing?  PLUS, Christian Car Guy Theater makes a special return!

James and Robby read and pray their way through Psalm 91.

James and Robby take this week's episode to simply pray together, and pray with our listeners.

Today is the Keep Calm and Carry On edition of Encouraging Prayer. Right now we’re facing the worldwide corona virus pandemic. The silver lining in this cloud is that it can cause us to examine ourselves about eternity, and that’s a good thing, because it can lead us back to God.

Sometimes when we think about prayer it can seem like just “one more thing you have to do.” We know we need to pray, but we struggle with actually doing it. So today on Encouraging Prayer James and Robby talk about staying motivated to pray.

This week James and Robby talk about the power behind praying the name of our lord.

It seems like the struggle we often face is, “I just don’t have time to pray or to spend time in God’s Word.” Our minds get so full of “the things that we have to do today” that we either rush through our devotions or we don’t do them at all. That’s life for many believers in our fast-paced world; there are so many distractions and things competing for our attention and it’s easy to slip up. So today James and Robby are going to talk about it today from a slightly different angle.

Today on Encouraging Prayer we’re going to be talking about “Sweet Surrender.” Surrendering ourselves to God when we pray, and what that looks like and feels like.

Praying without words is something you don’t hear about too often, but learning about it can help us so much when we pray.  

If you were to rate the frequency with which you praise God on a scale of 1 to 10, where would you come out? Would you be a 6 or a 8 or 1? This is more than just a “my cup of life is half empty or half full thing.” Our lives either have a pattern of praise or they don’t—and it matters. It matters deeply.

I did my doctoral work in the area of united prayer and it’s role in revival, and we’re in one of those periods where praying together has fallen out of practice in many churches and homes. And I really believe that we’ve seen a decline in the influence of Christianity in our culture because of that.

I thought it would be helpful if we talked about what Scripture calls “the meditations of our hearts.” So it’s personal—and also extremely necessary

When you’re the parent of a prodigal it can seem like hope is in short supply, but that’s never the case with God. And when we pray together and gather around His Word we find strength that we never knew was there.

Let’s make it practical. Let’s say you’re going to be at that family gathering where a person has been intentionally hurtful in the past. When you walk into that situation with a prayerful heart you know you are never alone. Praying helps us remind us that we are loved and valued no matter what others may think or say or do, so you can enter into difficult situations with strength.

Don’t get mad, get even! In an entirely spiritual sense, of course (laughing). Just pick something every day as a reminder that Jesus is with you and will never leave you and is the greatest gift of all. So, what’s it going to be?

You know, all the emphasis on gifts at this time of year has made me think about something my friend Daniel Henderson taught me about prayer. He said that when we pray we need to be careful not to just seek God’s hand, but to seek His face as well.

The transformation of Scrooge in that story is incredible. I love the part where he says, “I will know Christmas’s in my heart and keep it all year.” The only way you can know Christmas like that is if the true founder of the feast is in your heart, Jesus himself. But what really jumped out at me is this whole concept of how things are heading in one very definite direction, but they can be changed by your actions.

“When I have trouble talking with the Lord, I remember that He is right here with me, in this very room. Because He is “Immanuel, God with us.” And what I like to do is put an empty chair in front of me, like the one I’m sitting in here by your bed, and imagine that the Lord is sitting in it, and just talk to Him that way.

The beautiful thing about worship is that we can do it anywhere. This isn’t about simply going to a worship service, although according to God’s Word that needs to be the start of our worship every week. This is about going to God in our hearts wherever we may be.

Well, it seems that whenever you have an in depth conversation with someone about this story about Mary and Martha from the 10th chapter of Luke you invariably hear the same thing. Someone will say, “Well, I’m not a Mary, I’m a Martha, and the church and the world need Marthas too. Because it’s the Marthas who get things done.”

This idea from Charles Spurgeon. I was reading one of his sermons called “Prayer Certain of Success” where he points out that points out that each of these commands—ask, seek, knock—refer to an ascending scale of intensity. I had never seen that before, but I think it’s right. Jesus always made his words count—he isn’t just using different words to say the same thing. And this matters because often we simply stop at asking when we need to go further, because if we don’t, it can cause us to wonder if our prayers make any difference at all.

That term “throne of grace” appears in Hebrews 4:16:   16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 | NIV This is one of the most beautiful pictures of prayer in all of the Bible, because it shows us God’s heart when we pray. He not only encourages us to pray with this verse, He tells us what will happen when we do, and it’s all good.

Today’s encouraging prayer is about celebrating our Savior. And here’s the thing—this is something we can do every day. As we go through life He wants us to grow closer to Him, to grow in love with Him. And He will help us do that as we look to Him more and more. Think of all that we have because of Jesus—all we have to be thankful for. Sins forgiven, a relationship with our Heavenly Father, His presence promised to us every day, a new identity with God, a new beginning....

You imagine that scene where the boxer is down, and the ref starts what’s call the long count, counting to ten, and the trainer is there on the side. Like Burgess Meredith from the Rocky movies, or the trainer from Cinderella Man, one of my favorite movies. And he starts shouting something like, “Get up. You’re gonna let that knock you down? Get up and give it right back.” So for this talk you can think of me as that hard nosed boxing trainer encouraging you to get back into it with your prayers.