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On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from physician, researcher, author, and speaker Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, who understands the daily pressure many of us feel to “perform” and live up to unrealistic standards of who we think we should be. When we can begin to understand who we are apart from what we do, God can help us remove the pressure to “do” and embrace the freedom to “be.” 

Guest’s Links
YouTube: @SaundraDaltonSmith

Instagram: @drdaltonsmith

Facebook:@DrSaundraDaltonSmith

Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4mzRd5X 

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Decision-making can feel overwhelming. In our daily prayer and devotional, we remember that we often turn to friends, family, or even the internet for guidance—only to end up with conflicting opinions that leave us even more uncertain. While seeking advice can be valuable, Scripture reminds us that we already have access to the best Counselor of all—the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus promised the gift of the Spirit, He assured us that believers would never walk alone. The Spirit of truth lives within us, guiding, comforting, and directing our steps. This doesn’t mean every decision will suddenly feel easy, but it does mean we can trust that God will faithfully lead us in the way we should go.

As children of God, we don’t have to rely solely on human wisdom. We can lean on the Spirit’s promptings, rest in His peace, and trust that He will never steer us wrong. When we feel paralyzed by uncertainty, let us pause, pray, and remember that the Spirit of God lives in us—ready to counsel us at every crossroads.

Today's Bible Reading:

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." – John 14:16-17 (NIV)

Key Takeaways

• God has given us the Holy Spirit as our eternal counselor and guide.

• Seeking human advice can be helpful, but Spirit-led wisdom is always best.

• Peace in decision-making comes when we surrender to God’s truth and leading.

• We can face uncertainty with confidence, knowing God’s Spirit is always with us.

Let’s Pray Together

Lord God, You are my Wonderful Counselor. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides me in truth and helps me make wise decisions. When I feel uncertain or overwhelmed, remind me to seek Your Spirit first. Lead me in Your will, and give me peace as I trust You to direct my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources & Articles

• How to Know God’s Will for Your Life – Crosswalk.com

• 5 Ways to Invite the Holy Spirit’s Guidance into Your Decisions – iBelieve.com

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why do worries feel heavier at night? During the day, our minds are distracted by tasks and conversations. But as tonight's prayer and devotional remind us, when the world grows quiet, the what-ifs and fears often grow louder. The enemy whispers lies about control and uncertainty, fueling anxiety.

But tonight’s verse is a divine invitation: you don’t have to carry what was never yours to hold. To “cast” means to throw off forcefully—all your worries, large and small—into God’s hands. Not just the ones you think are “big enough” for Him, but every single one.

And why? Because He cares for you deeply. Not in a distant, general sense, but in the most personal way. He knows the bills that stress you, the silent tears you shed, and the weight of your restless mind. He never tires of hearing your heart.

So tonight, instead of holding your worries into another sleepless night, let go. Cast them on the One who never sleeps so you can.

Tonight’s Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Read more on BibleStudyTools.com

Your Nightly Prayer

Lord,
As the noise of the day fades, I find myself carrying things far too heavy for me. But Your Word says to cast my anxiety on You—because You care. Tonight, I let go. I release every fear, worry, and burden into Your hands. I surrender what I can’t fix, what I can’t control, and what I don’t understand. Quiet my anxious thoughts, calm my racing heart, and give me Your peace. Thank You for being the God who never sleeps, so I don’t have to stay awake worrying. Thank You for carrying me again and again.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Three Things to Meditate Upon

1. When you think about “letting go,” what emotions rise—fear, relief, or something else?

2. Do you believe God cares about every detail of your life, or do you only trust Him with the big things?

3. Recall a past situation God has carried you through when you couldn’t control the outcome. How can that memory strengthen your faith tonight?

Calls to Action

• Before bed, write down your top three worries, then pray and cast them onto God.

• Memorize 1 Peter 5:7 as your anchor verse when anxiety strikes.

• Sign up for our nightly devotional to receive encouragement and prayers each evening.

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When something like this happens in the church body, it can lead to burnout. It’s easy in a church body to rely on the same volunteers who you know will show up on time every week and get the job done. But if we aren’t encouraging the rest of the congregation to pitch in, we’ll be in danger of losing the members we’ve relied on.

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Today’s Bible Verse:
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who believe, it is the power of God." — 1 Corinthians 1:18

The cross has always been a dividing line—some dismiss it as weakness or foolishness, but for those who believe, it is the very power of God to save, heal, and transform. Paul reminds us that the gospel doesn’t conform to human wisdom but reveals divine strength through sacrifice.

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MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca

Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com

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Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How do you react when a relationship “goes south”? Meditate today on Psalm 18:30. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

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Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Yvette Pelser, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. As you sleep, release your worries and enter a peaceful space with God, where He watches over you with love and care. Through scripture, prayer, and calming visualizations, be guided into rest by God’s enduring power and presence.

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peace

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Do you ever find yourself stuck in a worry loop — replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or circling endless what-ifs?

In this week’s episode, Bonnie shares how remembering God’s goodness can break the worry loop and bring calm to your soul. You’ll also hear the science behind why positive memories help rewire the brain, and learn a soul care practice you can try this week to anchor yourself in God’s presence instead of anxiety.

Key Takeaways:
 What the worry loop is — and why it steals your peace

 Why remembering God’s goodness calms worry and restores faith
 The science of “memory reconsolidation”: how recalling joy refreshes your brain and body

 How pulling out old photos can become a powerful wellness & worship practice

 The spiritual truth: you are never invisible — your story is treasured by God

 Breath Prayer:
I
Inhale: I remember You, Lord

Exhale: You bring peace to my heart

 Scripture:

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” – Psalm 63:6

 → Early Bird Registration Open! Join Bonnie's "Writing Your God-Story with Jesus" to heal anxiety, grow peace, and leave a legacy of faith.

 Save $30 when you register this week! Register today at mysoulcareschool.com
 → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com
Get your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.

Connect with Bonnie:

  Join the Soul Care Newsletter:
https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe

  Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray

  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd

 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:
@thebonniegray

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