What happens to our prayer life when we're discouraged, frustrated or simply don't feel like praying?

In this episode of How Prayer Works, Dr. Dan Baetz sits down with Salvation Army officer Clarence Ingram to explore Jeremiah 20 - a raw and deeply human passage where Jeremiah brings his frustration, disappointment, and even anger directly to God. 

Their conversation explores what it means to be truly honest with God especially in seasons when prayer feels difficult. Jeremiah's story reminds us that faithfulness doesn't require us to pretend everything is okay. We can bring our frustration to God and trust that He remains present with us, even when we struggle to recognize it.

Drawing from his years in ministry and leadership, Clarence also reflects on the importance of coming alongside people who are discouraged. Sometimes that means simply listening, praying for someone when they don't have the words themselves, and reminding them that they aren't alone.

If you've ever felt too discouraged, or overwhelmed to pray, this conversation offers a simple encouragement: start where you are. Honesty with God can make room for prayer again and, in time, lead us back to worship. 

Join us for a conversation about honest prayer, staying faithful through discouragement, and opening ourselves up to God's presence when prayer doesn't come easily. 

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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What happens when God’s anger is stirred by our grumbling, disbelief, and rebellion? In this challenging episode of How Prayer Works, Dr. Dan Baetz explores the complex relationship between God’s holiness, justice, and mercy - and how prayer and intercession play a vital role when God’s righteous anger is revealed.

Drawing from three powerful examples in the Book of Numbers, we see how the Israelites’ complaints and disobedience provoked God’s wrath, yet Moses’ humble intercession mitigated judgment and demonstrated the power of compassionate prayer. Discover how intercession is not about settling scores but about appealing to God’s reputation, mercy, and mighty power.

This episode also offers practical insights for leaders and intercessors today:

• Why complaining often reflects deeper struggles and can be dangerous if left unchecked
• How to respond to complaints with prayer, humility, and spiritual authority
• The importance of discerning genuine issues from mere grumbling
• How to pray through difficult situations until God’s peace and guidance are clear
• The balance of justice and mercy in God’s character and how it shapes our prayer life

Whether you’re an intercessor standing in the gap, a leader facing criticism, or simply someone seeking to understand God’s heart better, this episode will challenge and encourage you to approach prayer with a renewed sense of reverence, compassion, and trust.

Join us as we learn to navigate God’s anger with prayer that honours His holiness and embraces His mercy.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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Have you ever felt that your prayers are a struggle? One of the most unusual accounts in the Bible recount when Jacob, facing an impending crisis, wrestles with God. 

As we grow in our understanding with prayer, wrestling with God  moves beyond a metaphor to spiritual reality. We can battle our own flesh, the world and the evil one himself. Ultimately we must learn to pray tenaciously - to see God's kingdom expressed on earth, or to say 'your grace is sufficient for me'.

This episode features a reprise of an interview with Dr. Dan MacKinnon as he transparency shares personal examples as well as principles of engagement.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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This episode features an interview with Nick and Cassandra Baetz, who share tips on integrating prayer as part of parenting practice. They offer practical advice and encouragement for families spiritual and holistic development.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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This episode focuses on Jesus' stark warnings on what to avoid in our prayers. He then transitions to some key prayer patterns. This is an important episode in our growing in effective prayer!

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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Movements rarely disappear overnight - they fail when successive generations fail to preserve the vision, conviction and passion of their founders. In this episode we trace the history of prayer ministry after the death of the Apostles - to discover how believers carried forward - and sometimes shifted - the legacy entrusted to them.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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In Part 2 in the “Art of Prayer” podcast, guest Barry Whatley demonstrates how prose and poetry have been a vehicle of prayer in Biblical and church history.  He describes an important historical figure with a “King James” connection who wrote an Alphabet of prayer, and the modern day ‘bard’ who has led in the resurgence of poetry as a way to express heart’s devotion and prayer to God.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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Part 1 of this unique episode delves into the Biblical and historical use of poetry and prose as a means of prayer. We interview Rev. Dr. Barry Whatley - professor, international development champion and churchman on this little discussed topic.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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Why are we often afraid of the Holy Spirit?  Why do many churches ignore Pentecost Sunday – the Anniversary of the Church?  In this insightful episode, we interview Dr. Dan MacKinnon who  gives an honest assessment of our fears.  Additionally, he suggests practical steps for a deeper prayer ministry, in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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Disappointment, discouragement and even despair can occur between the time we have claimed the promises of God in prayer until the answer comes. 

This episode provides insight on how to make the "in-between" time a faith stretcher and not a faith destroyer.

Don't forget to follow on social media, check out our webpage (praypatterns.ca) or reach out to us at [email protected].

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