Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

Church hurt is something almost no one survives decades in the church without experiencing.
In this special joint episode of Praying Christian Women and Christian True Crime Junkies, Alana and Jaime have an honest, unscripted conversation about church scandal, spiritual abuse, and how to heal your faith when a pastor's moral failure—or a church's cover-up—leaves you wounded, even when you were far removed from where it happened.

Together they unpack why a pastor's affair can trigger a faith crisis in people who left the church years ago, why victims of clergy abuse are so often shunned while fallen leaders get protected, and what Gayle Haggard's memoir Why I Stayed reveals about loving the families caught in the wreckage. They get honest about the spectrum between a consensual affair and predatory abuse, why narcissists are so often drawn to ministry and church leadership, and the pattern of institutional and denominational failures—and cover-ups—that keeps surfacing across churches of every stripe.

Alana also shares her hard-won take on spiritual "premonitions"—the God-given instinct that something is off—and why she believes those warnings are a call to pray, not proof you failed to act. Grounded in Ezekiel 34:2, the conversation lands on a grace-filled but clear-eyed question every church faces: how do we protect the flock from spiritual abuse while still extending real grace to imperfect people?

Whether you're walking through church hurt right now, rebuilding after spiritual abuse, quietly deconstructing, or simply want to guard your heart against cynicism and bitterness, we hope this episode helps you grieve honestly, stay connected to God, and hold grace and wisdom in the very same hand.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

How do we discern true spiritual guidance from modern trends, and when is looking for a sign actually opening the door to something darker?

In this episode, Jaime and Alana dive into the nuanced—and sometimes confusing—topic of modern “witchy” trends, New Age language seeping into Christian self-help, and the age-old practice of seeking signs. They discuss the critical difference between earnestly seeking God’s guidance and relying on spiritual shortcuts or omens, exploring how to tease out what is biblical, what is evil, and what falls somewhere in between.

Alana highlights the concept of “plundering the Egyptians”—taking what is useful from secular tools without adopting their faulty foundations—while warning against attributing divine power to our own subconscious desires. Meanwhile, Jaime opens up about the tension of making agonizing parenting decisions with her husband, Matt, and takes a deep dive into the biblical story of Gideon’s fleece. She questions whether Gideon’s demands were a wise test or a lack of faith, ultimately suggesting that God was simply meeting Gideon where he was, rather than providing a universal instruction manual for our own decisions.

Along the way, they swap practical wisdom on navigating the gray areas of modern Christian discernment. From the surprisingly grounded trick of flipping a coin—not to let chance decide, but to bypass people-pleasing tendencies and reveal your true, underlying desires—to an honest look at historical practices like casting lots and "Bible roulette," they offer a discerning yet grace-filled perspective. They emphasize that with the Holy Spirit and the Bible, we already have exactly what we need to seek God's will, warning against the temptation to treat scripture like a Ouija board.

Whether you are wrestling with a major life decision, trying to untangle cultural self-help from biblical truth, or simply need a reminder to listen to God's voice without demanding a supernatural sign, we hope this episode encourages you to lead with prayerful discernment, intentionality, and confident grace.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What do you do when the path to true abundance takes you directly through the fire and the flood?

Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 66 — Praise for God's Mighty Deeds and His Answer to Prayer — a psalm of profound remembrance that celebrates God as both our miraculous rescuer and our master refiner.

Jaime unpacks the challenging, yet beautiful tension found in this passage, exploring the uncomfortable reality that sometimes God purposefully brings His people "into the net." Likening our deepest trials to the precise, careful process of refining silver, she discusses how the heat of our circumstances is used to draw out impurities—never to consume us, but to purify us. Sharing her candid reflections on the difference between suffering the natural consequences of a fallen world versus enduring a purposeful season of testing, Jaime encourages us to set up "Ebenezer" monuments of memory. Just as God turned the sea into dry land for the Israelites, we can look back on His unmistakable past faithfulness to find the courage to trust Him today.

Come ready to look at your own current struggles—the places of pain, the feeling of being trapped, and the moments when you aren't entirely sure why you're suffering. Let this psalm remind you that your pain is never wasted and that you can borrow the psalmist's faith when your own feels weak. Because He is a God who eventually brings us out into a place of abundance, who listens to the cries of our hearts, and who will never turn away your prayer or withhold His lovingkindness from you.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!


How do we protect our kids spiritually and set wise boundaries without raising them in a culture of fear?

In this episode, Jaime and Alana dive into the nuanced—and sometimes controversial—topic of navigating Halloween, fantasy media, and cultural traditions as Christians. They discuss the critical difference between setting healthy spiritual boundaries and letting “religious default settings” or fear-based superstition dictate our choices, exploring why treating pop culture with extreme suspicion can sometimes do more harm than good.

Alana highlights the historical weaponization of the word “witch” by old-school religious establishments to silence women and control spiritual independence, sparking a deeper conversation about how we label things as “evil” without thoughtful examination. Meanwhile, she opens up about her own attempt to watch Harry Potter as an adult and the surprising “nocebo” effect—how deeply ingrained beliefs that something is spiritually dangerous can trigger real spiritual and emotional unease—showing how our upbringing can shape our reactions even when we intellectually know better. Jaime shares her evolving perspective on allowing her children to engage with the series, moving from a more permissive stance to a greater awareness of potential spiritual “open doors,” while still rejecting blanket outrage in favor of Holy Spirit-led discernment.

Along the way, they swap practical wisdom on navigating the gray areas of modern Christian parenting and culture. From the beautiful analogy of treating young children like delicate seedlings that need extra protection while older ones must develop resilience through measured exposure, to an eye-opening experience at an Alaska Native Heritage Center, to their kids’ own self-censoring decisions with Percy Jackson and Coco, they offer a discerning yet grace-filled perspective. They emphasize the importance of teaching our children how to think biblically for themselves rather than simply handing down rigid rules, and they guard against the easy temptation to judge other believers who reach different conclusions.

Whether you are wrestling with what media to allow in your home, trying to break free from the fear-based religious environment you grew up in, or simply need a reminder to seek God’s specific wisdom for your family instead of defaulting to either permissiveness or paranoia, we hope this episode encourages you to lead with prayerful discernment, intentionality, and confident grace.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!


What do you do when the world around you is constantly chasing false idols — when society’s empty promises tempt you to forget the true source of your provision?

Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 65 — God’s Abundant Favor to Earth and Man — a psalm that speaks directly to the spiritual battle for our loyalty and the revolutionary goodness of the one true God.

Jaime unpacks the rich historical and geographical context of this beautiful passage, revealing that it is far more than just a simple harvest celebration. Instead, she explores its powerful original purpose: a bold, spiritual assault on the false Canaanite god, Baal. While the ancient world was ruled by the fear of bloodthirsty, territorial deities who demanded horrific sacrifices in exchange for rain and crops, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob revealed Himself as a completely different kind of ruler—a loving Father who provides not because of what we do, but because of who He is.

Even today, when we are surrounded by a culture that tempts us to fill our voids with modern-day idols and fleeting comforts, God remains the ultimate authority over the chaos. He is the One who truly establishes the mountains, stills the roaring seas, and crowns the year with His bounty. When the world demands constant noise and striving, God gently invites us into His courts, showing us that even our awestruck, still silence can be a profoundly effective form of praise.

Come ready to lay down the earthly vices you’ve been clinging to and confront the ways the enemy tries to veil your spiritual eyes. Let this psalm remind you of the stark contrast between the exhausting demands of this world and the boundless grace of the Creator. Because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, you don't have to look anywhere else to find your ultimate satisfaction, and you can confidently join all of creation in shouting for joy.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What happens when our desire for spiritual answers crosses the line into trying to control outcomes apart from God?

In this episode, Jaime and Alana dive into the fascinating—and somewhat controversial—topic of WITCHCRAFT within the church, specifically exploring how certain types of "prayer" might actually be rebellion in disguise. They discuss the critical difference between surrendering to God’s power and trying to manipulate our own destinies, the dangers of seeking hidden knowledge, and why praying to angels or treating manifestation as a spiritual shortcut crosses a firm scriptural boundary.

Alana highlights the historical weaponization of the word "witch" against spiritually independent women, sparking a deeper conversation about how the fear of overstepping can actually paralyze us and keep our prayers small. Meanwhile, Jaime opens up about a time she unintentionally put a spiritual mentor on a pedestal, relying on her almost like a medium to hear from God, illustrating how easily our hearts can slip into unhealthy reliance even with the best intentions.

Along the way, they swap practical wisdom on navigating the gray areas of modern Christian culture. From the absurdity of spiritual charlatans who farm Facebook profiles for "prophetic words" to the harmless family tradition of reading restaurant fortune cookies, they offer a discerning yet grace-filled perspective on setting healthy boundaries without becoming paralyzed by fear or religious superstition.

Whether you are worried about overstepping in your prayer life, struggling with the urge to forcefully "manifest" your desires, or simply need a reminder that God wants you to pray boldly in His power rather than your own, we hope this episode encourages you to examine your heart, expect God's guidance, and confidently approach His throne of grace.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What happens when the stories we tell ourselves end up becoming our reality?

In this episode, Jaime and Alana dive into the fascinating concept of self-fulfilling prophecies and how our internal narratives—whether positive or negative—can deeply impact our daily lives, our mindsets, and even our prayer habits. They discuss why anticipating failure often guarantees it, and how expecting God to move can open our eyes to His limitless possibilities.

Alana shares a hilarious and humbling story about mistaking the brain fog of a severe dairy intolerance for spiritual persecution while trying to memorize the Bible, reminding us of the dangers of confirmation bias and Christian superstition. Jaime shares an insightful story about her son's hockey practice, illustrating how breaking past mental limits can open the door to new achievements, and how she intentionally rewrote her own narrative about being "bad with names."

Along the way, they swap practical wisdom on the power of the words we speak over ourselves and others. From rethinking the unintentional "curses" we accidentally speak over our children at the playground to examining the widespread myth that praying for patience automatically invites tragedy, they offer a refreshing, grace-filled perspective on setting our expectations.

Whether you are battling a habit of negative self-talk, limiting God with small prayers, or simply need a gentle reminder to stop bracing for the worst, we hope this episode encourages you to rewrite your internal narratives, expect God's goodness, and boldly step into the calling He has for you.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What do you do when justice feels hopelessly out of reach — when hidden evil goes unpunished and the truth seems buried?

Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 64 — Prayer for Deliverance from Secret Enemies — a psalm that speaks directly to the frustration, anger, and dread we feel when injustice seems to be winning, and enemies are laying secret snares with bitter words.

Jaime unpacks the heavy emotional toll of watching people get away with evil, and the lie that we must simply wait for eternity to see things made right. Instead, she explores a powerful cosmic reality: God doesn't exist on our finite earthly timeline. He is the great “I AM,” not “I will be.” Even when hidden traps aren't exposed in our space-time continuum, God is already at work in the spiritual realm. When the enemy aims bitter speech like a weapon, God is ready to shoot His own arrow, turning secret plots upside down and bringing the darkness into the light.

Come ready to lay down your honest complaints and confront the anxiety that comes from picturing a dreaded future without God in it. Let this psalm remind you of the profound power of two simple words: “But God.” Because He is a God of justice here and now, you don't have to wait to experience His goodness, and you can confidently take refuge in Him while declaring His mighty works.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What happens when the spiritual disciplines that once came naturally suddenly feel completely out of reach?

In Part 2 of their conversation on Scripture Memorization, Jaime and Alana tackle the mental blocks, perfectionism, and daily distractions that often keep us from hiding God's Word in our hearts.

They discuss why getting an "80%" on a memory verse is infinitely better than never opening your Bible, and why the simple act of slowing down to absorb Scripture is a valuable spiritual practice in itself—even if you forget the exact words a few weeks later.

Alana opens up with a deeply personal testimony about a grueling season in college when the stress of her studies caused her to lose her ability to recall Scripture completely, and how God graciously restored that gift during a profound moment on a mission trip to Russia. Jaime shares a beautiful story about how a specific passage in Matthew ministered to her teenage son's doubts, proving that the Holy Spirit can bring the Word to mind exactly when it is needed.

Along the way, they swap practical, everyday tools for getting verses to stick when your adult brain feels a little too full. From using dry-erase boards and acronyms to incorporating sign language and leaning into the undeniable staying power of catchy children's Sunday school songs, they offer realistic ways to make memorization work for you.

Whether you are battling the friction of an overwhelmed mind, wondering which passage to pick first, or simply need a gentle reminder that your spiritual gifts are a daily grace to be stewarded, we hope this episode encourages you to embrace the beautiful, imperfect process of knowing God through His Word.

Episodes Mentioned in this Episode:

Part 1 The Importance of Scripture Memory:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/477-the-importance-of-scripture-memory/id1436550370?i=1000763747665

Alana's Testimony Episode from the Christian True-Crime Junkies Podcast:
(1/3)Fleeing From My Abusive Church: Our Co-Host Shares Her Story:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/74K9bYKM9LCQdpVYeBLhjN

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What do you do when God says “Leave” — calling you out of your safe stronghold into the open wilderness?

Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 63 — The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God — a psalm born out of raw obedience in the wilderness of Judah, where David dares to leave the secure cave of Adullam and his band of four hundred loyal men at the prophet Gad’s command — and still sings for joy in the shadow of God’s wings.

Jaime unpacks the historical backdrop from 1 Samuel 22–23, when David was fleeing Saul, had tucked his parents safely away, and had built a strategic military stronghold… only to hear God say, “Leave.” In that dry and weary land with no water, David’s soul thirsts for God more than his body thirsts for drink. He speaks truth before his emotions catch up, declaring that God’s covenant lovingkindness is better than life itself, lifting his hands in praise, clinging to the Lord, and choosing to meditate on Him through the fearful night watches.

Come ready to look at your own strongholds — the places that feel secure, logical, and safe — and the moments when God calls you out into uncertainty. Let this psalm remind you that there is no truly secure place apart from Him. Because His lovingkindness is better than life, His wings are the only shelter you need, and in the wilderness, when your soul clings to the One whose right hand upholds you, you can still sing for joy.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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