Hearing Jesus: Daily Bible Study, Christian Affirmations, Hearing God, Prayer, Holy Spirit, Daily Devotional

What Is Prayer? Answers to the Questions We All Have: Hearing Jesus, Daily Bible Study

In today's episode, Rachael has a conversation on prayer before starting the
Bible Study 101 series, working through what prayer actually is, why it belongs at the center of Bible study, and how to work through the obstacles that keep most people from praying consistently: not knowing what to say, a wandering mind, falling asleep, and what to do with prayers that still feel unanswered.

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This episode's conversation was with Monika Kirkland. Her new book, It Is
Well With You: Becoming Fully Awake to the God Who Is Near, releases August 18th. Find her at monikakirkland.com

Send Rachael a voicemail with any questions at her SpeakPipe here:
https://www.speakpipe.com/HearingJesusPodcast

Go on a trip with Rachael: https://biblestudylive.org/

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https://patreon.com/HearingJesus

Chapters

0:00 Why we're pausing for a conversation on prayer before Bible study 101

2:17 What is prayer?

4:16 What does prayer have to do with Bible study?

6:56 What do I do when I don't know what to say in prayer?

9:25 Why does my mind wander when I pray?

13:30 Is it okay to fall asleep while praying?

18:06 A story of answered prayer

23:01 What do I do with unanswered prayer?

24:18 What does it mean to war in the spirit?

26:04 How do I pray scripture over someone?

28:19 Two simple prayer rhythms to start this week

30:41 A closing prayer for you

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is connection and communion with God, the way we relate to Him
directly instead of only hearing about Him secondhand. It's also an invitation
to participate in what God is already doing in the world. Prayer isn't a
formality before Bible study. It's the relationship Bible study is meant to
deepen.

What Do I Do When I Don't Know What to Say in Prayer?

Start where you are. It's common to feel unsure your words sound right,
especially early in your faith. The fix isn't finding the correct phrasing,
it's showing up honestly. Prayer, like any relationship, feels a little awkward
at first and becomes natural the more time you spend in it.

Why Does My Mind Wander When I Pray?

A wandering mind during prayer is common and not a sign of spiritual
failure. In seminary, Rachael's professor John Coe taught that instead of just
fighting your way back to focus, you should pay attention to where your mind wandered. Sometimes that reveals a person God wants you praying for. Other times, it reveals something you're holding onto more tightly than your relationship with Him.

Is It Okay to Fall Asleep While Praying?

Yes, and it isn't something to carry shame over. Changing your position or
environment can help if it happens often, standing, walking, or praying with
worship music playing. Rachael shares her own practice of never saying
"amen" in her personal prayer time, choosing instead to stay in
ongoing communication with God throughout the day, including into sleep.

What Do I Do With Unanswered Prayer?

When you cannot trace God's hand, trust His heart. Some prayers are answered with a no, some with a not yet. The posture Jesus modeled in Gethsemane, presenting the request and then surrendering to God's will, is the posture we're invited into while we wait.

What Does It Mean to War in the Spirit?

Warring in the spirit means actively partnering with God against the enemy's
work in a specific situation, through fasting, prayer, and praying scripture
aloud over someone by name. It's not passive waiting. It's active, focused
intercession.

How Do I Pray Scripture Over Someone?

Find a verse that speaks to what the person actually needs and pray it
directly over them in your own words. Colossians 1:11, "strengthened with
all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all
steadfastness and patience," is one example of a verse that can become a
lifeline in an exhausting season.

Two Simple Prayer Rhythms to Start This Week

Start the day with scripture before screens, opening the Bible before
opening your phone, to set the tone for your whole day. There's also a practice from Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline worth trying: turn your palms down and give God whatever is troubling you, then turn your palms up and ask Him to fill you with His peace.

FAQ

Do I need a certain amount of time to pray? No. Prayer doesn't require a set
length. A short, honest prayer counts as much as a long one.

What Bible verse is good to pray when I'm struggling to find words?
Colossians 1:11 is a good starting point, or any Psalm that matches what you're feeling in the moment.

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Behind the Scenes Fall Updates: Hearing Jesus, Bible Study, Daily Affirmations

Summary

Hey friend, this one is a little different. It's a bonus "State of the Union" episode where Rachael shares what's changing behind the scenes: wrapping up the Psalm series, what's coming this fall (Bible Study 101, then Luke and Acts), why she started her own podcast network, an update on spiritual direction, and some personal family news about her daughters Addy and Georgia.

Join the email list at rachaelgroll.com to be entered in the fall giveaway.

☆Sign up for Rachael's newsletter here: RachaelGroll.com/Newsletter

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☆Go on a trip with Rachael: Bible Study Live

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☆If you would like to give to Hearing Jesus and financially support the podcast, you can do so here! ➤ Give Here

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☆Website ➤ Hearing Jesus

Every time Rachael steps away from a straight Bible study to do an update episode like this, someone reaches out to ask if they missed the teaching. They didn't. This is a bonus episode, a chance for Rachael to share what's changing behind the scenes: a few prayer requests, some personal news, and some exciting updates for the podcast.

The Psalm series wrapped up recently, and it was actually a repeat of one Rachael taught four or five years ago. She stepped away from new teaching for a season to write a couple of books, and a lot of listeners have joined the show since then who never heard it the first time. Judging by the response, it was worth bringing back.

Two things. First, a short series called Bible Study 101. Then, the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, taught together as one long series. Luke and Acts were originally written as a two-part work, even though they were separated when Scripture was canonized. Rachael wanted to teach them the way they were first meant to be read, side by side.

It's a short, foundational series, less than a month long, built for anyone who feels like they're missing the "why" and "how" behind studying the Bible on their own. Rachael has taught this material in person for years, but realized not everyone listening has been with the podcast long enough to have picked it up. It's not meant to replace anything she produces. Her hope is that you'd walk away needing her less and depending on your own relationship with the Lord more. There will still be daily Scripture woven through it before Luke and Acts begins.

Email works anytime, or you can use the Speakpipe link in the show notes to leave a voice message. Rachael reads and listens to as many as she can, and questions about Bible Study 101, Luke, or Acts may get answered right in an episode.

This is the transparency part. Every podcaster has to cover the cost of equipment, software, and editing somehow, and ads are the usual way. The problem is that ad networks let companies self-certify what category their ad falls under, and nobody double-checks it. That's led to ads slipping through that don't match a faith-based show's values, sometimes without Rachael even knowing until a listener flagged it. So this past spring, she built her own network. It's not a perfect fix since the industry-wide self-certification problem still exists, but it gives her direct control to pull an ad the moment something doesn't sit right, and there's AI screening in the works to catch problems before they ever air.

No, and it was a hard call to make. Other parts of the ministry needed her full attention, and spiritual direction was what she had to let go of to make room. There's also a deeper reason: as much as she loves this community, she's not anyone's pastor, and a lot of what came up in those sessions belonged in the context of a local church relationship. If you were hoping to walk through that curriculum, it's available as a self-paced course called Knowing Jesus.

Just join the email list at rachaelgroll.com. That's it, no extra steps, and if you're already subscribed, you're automatically entered. There will be three giveaways over three weeks, each with a mix of favorite things: a tote, a women's Bible from Hosanna Revival, Bible highlighters and tabs, copies of a couple of Rachael's books, and a few other bonus surprises. The email list is also where you'll see the new book cover first, get prayer requests, and hear bonus content that never makes it to the podcast.

Two big transitions this fall. Her daughter Addy is heading to Southeastern University for a missions program, a decision that Rachael is thankful for and covets prayer over as Addy steps into this next season. And her oldest daughter, Georgia, who helps out part-time behind the scenes, is getting married this fall to someone she's known since preschool.

0:12 Welcome and why this is a "State of the Union" bonus episode

1:05 Wrapping up the Psalm series

1:29 This fall: the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts

2:17 Introducing Bible Study 101

4:10 How to send in your questions

5:45 Why Rachael started her own podcast network

11:15 An update on spiritual direction and the Knowing Jesus course

12:33 Join the email list and enter the fall giveaway

14:31 Family updates: Addy and Georgia

16:21 Closing thoughts

How long does the Bible Study 101 series run? Less than a month, starting this fall before the podcast moves into the Luke and Acts series.

Where can I find the Knowing Jesus course Rachael mentioned? It's on rachaelgroll.com. It's $97 and includes more than 12 hours of teaching, the same content Rachael used to walk people through in one-on-one spiritual direction.

What if I hear an ad on the podcast that doesn't feel right? Reach out by email or Speakpipe and let Rachael know. She can pull an ad from her own network directly, and she's actively working on AI screening to catch mismatched ads before they air.

CTAWhat is a "State of the Union" episode?Why did the podcast repeat the Psalm series?What's coming to the podcast this fall?What is Bible Study 101?How do I send in a question for the series?Why did Rachael start her own podcast network?Is Rachael still offering spiritual direction coaching?How do I enter the fall giveaway?What's new with Rachael's family?ChaptersFAQ
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⁠⁠⁠⁠Tuesday: I Have Peace: Daily Affirmations,
Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Tuesday episode offers powerful, Scripture-based affirmations to help you step into your week with boldness, peace, and purpose. As the world demands more, God invites you to rely on His strength. Through these promises, you’re reminded that you are never alone, never powerless, and never without purpose.

AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found on my Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today’s daily affirmations are for strength and confidence for the week ahead. Whatever this week holds, you are not facing it alone. God is with you—strengthening you, guiding you, and fighting for you. No matter what challenges you encounter, you can walk in faith knowing that God has already prepared the way for you.

Affirmation:
I am strong and courageous in Christ.

Joshua
1:9

 

Affirmation:
I do not fear because God is with me.

Isaiah
41:10

 

Affirmation:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians
4:13

 

Affirmation:
I am victorious through Jesus.

1
Corinthians 15:57

Affirmation:
I have the power of God working within me.

Ephesians
3:20

 

Affirmation:
I will not be shaken because God is my refuge.

Psalm
62:6

 

Affirmation:
I walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 

 

Affirmation:
No weapon formed against me shall prosper.

Isaiah
54:17

 

Affirmation:
God fights my battles and I need only to be still.

Exodus
14:14

 

Affirmation:
I am not afraid because God has overcome the world.

John
16:33

 

Affirmation:
I have authority in Christ over every attack of the enemy.

Luke
10:19

 

Affirmation:
I am rooted and established in God’s love.

Ephesians
3:17

 

Affirmation:
I have divine wisdom and strength for today.

James
1:5

 

Affirmation:
I am resilient and
I will persevere through trials.

Romans
5:3-4

 

Affirmation:
I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts
1:8

 

Affirmation:
I will not grow weary in doing good.

Galatians
6:9

 

Affirmation:
God’s grace is sufficient for me.

2
Corinthians 12:9

 

Affirmation:
I have peace that surpasses understanding.

Philippians
4:7

 

Affirmation:
I am never alone. God is always near.

Deuteronomy
31:8

 

Affirmation:
I am protected under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm
91:1

 

Affirmation:
God’s Word is a
lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm
119:105

 

Affirmation:
I stand firm in faith and do not waver.

James
1:6

 

Affirmation:
I am free from fear because God’s perfect love casts it out.

1
John 4:18

 

Affirmation:
I have a spirit of power, love, and sound mind.

2
Timothy 1:7

 

Affirmation:
God is working all things for my good today.

Romans
8:28

 

Closing
Prayer

Lord,
I surrender my fear to You. Fill me with boldness, courage, and confidence in
You. No matter what today holds, I trust in Your strength. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

 Listen daily and start your morning with God’s truth so you can
walk in faith, clarity, and confidence.

 

 

#ChristianPodcast
#DailyAffirmations #FaithOverFear #BiblicalTruth #MorningDevotions
#RenewYourMind #HearingJesusPodcast
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Psalms for the Soul: Psalm 150: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Bible Study 

In today’s final episode of our Psalms series, we are celebrating Psalm 150 as a kind of grand finale of the Book of Psalms: it's all about praising and celebrating. Singing…. Dancing… Instruments… everyone and everything is called to praise the Lord. As we finish up this series, I pray that the message of the Psalms stays with you, and that you remember how incredibly much you are loved.

Today’s Key Verse:

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

☆Go on a trip with Rachael: Bible Study Live

☆Get Ad-Free Episodes, Bonus Content, and more here: ⁠ patreon.com/HearingJesus

☆Pick up a copy of my latest book: Bible Study and Devotional 

☆If you would like to give to Hearing Jesus and financially support the podcast,  you can do so here ! ➤ Give Here

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☆Website ➤ Hearing Jesus

Bible study, Christian affirmations, prayer, devotionals, hear God’s voice, grow spiritually, Scripture, biblical context, walk with God, hearing God, understanding the Bible, spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, emotional healing, identity in Christ, prayer, discipleship, apply Scripture, daily devotional, Christian encouragement, Bible teaching, faith-based, Bible teaching, Spirit-led, spirit-filled.

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Monday: I Am Dearly Loved: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations

 

Start your day with confidence, peace, and purpose through these Daily Affirmations for Adults. Each episode is a short but powerful way to realign your heart and mind with biblical truth. Speak life over your day, renew your faith, and step into God’s promises with Scripture-based affirmations.

AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found
on my Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Here are your Monday affirmations. I will read the phrase, then you
repeat it, and then I’ll tell you the Scripture it’s from.

Take a deep breath. This is a new day filled with God’s grace and
purpose. You are not defined by your past or your mistakes or the opinions of
others. You are defined by the truth of God’s Word. Let these affirmations fill
your heart as you step into today.

 

I am a child of God, chosen and loved.

1 John 3:1

 

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

 

I am fully known and loved fully by God.

Psalm 139:1–2

 

I have been chosen before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:4

 

I am created in the image of God.

Genesis 1:27

 

I am redeemed and made new in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

I am set apart for God’s purpose.

1 Peter 2:9

 

I am God’s masterpiece, created for good works.

Ephesians 2:10

 

I am loved with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

 

I am called by name and belong to God.

Isaiah 43:1

 

I am not my past. I am a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.

1 Corinthians 6:20

 

I’m seated in heavenly places with Christ.

Ephesians 2:6

 

I am co-heir with Christ.

Romans 8:17

 

I am not rejected. I am accepted in Christ.

Ephesians 1:6

 

I am never alone. God is always with me.

Hebrews 13:5

 

I am valuable and precious in God’s sight.

Isaiah 43:4

 

I have been set free by the truth of Jesus.

John 8:36

 

I am more than a conqueror through Christ.

Romans 8:37

 

I am a light in this world, shining for Christ.

Matthew 5:14

 

I am God’s dwelling
place. His Spirit lives within me.

1 Corinthians 3:16

 

I am forgiven and free from condemnation.

Romans 8:1

 

I have a divine purpose and calling from God.

Jeremiah 29:11

 

I am dearly loved and nothing can separate me from God’s love.

Romans 8:38–39

 

Father, thank You for reminding me who I am in You. Help me to
walk in confidence today, knowing that I am chosen, loved, and called by You. No matter what comes my way, let my identity be rooted in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

I hope these affirmations spoke to your heart today. If you want to
go deeper, just keep listening. Your full Bible study episode is coming up
next.

Listen daily and start your morning with
God’s truth so you can walk in faith, clarity, and confidence.

 

 

#ChristianPodcast #DailyAffirmations
#FaithOverFear #BiblicalTruth #MorningDevotions #RenewYourMind
#HearingJesusPodcast

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