Christ With Coffee On Ice: "Should We Pray to Saints?" Q+A Episode Summary
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host: Ally Yost
In this engaging Q+A episode of Christ With Coffee On Ice, host Ally Yost delves into a variety of topics submitted by listeners, with a particular focus on the practice of praying to saints. Emphasizing vulnerability, rawness, hope, and encouragement, Ally navigates through questions that intertwine scripture, life's obstacles, and the journey of walking with Christ. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.
1. Celebrating Milestones and Community
Timestamp: 01:00 - 05:00
Ally begins the episode by sharing a significant milestone: the podcast has surpassed 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. She expresses heartfelt gratitude towards her listeners, emphasizing that this achievement is a testament to God's work through the podcast, rather than her own efforts.
“We surpassed 100,000 subscribers on YouTube... it is fruit and, like, a physical representation of what God is doing with this podcast.”
(02:30)
Ally underscores the importance of celebrating such milestones without letting numbers dictate their faith journey. She encourages the community to acknowledge their successes as fruit of their labor and God’s blessings.
2. Extending Grace vs. Compromising Beliefs
Timestamp: 06:00 - 10:30
One of the central themes of the episode revolves around the difference between extending grace and compromising personal convictions. Ally shares her personal journey of understanding that extending grace to others does not equate to compromising her own beliefs.
“Extending grace to somebody doesn’t mean that I’m necessarily compromising my own personal convictions...”
(07:45)
She emphasizes the necessity of setting boundaries without feeling that doing so compromises one's faith. Ally reflects on the importance of allowing space for others to grow while maintaining one's own spiritual integrity.
3. The Line Between Appreciating Nature and Worshiping It
Timestamp: 11:00 - 15:50
Addressing a listener's question, Ally discusses the distinction between appreciating nature and worshiping it. She posits that nature is a gift from God meant to be enjoyed and appreciated, not worshiped.
“The difference and that line of, like, appreciating nature and worshiping it is believing that nature has something to give that only God can give.”
(12:30)
Ally warns against attributing divine power to natural elements, which can lead to idolatry. She advocates for enjoying nature as part of God’s creation while keeping the worship exclusively directed towards God.
4. Maintaining Consistency in Faith
Timestamp: 16:00 - 22:00
Another listener query focuses on how to remain constant in one's faith daily. Ally responds candidly about her own struggles with consistency, acknowledging that no one is perfect in their spiritual journey.
“There are days where I probably am not the best Christian... But I think that there's a place of grace that we can have for ourselves...”
(19:20)
She highlights the importance of extending grace to oneself and gradually building spiritual habits, such as spending more time with God offline. Ally encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with Jesus while being compassionate towards their own imperfections.
5. Handling Moments When God's Presence Feels Distant
Timestamp: 23:00 - 28:30
Ally addresses the challenging experience of not feeling God's presence during difficult times. She shares a personal anecdote about feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, and how honest prayer and worship music helped her reconnect.
“Once I unlocked that, I was honest out loud. And I said, I'm mad, God, I'm mad... I was mad... and once I was honest, the more peace I received...”
(26:10)
She advises listeners to actively seek God's presence through practices that have previously helped them, emphasizing that God's presence remains constant, even when it doesn't feel palpable.
6. Addressing Criticism of Being "Too Christian"
Timestamp: 28:40 - 34:00
Ally tackles the sensitive topic of being perceived as "too Christian" by friends. She firmly states that there is no such thing as being too Christian, contrasting it with the idea of being too religious.
“There is no such thing as being too Christian... There is no one in your life that's ever been more dedicated to you than Jesus.”
(31:25)
Ally encourages listeners to continue their deep dedication to Christ without fear of judgment, suggesting that their passion can influence and soften the hearts of those around them.
7. Believing in God’s Power to Remove Sin
Timestamp: 35:10 - 40:45
In response to a question about trusting God to remove sin, Ally emphasizes the combination of faith in God's power and the personal decision to reject sin.
“You have to have faith that God is capable of delivering you from sin... there is a decision that we have to make in it.”
(38:15)
She explains that while God provides the strength, individuals must actively choose to turn away from sinful habits, highlighting the role of free will and the Holy Spirit’s support in overcoming temptation.
8. Being Passionate About the Lord Without Legalism
Timestamp: 41:00 - 46:30
Ally addresses how to maintain passion for God without falling into legalism. She advocates for a childlike faith that embodies innocence and trust, which naturally resists rigid and legalistic tendencies.
“The very thing that can keep you on fire for the Lord, but not legalistic is keeping that childlike faith that God encourages so much...”
(43:50)
By embracing a spirit of joy and curiosity, Ally suggests that believers can stay fervent in their faith while avoiding the pitfalls of legalistic practices.
9. Emotional Expression in the Christian Walk
Timestamp: 47:00 - 51:30
When asked about being emotional for every little thing, Ally affirms that emotional expression is valid and human. She differentiates between healthy emotions and relying solely on emotions for spiritual decisions.
“It's okay to have emotions for every little thing... God did create emotions. He let us have emotions for a reason.”
(49:10)
Ally encourages embracing emotions as part of the human experience, while also maintaining dependence on Jesus rather than allowing emotions to dictate one's faith journey.
10. The Central Discussion: Praying to Saints
Timestamp: 52:00 - 58:30
In response to the episode's titular question, "Should We Pray to Saints?", Ally provides a clear stance rooted in Christian doctrine. She asserts that prayer should be directed solely to God, emphasizing the role of Jesus as the cornerstone of the Trinity.
“I believe that the only thing we should be praying to is God... Jesus died for us so that he can be the cornerstone between humanity and God himself.”
(55:45)
Ally explains that praying to saints or Mary diverts worship away from God and undermines the direct relationship believers have with the Trinity through Jesus. She emphasizes that Jesus is the mediator and that believers can approach God directly without intermediaries.
“We can go straight to God because of Jesus... we can reach the Father through his Son, Jesus Christ.”
(57:20)
While acknowledging that different religions may hold varying beliefs, Ally maintains a respectful stance, focusing on her conviction that prayer should remain dedicated to God alone.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ally wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of maintaining a direct and wholehearted relationship with God. She encourages listeners to live out their faith boldly and to be a light in the world, exemplifying the love and dedication that defines a true Christian walk.
“Let's just be the light. Be the light that only Jesus can give us.”
(58:00)
Ally concludes with a heartfelt farewell, expressing her love and pride in her listeners, and urging them to continue their journey with faith, grace, and unwavering commitment to Christ.
This episode of Christ With Coffee On Ice serves as a profound exploration of maintaining authentic faith practices, setting boundaries without compromising beliefs, and ensuring that worship remains centered on God alone. Ally Yost’s candid and heartfelt discussions provide valuable insights for listeners navigating their spiritual journeys.