Pray First

What Is the Bible and How Do We Read It?

The Bible is the most-read, most-loved, and yet most misunderstood book in history. Is it just a collection of ancient writings, or is it truly the living Word of God? In this episode, we’ll explore what the Bible really is, why it matters, and how we can approach it in a way that not only informs our minds but transforms our lives. We’ll uncover how all 66 books come together as one unified story pointing to Jesus, and I’ll share practical steps for reading with the right posture, the right tools, and the right goal. 🎶 Featured Hymn: Gentle Shepherd (Hymns on Ukulele) 🎶 Background Music: Break Thou the Bread of Life (Kaleb Brasee, piano instrumental) Join me as we begin this foundational journey into HIS Story — Told in Scripture, Lived in Us!

Abide: Walking the Daily Path into God’s Presence

The Christian life isn’t powered by willpower — it’s fueled by abiding in Christ daily. In the final episode of our Lord, Teach Us to Pray series, we explore the Tabernacle Prayer Pattern — a biblical, step-by-step pathway into God’s presence. From thanksgiving in the outer court to intercession in the Holy of Holies, each station points to Jesus and shows us how to draw near to Him every day. We’ll walk through all seven stations, accompanied by short example prayers, as we discover how this pattern helps us remove barriers, deepen intimacy, and live in the Spirit’s strength instead of our own. Hymn Feature: Abide With Me Primary Scripture: John 15:4–5 Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 100:4, Psalm 103:2–5, Romans 12:1, Isaiah 11:2, Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 18:10, 1 Timothy 2:1–4 Listen and learn how to turn prayer from a duty into a daily abiding relationship with Jesus. Featured Music: 🎵 Abide With Me – Reawaken Hymns – Watch here [https://youtu.be/yPcrmSXTCJs?si=C_qeJ3zy40L3CDKd] 🎵 Abide With Me (Piano Instrumental with Lyrics) – Kaleb Brasee – Watch here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOxYUN_JNW8]

The Intercessor’s Burden

Intercession is love in action — especially when we pray for others to know Jesus. In this episode, we explore 1 Timothy 2:1–4 and discover five biblical ways to pray for the lost, drawn from the Pray First guide. You’ll learn how to align your prayers with God’s heart, invite His power into someone’s life, and participate in the miracle of salvation. Featuring the hymn Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me by Three Reds [https://youtu.be/GZW3zls0SiY?si=DZxFZDxraYbgZNMm], and background piano by Kaleb Brasee [https://youtu.be/6EIjsFAfPvM?si=YVZz_40HojawfDxA].

The Prayer That Prevails

In this episode of HIS Story, we explore what makes some prayers powerful while others fall flat. From Jacob wrestling with God to the woman with the issue of blood, Scripture shows that God honors fervent, faith-filled, and even desperate prayer. We’ll learn from the examples of Jesus, the prophets, and ordinary people whose prayers moved heaven—and how our own prayer life can grow deeper when fueled by faith. Featuring insights from E.M. Bounds and R.A. Torrey, we’ll see why prevailing prayer is about relationship, persistence, and confidence in God’s ability to act. Featured Music: * I Am Thine O Lord, I Have Heard Thy Voice (Draw Me Nearer) | BEKOFI Creative Hub – Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/5pV7rzS2o1o?si=HOXKHqnA_SsEvs31] * I Am Thine O Lord (Draw Me Nearer) – Piano Instrumental Hymn with Lyrics | Kaleb Brasee – Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/sgyydnT2Z0I?si=2cqRX-mrulXLmwSQ] Primary Scriptures: James 5:16–18; Genesis 32:24–30 Supporting Scriptures: Luke 8:43–48; Luke 7:1–10; Luke 18:1–8; Mark 9:24; Luke 22:44; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 15:21–28

Pray First

Too often, prayer becomes our last resort—something we turn to when nothing else works. But Jesus modeled a different approach: prayer as our first response, not our last resort. In this episode of HIS Story, we contrast the reactive prayer of King Saul with the proactive posture of Nehemiah, explore the transformative “Pray First” pattern, and reflect on how beginning each day with surrender brings peace, clarity, and strength. You’ll learn how to: * Make prayer your first response in every situation * Root your day in God’s promises and presence * Pray Scripture with boldness and trust * Start each morning as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1–2) Plus, we close with a timeless reminder from the beloved hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour.” Let’s stop reacting—and start responding. Let’s pray first. 🎵 Featured Music: “I Need Thee Every Hour” – Reawaken Hymns [https://youtu.be/8qJ4jlKeT4w?si=8fPaL6vrCDO3bq97] Piano Instrumental with Lyrics – Kaleb Brasee [https://youtu.be/wYYwnKUoEvo?si=ARYvO1SARmxUwp1J]