Encouraging Prayer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.