Following up on our promise to research the history of ACTS prayer acronym, we talk about the value of routine practices and habits in modern prayer. Then take time to unpack the connections of this particular acronym to the early church father Origen, as well as the connection to general NT practices, which are rooted in Jewish traditions as well as the teaching of Jesus and the Apostles. The modern practices we discuss include small groups, prayer requests and praying before meals. If you want to read the book Origen On Prayer, which we reference in the podcast, click here.

In this episode, we move into an exploration of the layers of belief and how they can positively or negatively influence our prayers. From a Biblical perspective, we discuss the role of Biblical instruction in both the practices and the content of our prayers.

DISCLAIMER:: We share some personal stories of loss and grief in this story, and don't want to catch you by surprise. This episode is heavy.

We continue the conversation about where the understanding of prayer and the experience of prayer shape our definition of prayer. We discuss places in our story where prayer moved from an academic understanding (or ritual to practice) into a life-infused, faith building lifestyle.

Introductory Episode: We introduce ourselves as the hosts of a new podcast and give some background to the reason for this podcast, our why. Then we share some of our story and begin to explore the shaping experiences that developed our prayer lives as adults. We also discuss a working definition of prayer, and how our actions and beliefs influence our prayer lives for good or for bad.