What happens when you still believe God can do anything—but you've been waiting so long that you've stopped expecting Him to?

Long seasons of waiting can quietly wear down our anticipation. We've prayed. We've believed. We've hoped. And sometimes the answers haven't come—or haven't looked anything like what we thought they would.

In this episode of Made to Pray, Karrilee and Lori have an honest conversation about weariness, faith, mercy, and learning to expect God again.

What if encountering Him doesn't always begin with a dramatic breakthrough? What if He wants to remind us of His nearness right in the middle of our ordinary lives—in the laundry, the dishes, the caregiving, the conversation with a friend, the Scripture that suddenly comes alive, or the small answer to a prayer we thought He might have forgotten?

Together, we pray for renewed anticipation: that God would make Himself known in both the expected and unexpected places, remind us that He sees and hears us, and breathe fresh hope into weary faith.

We also pray for those walking through loss and hardship, including communities affected by devastating wildfires, and for the kind of genuine, covenant community that surrounds one another through both mourning and rejoicing. 

If you've been in a long season of waiting, if your faith feels more tired than expectant, or if you simply need to be reminded that God is still near, we hope you'll pray with us.

Maybe today's prayer is simply:

“Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Help me hope again.”

Because even mustard-seed faith is still faith—and God is not overwhelmed, surprised, or late. 

✨ Made to Pray

Made to Pray is a Christian podcast where we have honest conversations that lead you back to God through biblical encouragement, practical faith, and prayer.

🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode each week.

💜 If this episode encouraged you, would you consider sharing it with a friend? You never know who might need this conversation today.

What if the Holy Spirit isn't someone we're meant to wonder about—but someone we're meant to know personally?

In this week's episode of Made to Pray, we continue our conversation about the Holy Spirit and why so many believers long for a deeper relationship with Him.

Together, we explore what it means to intentionally invite Holy Spirit into our everyday lives, why stillness matters, how we begin recognizing His voice, and how spending time in God's Word helps us grow in confidence and discernment.

We also discuss the difference between knowing about the Holy Spirit and truly walking with Him as our Helper, Counselor, and Guide.

If you've ever wondered how to hear God's voice more clearly, grow in your relationship with Him, or make room for the Holy Spirit in your daily life, we pray this conversation encourages you.

The episode concludes with an extended prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, strengthen our faith, awaken spiritual hunger, and help us faithfully partner with Him in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Mentioned in This Episode:

🎙️ Rita Springer Podcast featuring Alex Seeley

📖 The Divine Counselor: Renew Your Mind, Heal Your Soul, and Discover Your Purpose Through the Guidance of the Holy Spirit by Alex Seeley

✨ Made to Pray is a Christian podcast where we have honest conversations that lead you back to God through biblical encouragement, practical faith, and prayer.

🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode each week.

💜 If this episode encouraged you, would you consider sharing it with a friend? You never know who might need this conversation today.

How to Make Room for the Holy Spirit in Your Everyday Life
Learning to Hear God's Voice and Experience Daily Spiritual Transformation

What if spiritual transformation isn't about trying harder—but about making more room for the Holy Spirit?

In this week's episode of Made to Pray, we begin by reflecting on last week's journaling challenge and the surprising emotional healing that can come from honestly processing our thoughts before God. From there, the conversation naturally turns to something even deeper: our daily relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Together, we explore questions like:

 • Why do so many believers feel disconnected from the Holy Spirit?
 • What does it really mean to hear God's voice?
 • How does the Holy Spirit guide, comfort, convict, and transform us?
 • What might the next move of God look like—and where does it begin?

We believe revival doesn't start somewhere "out there." It begins in our own hearts as we make room for the Holy Spirit to work in us every single day.

If you've been longing to grow closer to God, hear His voice more clearly, or experience a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, we pray this conversation encourages you.

At the end of the episode, join us as we spend extended time praying for fresh hunger, renewed sensitivity to God's voice, and the courage to invite the Holy Spirit into every area of our lives.

Scriptures Mentioned

•  Romans 8 
•  John 16 
•  Matthew 7 (removing the plank before judging others) 

✨ Made to Pray is a Christian podcast where we have honest conversations that lead you back to God through biblical encouragement, practical faith, and prayer.

🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode each week.

💜 If this episode encouraged you, would you consider sharing it with a friend? You never know who might need this conversation today.

Until next week,
Be Blessed!
~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast

Season 5 • Episode 24
Healing Begins with Honesty: Finding Freedom Through Prayer & Journaling

What if one of the greatest tools God could use to bring healing into your life is as simple as a pen, a piece of paper, and twenty honest minutes?

In this episode of Made to Pray, Lori and Karrilee explore the powerful connection between prayer, journaling, and emotional healing. Inspired by a recent post about research on expressive writing —and through their own personal experiences with grief, trauma, and hearing God's voice—they discuss how putting words on paper can help us process what we've been carrying and create space for God to meet us in deeper ways.

Together, they share why they've both felt God calling them back to journaling, how honest conversations with Him have brought healing and clarity in difficult seasons, and why slowing down long enough to write may be one of the simplest ways to reconnect with His presence.

This week's invitation is simple: Set aside twenty minutes a day for four days. Bring your Bible, a notebook, and an honest heart. Write what you've been carrying, pray as you write, and invite God into every page.

Whether you're processing grief, navigating disappointment, longing to hear God's voice more clearly, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, this conversation offers hope that healing often begins with honesty—and that God faithfully meets us when we come to Him with open hearts.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for healing, freedom, renewed hope, and the courage to step into the wholeness God has always desired for His children.

In This Episode You'll Discover

• Why honest prayer is often the first step toward healing

• How journaling can help process grief, trauma, and overwhelming emotions

• The connection between expressive writing and emotional well-being

• Practical ways to create space for God's voice in everyday life

• A simple four-day challenge to begin your own journey toward healing

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & A Call Back to Journaling

02:00 Why We've Stopped Writing—and Why We're Returning

06:20 The Research Behind Healing Through Writing

13:15 A Four-Day Journaling Challenge

17:20 Listening for God's Voice on the Page

22:00 Freedom Begins with Honesty

26:00 Making Space to Hear God

30:55 A Prayer for Healing & Wholeness

46:40 Be Encouraged This Week

Resources:

Here are the links to the research and the challenge discussed in this episode:
Motivation_success1

Alpha_leaders & enterpreneurbible

🤍 Connect with Made to Pray

If this episode encouraged you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little hope today.

Join us each Monday for a new conversation as we talk a little... and then we pray.

📍 Follow Made to Pray:

•  YouTube 
•  Facebook 
•  Instagram

Until next time...

Keep the conversation going.

Keep your heart open.

And remember...

You were made to pray. 🤍

~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast

Season 5, Episode 23
From Chaos to Peace: Reconnecting with God

Life can feel noisy, overwhelming, and chaotic. But what if peace isn't found by changing your circumstances... what if it's found by reconnecting with God?

In this episode of Made to Pray, Lori and Karrilee invite you into a conversation about rediscovering the power of prayer—not as a religious routine, but as a relationship that transforms us from the inside out.

Together they explore what it means to pray with honesty, partner with God through intercession, experience His peace in the middle of uncertainty, and trust Him to restore what has been lost. They also discuss praying for our families, communities, and nation while learning to recognize God's voice and presence in everyday life.

Whether you're walking through a difficult season, longing to reignite your prayer life, or simply needing a reminder that God is near, this episode offers practical encouragement and hope.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for peace, protection, renewed faith, and a fresh awareness of God's presence.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why prayer changes more than just our circumstances

• How to move from chaos to peace by reconnecting with God

• The importance of interceding for your family, community, and nation

• How God's presence brings clarity, hope, and restoration

• Why prayer is an invitation into relationship—not just a list of requests

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Reflections on Vacation
02:58 Reconnecting with Relationships and Priorities
06:11 The Importance of Peace and Presence
09:13 Authenticity in Prayer and Conversations with God
12:07 The Power of Prayer and Intercession
14:59 Praying for Our Land and Communities
18:07 Recompense and Restoring Dreams
20:56 Awakening to New Priorities and Relationships
24:02 Prayer for Guidance and Clarity
27:00 The Overflow of God's Presence
30:13 Faith and Expectation for the Future
32:54 Closing Prayer and Encouragement

✨ Connect with Made to Pray

If this episode encouraged you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for weekly encouragement and short clips from each episode.

Until next time...

Keep making space to meet with God. 🤍

~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast

Join us as we explore the joys of summer, the importance of family, community, and faith, and practical ways to create meaningful memories with loved ones. Perfect for families looking to reconnect and enjoy God's creation.

Key Topics:
The importance of slowing down and enjoying summer
Creating meaningful family memories
The role of faith in family life and community
Practical ideas for summer activities that foster connection
The spiritual significance of God's creation and nature

"Family is God's idea, and it's worth investing in"

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Made to Pray Podcast
01:28 Embracing Summer's Simplicity
06:56 The Importance of Connection
12:45 Creating Lasting Memories
18:27 Prayer for Families and Community

Don't forget to Like/Follow, Subscribe, and Rate/Review the podcast to help grow this ministry and share with those you feel would be encouraged and blessed by this episode!

We'll be back next week, until then - Pray on and look for fun and adventure!

Be Blessed,
~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast

In this episode, Karrilee and Lori discuss the importance of prayer, intercession, and unity in faith, especially during challenging times and national celebrations. They share insights on maintaining peace, trusting God's solutions, and reawakening a prayer movement in communities.

Key Topics:

The importance of prayer and intercession
Encouragement for weary intercessors
The role of trust and peace in prayer
Reawakening community prayer movements
Praying for the nation and Fourth of July celebrations

 Takeaways:

Prayer is a partnership with God that requires honesty and transparency.
Intercessors are powerful when they come together in agreement.
God is a solution and answers prayer in His perfect timing.
Peace that passes understanding is available through prayer and trust in God.
Rekindling community prayer can bring supernatural breakthroughs.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Prayer Themes
01:15 Encouragement for Intercessors
06:13 The Power of Prayer and Community
12:46 Prayer for Intercessors and the Nation
19:53 Praying for Peace and Solutions
27:02 Celebrating Independence and National Unity

We pray you have a blessed week and a very happy and safe 4th of July!
Be Blessed,
~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast

In this episode, Karrilee and Lori wrap up their series on victorious emotions, exploring practical steps to rewire your thoughts, dream with God, and build a supernatural life rooted in faith. Discover how repetition, gratitude, and spiritual awareness can transform your inner world and impact your external circumstances. This episode wraps up our 4-part series, going through Wendy Backlund's book, "Victorious Emotions".

Key Topics:
The importance of repetition in rewiring thoughts
How to dream with God and reignite hope
The role of testimony in building faith
Practicing gratitude to renew the soul
Understanding the spiritual realm and our identity in Christ

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Building New Habits Through Repetition
04:51 The Challenge of Consistency
10:22 The Importance of Thought Life
10:52 Avoidance vs. Acknowledgment
15:11 The Power of Testimony
19:49 Personal God Encounters
24:57 Imagination and Hope
29:43 Dreaming Together in Community
30:29 The Discipline of Faith and Hope
33:13 Celebrating Victories and Gratitude
35:08 The Power of Thankfulness
37:44 Building Boundaries with Confidence
40:13 Feelers and Atmosphere Shifting
42:22 Dreaming with God
46:17 Prioritizing the Spiritual Over the Physical
50:05 Practicing Listening Prayer
52:12 Declarations of Faith and Supernatural Living

Resources:
Victorious Emotions by Wendy Backlund

We hope you enjoyed our series going through Wendy's book, Victorious Emotions.  As we mentioned in the series, she also has a journal that goes with this book, and we highly recommend her other book, Living from the Unseen: Reflections from a Transformed Life, as well!

We'll be back next week! Know that we are praying for you and believing God is doing great and mighty things in and through you!

Be blessed,
~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast

In this episode, Karrilee and Lori explore the reality of the spirit realm, the importance of dialogue with God, and how to open our spiritual eyes to experience God's active presence in everyday life. They share personal stories, scriptural insights, and practical prayers to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Key  Topics:
The reality of the spirit realm and its activity around us
The importance of dialogue and listening in prayer
How to open spiritual eyes and see angels and divine activity
Scriptural insights on the Holy Spirit and our identity as children of God
Practical prayers and mindset shifts for engaging with the supernatural

Takeaways:
The spirit realm is more real and active than we perceive.
Dialogue with God is meant to be two-way, not just monologue.
Practicing listening prayer can deepen our connection and understanding.
Our physical world is less real than the spiritual realm, which is accessible now.
Asking God to open our spiritual eyes can transform our daily experience.

Sound Bites:
"The spirit realm is more real than we think."
"Dialogue with God is meant to be two-way."
"Open your spiritual eyes to see what’s around you."

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Past Conversations
01:41 Exploring the Spirit Realm
05:21 The Importance of Personal Dialogue with God
10:10 Understanding Our Identity in the Spirit
15:09 The Invitation to Live Supernaturally
20:08 Healing and the Power of Faith
25:12 Everyday Conversations with the Holy Spirit
27:55 The Power of Prayer and Internal Dialogue
30:11 Engaging with the Holy Spirit
32:37 Listening Prayer: A Transformative Practice
35:40 Understanding the Spiritual Realm
39:00 Inviting God into Our Daily Lives
40:13 The Importance of Joy and Light
49:14 Honesty in Prayer and Vulnerability
51:42 Expectations of the Spirit Realm

Resources:
Romans 8 - The Spirit of Adoption
Listening Prayer by Dave & Linda Olson

We will be back next week to officially wrap up our 4 Part series going through Victorious Emotions by Wendy Backlund, so be sure to tune in and follow along with us as we talk a little - and then we pray!

Be blessed,
~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray Podcast 

Welcome to the Made to Pray Podcast, where our co-hosts Karrilee and Lori talk a little, and then they pray.  We believe that we were created for Prayer... for relationship with God... and that Prayer is a two-way conversation, not so much a monologue!

In this insightful episode, we welcome special guest Kathy Bricel back to the pod!  She shares profound wisdom on soul care, emphasizing its importance for spiritual health, emotional well-being, and eternal connection with God. Discover practical ways to nurture your soul, distinguish soul care from self-care, and deepen your relationship with the divine.

Key Topics:

The definition of soul care and its importance
The analogy of the stream keeper and its relevance to life
The impact of busyness and hurry on the soul
Practices for tending to the soul daily
Distinguishing soul care from self-care and cultural distractions
The role of honesty and dialogue with God in soul care
The connection between soul health and external well-being
The importance of listening to God's voice and obeying
The spiritual benefits of soul care and eternal perspective
Practical tips for starting and maintaining soul care routines

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Soul Care
03:12 Understanding the Soul and Its Needs
06:18 The Importance of Nurturing the Soul
09:18 Soul Care vs. Self Care
12:13 Cultural Perspectives on Happiness and Wealth
14:53 The Role of Relationships in Soul Care
18:07 Transforming Conversations with God
21:08 The Ripple Effect of Soul Care
24:19 Practical Steps for Soul Care
27:15 The Connection Between Body and Soul
29:53 The Importance of Letting Go for Soul Care
33:01 Intentionality in Soul Care
36:40 Recognizing God's Voice in Daily Life
40:56 The Power of Short Moments with God
43:26 Practicing Soul Care Through Journaling
46:08 The Role of Gratitude in Soul Care
49:36 Connecting the Kingdom and Our Souls

 Resources:
Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
Dallas Willard
Philippians 4:8

Thanks so much for tuning in, listening, and praying with us! (How much do you love when Kathy stops by and pours out? We love it so much!) Don't forget to Like, Follow, and Share this episode with anyone you think it may bless!

We'll be back next week and officially wrap up our series going through Wendy Backlund's book, Victorious Emotions.

We are praying for you this week to put into practice Soul Care!

Be Blessed,
~Karrilee & Lori~
Made to Pray