Episode Summary: Priscilla Shirer - Taking Prayer Deeper
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast
- Host: Candace Cameron Bure (CandyRock)
- Guest: Priscilla Shirer
- Episode Title: Priscilla Shirer - Taking Prayer Deeper
- Release Date: January 28, 2025
Introduction
In the final episode of Season 8 of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, host Candace Cameron Bure engages in a profound conversation with renowned author and spiritual speaker, Priscilla Shirer. Titled "Priscilla Shirer - Taking Prayer Deeper," this episode delves into the transformative power of prayer and how to cultivate a more intentional and impactful prayer life.
The Power of Prayer
Priscilla Shirer opens the discussion by sharing a poignant story from her past. She recounts an experience from a house Bible study 17 years prior, where a Bible teacher named George envisioned a "futuristic streamline train" symbolizing a new, vibrant approach to prayer rooted in traditional foundations. This vision materialized eight years later with the creation of the film War Room, which emphasized the significance of dedicated prayer spaces—commonly known as "prayer closets."
Priscilla emphasizes the importance of strategic and intentional prayer:
"Strategic prayer, of intentional prayer, of thoughtful prayer, not just like throwing something up against the wall and hoping it sticks." ([10:15])
Being an Answer to Others' Prayers
Candace shares a heartfelt story illustrating how small acts of kindness can become answers to someone's prayers. She describes an incident at Chick Fil A where her gesture of paying for both her meal and the person behind her resulted in a touching comment from a grateful customer. This story highlights the ripple effect of generosity and how individuals can become conduits of God's blessings:
"But you don't know that when you're doing a thing that you just feel compelled to do for whatever reason and it's so small... it changed somebody's life." ([00:16])
Priscilla echoes this sentiment, expressing her desire to be an answer to others' prayers through everyday interactions.
How God Speaks to Us
The conversation transitions to understanding how God communicates with believers. Priscilla underscores that God's Word is the primary medium through which He speaks:
"The primary way God speaks to us is through his Word." ([30:46])
She highlights the importance of immersing oneself in scripture with an open heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate specific verses that address current life situations. This method not only provides guidance but also serves as a safeguard against misleading influences:
"If it doesn't line up with [God's Word], if it contorts this... it is not God." ([33:25])
Candace adds that journaling can be a valuable tool for tracking these divine communications and recognizing patterns of God's faithfulness over time:
"And I'm so grateful I have the journals because we look back and we can go like, oh, look at all these times." ([34:46])
Encouraging a Deeper Prayer Life
Priscilla offers practical advice for fostering a more engaged prayer life:
- Be Intentional: Approach prayer with purpose, identifying specific areas where you seek God's intervention.
- Align with Scripture: Use biblical promises to structure and affirm your prayers.
- Practice Strategic Prayer: Understand the spiritual realities behind physical challenges to pray effectively.
- Embrace Journaling: Document prayers and answered prayers to recognize God's ongoing work in your life.
Candace shares her personal routine of praying the "armor of God" each morning, emphasizing the need for daily spiritual protection and intentional communion with God:
"I would get up and lay down on the floor and pray the armor of God on me." ([12:38])
Conclusion and Closing Prayer
The episode culminates in a heartfelt exchange of prayers between Candace and Priscilla. Candace prays for listeners to recognize God's love, mercy, and presence in their lives, encouraging perseverance and reliance on divine grace. Priscilla echoes these sentiments, praying for protection, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God for all listeners.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Prayer: Engage in intentional and thoughtful prayer aligned with scripture to address both physical challenges and their underlying spiritual realities.
- Be an Answer: Small acts of kindness can have significant impacts, serving as answers to others' prayers.
- Discernment Through Scripture: Utilize God's Word as a primary means of discernment and guidance in your prayer life.
- Journaling: Keep a prayer journal to track divine communications and recognize patterns of God's faithfulness.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of a dedicated and strategic prayer life, encouraging listeners to deepen their spiritual practices and become vessels of God's love and purpose in the world.
Notable Quotes:
- Priscilla Shirer ([10:15]): "Strategic prayer, of intentional prayer, of thoughtful prayer, not just like throwing something up against the wall and hoping it sticks."
- Candace Cameron Bure ([00:16]): "But you don't know that when you're doing a thing that you just feel compelled to do for whatever reason and it's so small... it changed somebody's life."
- Priscilla Shirer ([30:46]): "The primary way God speaks to us is through his Word."
- Candace Cameron Bure ([12:38]): "I would get up and lay down on the floor and pray the armor of God on me."
Resources Mentioned:
- Priscilla Shirer's Book: I Surrender All (Available at Candace.com and various book retailers)
Closing Note: Listeners are encouraged to visit Candace.com for additional resources, including a personal prayer guide designed to enhance their prayer journey.