The Retreat Radio Show

Struggling with an addiction, a specific behavior or sin, or another challenge in your life that you just can’t seem to shake – no matter how hard you try? The problem may be that you are trying to change that behavior on your own – without tapping into the ultimate Power of the universe. In this episode, we share how we’ve surrendered our trials to God – what it was like, what happened, and what it was like after we turned things over.

Scriptures tell us that all things happen in God’s time — according to his plan. And, they tell us that waiting builds character. But, that doesn’t always sit too well with us impatient human beings. In this episode, we discuss our thoughts about waiting and some specific things we do to help us grow more patient.

Life can be very difficult at times. God knows this, and He never intended for us to do life alone. He supports us directly at times, but more often our support comes from Him indirectly through others. In this episode, we explore the various ways we have been supported in our lives during those hard times. And, we discuss thoughts and ideas that may help our listeners navigate and traverse the ups and downs of life.

Challenges are a part of living.  But, we don’t have to handle them alone.  In this episode, we discuss strategies for living with and living through the inevitable challenges of life.

Challenges are a part of living.  But, we don’t have to handle them alone.  In this episode, we discuss strategies for living with and living through the inevitable challenges of life.

Episode Overview

In this episode, we discuss the importance of developing a regular prayer routine.  We discuss our own experiences and our own routines, and we discuss the challenges and remedies associated with developing the habit of a daily prayer routine.

Call to Action

Make it a habit to start every day with prayer.  Even a simple, short acknowledgment of your dependence on God or an expression of thanksgiving will make a big difference in your day.

Discussion Questions

Download Episode 11 - Pod Club Resource Guide

If you’ve already developed the habit of prayer, what might you do differently — if anything?  

If you don’t have a daily routine, when will you begin working on that?

When and where will you do your daily prayer?

How long will you spend?

What kinds of things will you do during your prayer time?

What are some things that might challenge you as you begin to develop a daily prayer habit?  What are some things you might do to overcome those challenges?

Show Notes

We had a good discussion on today’s episode, prayer life. We asked the community how their prayer life was, and if they were happy with their current level of prayer. Mike shared that we have to develop a habit to pray. We must be mindful of the opportunities God provides for us to pray. 

We shared some of our prayer practices that we do as possible ideas to help our community. Mike said the very first thing he does every morning when he wakes up is to start the day with prayers. It is helpful to get into a routine for prayer. Mike said that he has a specific spot in his home that he goes to each morning to pray. Jay likes to pray while he is out doing his evening walks. He gains inspiration from listening to either Christian or rock music. Mike shared one of his favorite scriptures - Philippians 4: 4-9.

We took the Retreat Radio Show on the road for this episode. We recorded this episode remotely at the retreat center where we were part of a retreat staff for a local parishes men’s retreat. So how fitting to record a show on service while providing service!

In this episode, Jay and Mike discuss and explore grief. Grief is an inevitable part of life. Whether it is a sudden situation or something that is known and anticipated, it is nonetheless difficult. Often times, we have regrets of things unsaid or undone — which further adds to our pain. Grief is not limited to the loss of a loved one. Changes in circumstances or situations can also trigger grief. While grief is inevitable, we need not allow others — or ourselves — to suffer through it alone. God calls us to share our burdens — especially grief — with each other.

There is one thing that has been found to sustain people through the most dire and difficult conditions and darkest of times in one's life. That one thing is PURPOSE. In this episode and the next Jay and Mike discuss and share their thoughts and takeaways from best selling book by Rick Warren called The Purpose Driven Life -- a book that both of them say should be one everyone's "must read" list. Why are we here? What is our purpose? How do we live out that purpose? Join us in the episode as we explore this and many other questions.

There is one thing that study after study has determined that leads to happiness, joy, and even longer life.  That thing is purpose.  The reason we are happier and more content when we live on purpose is that that is how God designed us.  God has a purpose for all of us.  He has made and shaped us for that purpose.  And, when we find and say "yes" to that purpose, we experience a much more meaningful, joyful and peaceful life.  But, what is your purpose?  How do you know what it is?  And, once you know, what do you do differently? That's what we discuss in this episode.