How To Pray When You're Church Hurt

How To Pray When You're Church Hurt

How do you pray when the people who were supposed to reflect Christ are the ones who wounded you? Church hurt can leave deep scars—bringing disappointment, betrayal, confusion, and even making it difficult to pray. In this heartfelt episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks and host Robby Dilmore explore the biblical path to healing when the pain comes from within the church. Drawing from personal experience and the promises of Scripture, they discuss why the first and best response to church hurt is to run to Jesus, who alone brings healing, grace, and the strength to forgive. Together, they examine how God can transform even the deepest wounds into opportunities for spiritual growth, renewed perspective, and a closer walk with Christ. Whether you've been hurt by a pastor, fellow believer, or church community, this conversation offers hope, practical encouragement, and a reminder that Jesus never fails those who seek 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.

A God Adventure

What if one of the greatest adventures of faith begins with something as simple as taking a walk? In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, Dr. James Banks and Robby Dilmore explore what it truly means to "walk with God"—not just as a biblical metaphor, but as a practical, daily experience. Drawing inspiration from Enoch, Jesus, and the Psalms, James shares how a simple walk can become sacred time with the Lord through prayer, Scripture meditation, and quiet attentiveness to God's presence. Along the way, you'll discover how slowing down, engaging your senses, and listening for God's voice can transform an ordinary walk into an extraordinary encounter with Him. Whether you're looking to deepen your prayer life, find peace in the middle of a hectic day, or simply experience God in a fresh way, this episode will encourage you to step outside—and step closer to Him. Because every walk with God has the potential to become a divine adventure. 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.

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.