Podcast Summary: The Daily Blade Episode #5 - Kyle Thompson // So I Prayed

Hosts: Joby Martin & Kyle Thompson
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Title: So I Prayed
Podcast Description: The Daily Blade, hosted by Pastor Joby Martin of the Church of Eleven22 and Kyle Thompson of Undaunted.Life, is a short-form devotional show that equips Christians to apply the Word of God to their everyday lives.

Introduction

In Episode #5 of The Daily Blade, Kyle Thompson delves deep into the life of Nehemiah, emphasizing the profound impact of prayer in the face of adversity. Joined by co-host Joby Martin, Kyle provides insightful reflections aimed at equipping Christian men for their daily spiritual battles.

Nehemiah's Role and Significance

Kyle begins by recounting Nehemiah’s pivotal role as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, a position of immense trust and responsibility. He highlights the delicacy of Nehemiah’s role, where even displaying sadness could be misconstrued as weakness or a threat to the king’s life.

“King Artaxerxes fancied himself a God, okay? A living, breathing deity. That's what he thought he was. So if you were to be granted access to the presence of, you know, a living little God, then you would have no reason to be sad, right?”
— Kyle Thompson [00:45]

The Courage to Show Vulnerability

Kyle points out the remarkable courage Nehemiah exhibited by openly displaying his sorrow over the ruined state of Jerusalem, despite the potential dangers. This act of vulnerability was unprecedented, especially in a court where emotional expressions were closely monitored.

“Nehemiah does some cleanup work, but then eventually tells the king that there is no way he can avoid the sadness because of the state of Jerusalem and her people.”
— Kyle Thompson [02:10]

The Power of Prayer Before Action

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Nehemiah’s response to the king’s inquiry about his sadness. Instead of immediately presenting his plans, Nehemiah chooses to pray, demonstrating humility and dependence on God.

“What does he do? First, he prayed. He stops himself from just coming out with his request, with his plan in order to pause and consult with the Creator.”
— Kyle Thompson [03:05]

Kyle challenges listeners to reflect on their own practices regarding prayer:

“Do you default to prayer? Or is prayer just a last resort? Honestly, I'll say, for me, I tend to lean on my own wisdom because I believe, and others do as well, that I've been given the gift of discernment...”
— Kyle Thompson [03:45]

He emphasizes the importance of making prayer a foundational step rather than an afterthought.

Practical Application: Making Prayer a Priority

Drawing from Nehemiah’s example, Kyle encourages listeners to incorporate prayer into their decision-making processes consistently. He suggests that even those confident in their discernment can benefit from seeking divine guidance before taking action.

“But even if that is the case, right, even if I'm right and a lot of those other people are right, all of us certainly me included, would do well to pause and pray to the God of heaven before we act.”
— Kyle Thompson [04:00]

Challenge to Listeners

Closing his segment, Kyle issues a challenge to the audience:

“I challenge you to do that today. See you tomorrow.”
— Kyle Thompson [04:10]

He urges listeners to prioritize prayer in their daily lives, ensuring that their actions align with God’s will and guidance.

Conclusion

Episode #5 of The Daily Blade offers a compelling exploration of Nehemiah’s story, highlighting the essential role of prayer in leadership and personal decision-making. Through Kyle Thompson’s insightful commentary, listeners are reminded of the power and necessity of seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of their lives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “King Artaxerxes fancied himself a God, okay? A living, breathing deity. That's what he thought he was...” — Kyle Thompson [00:45]
• “Nehemiah does some cleanup work, but then eventually tells the king that there is no way he can avoid the sadness because of the state of Jerusalem and her people.” — Kyle Thompson [02:10]
• “What does he do? First, he prayed...” — Kyle Thompson [03:05]
• “Do you default to prayer? Or is prayer just a last resort?...” — Kyle Thompson [03:45]
• “But even if that is the case... would do well to pause and pray to the God of heaven before we act.” — Kyle Thompson [04:00]
• “I challenge you to do that today. See you tomorrow.” — Kyle Thompson [04:10]

Join the Hosts in Person

Don’t miss the opportunity to join Pastor Joby Martin and Kyle Thompson at the 2025 Men's Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Secure your seat today at mensconference.com.

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions and practical Christian teachings on The Daily Blade as Kyle and Joby continue to equip men for their spiritual journeys.