445 Habits that are Hurting Your Prayer Life

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today! What if the spiritual battles you face aren't meant to be fought with your own strength? What if the obstacles in your life—whether they be fears, anxieties, or spiritual attacks—are actually terrified of the One who stands beside you? In this empowering devotional on Psalm 48, we explore the awe-inspiring imagery of Mount Zion—the city where God makes Himself known as a stronghold. We move beyond the text to uncover the fascinating historical context of the Roman "Helmet of Salvation," discovering how a soldier’s crest was more than decoration; it was a declaration of ownership and intimidating power. We learn that when we stand firm in our identity, the enemy doesn't just see us; he sees the entire Kingdom of God backing us. Join host Jaime Hampton on the Praying Christian Women podcast for a session of deep encouragement and spiritual strengthening. If you’ve felt defeated by the start of the year or overwhelmed by invisible battles, this episode offers a fresh perspective on your victory in Christ. Come ready to "put on" your salvation, stand firm in the City of God, and watch the enemy flee. 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!Are you ready to reset your prayer life for 2026? In this candid New Year’s episode, Alana and Jaime invite you to look beyond standard resolutions and identify the subtle habits that might be hindering your connection with God. Instead of a guilt-inducing list of "don'ts," the hosts offer a grace-filled conversation about lifestyle and spiritual hurdles—from the trap of "prayer procrastination" caused by shame to the mental toll of constant noise and input. Drawing from Romans 12:2, they explore how renewing your mind isn't just about spiritual discipline, but also about protecting your mental energy and physical health. Alana and Jaime get vulnerable about their own struggles, discussing everything from the impact of decision fatigue and poor sleep hygiene to the danger of coasting on past Bible knowledge. They challenge the modern tendency to fill every quiet moment with media, encouraging listeners to embrace silence and intentional scheduling to create "white space" for the Holy Spirit. Whether you are battling negative self-talk or simply need better boundaries with your phone at bedtime, this episode offers practical, non-judgmental encouragement. Tune in to discover how treating your body as a "partner in ministry" and making small tweaks in your routine can lead to spiritual breakthroughs, reminding us that God isn't looking for perfection—He is simply waiting to welcome you home with open arms this New Year. 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 if the best New Year devotion isn't about making perfect resolutions, but resting in the God who reigns over our imperfections? What if the "snags" of the holiday season are actually invitations to begin your New Year prayer journey by gazing at the One who sits on the throne? In this uplifting Christian reflection for the New Year, we dive into Psalm 47 to explore the deep relief found in surrendering control to the King of all the earth. We discover that meditating on God’s majesty provides a necessary spiritual reset, shrinking the severity of our struggles and putting them into biblical perspective. As we transition from the busyness of Christmas into the unknown of the coming months, this episode reminds us that God is the Redeemer who makes a way. Join host Jaime Hampton on the Praying Christian Women podcast for a time of encouragement, New Year’s Eve prayer, and renewal. Whether you need to recover from holiday stress or simply want to start trusting God in the New Year with a fresh heart, this episode offers a sanctuary for your soul. Come ready to release the weight of the past year and enter the new season with your eyes fixed on the King. 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!This week’s guest on the Praying Christian Women podcast is living proof that prayer has the power to completely change the trajectory of a family’s legacy. Monica Schmelter, host of the Hope for the Journey podcast, invites us into her incredible testimony of how God saved her as a rebellious teenager and how that moment began a lifelong journey of rewriting her family’s history through prayer. In our conversation, Monica highlights the reality of perseverance, sharing how she prayed for 25 years before seeing her family members—including her Muslim grandfather and atheist father—come to Christ. She also shares a stunning story about a specific prayer she wrote in her youth regarding her father joining the church orchestra, and how God faithfully answered it nearly four decades later. You won’t want to miss Monica’s wisdom on how to battle discouragement when waiting on the Lord, the importance of sitting in silence in your "promise room," and the powerful reminder that God is always working in the details to redeem your loved ones. Visit monicaschmelter.com to connect with Monica, and check out her interview with Jaime on Hope For the Journey here!  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 if the joy of Christmas is deeper, steadier, and more triumphant than the noise and pressure that often surround it? What if true praise isn't a performance we have to perfect, but a victory we are invited to rest in? In this uplifting devotional on Psalm 98, we explore the surprising and hope-filled connection between this ancient scripture and the beloved hymn, "Joy to the World." We discover that this hymn  wasn't originally written about the nativity, but as a powerful declaration of the King who returns to rule with equity. From the rivers clapping their hands to the mountains singing for joy, we see a picture of a God who makes His blessings flow "far as the curse is found." Join host Jaime Hampton on the Praying Christian Women podcast for a warm scripture meditation filled with encouragement, reflection, and prayer. Whether you need permission to be still amidst the busyness or a fresh reminder of God’s faithfulness, this episode offers a sanctuary to refocus your heart. Come ready to trade your to-do list for trust, celebrating the Savior who has come, and the King who will come again. 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!Is the hustle of the holidays making it hard to hear God’s voice? In this special Christmas meditation, Jaime invites you to pause and embrace the holy work of waiting during Advent. In a world wired for instant gratification, waiting can feel like a burden, but Jaime reveals how the entire Gospel story—and the Christmas season itself—is steeped in patience. She challenges the fear that God’s silence means He is absent, offering a fresh perspective on how to trust His plan when the answer hasn't come yet. Drawing from Biblical Christmas stories, Jaime explores the tension of waiting on God's promises. She reflects on the 400 "silent years" before Christ's birth and the incredible suspense of Mary’s pregnancy, illustrating how God is often working behind the scenes long before we see the results. She also cautions against taking "spiritual shortcuts"—like Abraham and Sarah did—urging listeners to trust God’s perfect timing rather than settling for less than His best in their relationships or careers just to end the wait. If you are struggling with unanswered prayers, loneliness, or the weight of past mistakes this holiday, this episode offers a gentle message of Christmas hope and redemption. Jaime reminds us that God delights in blessing us right in the "messy middle" of our circumstances. Tune in to shift your focus from the frustration of delay to the peace of Jesus, finding courage in surrender and the assurance that God is actively working on your behalf this Christmas.Get "Wonder of the Greatest Gift" advent book with ornaments by Ann Voskamp (mentioned in this episode)  here! 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! VISIT OUR PARTNER PODCAST, Mindful Christian Prayers TODAY! This is a guided prayer meditation for Christians about air travel. You can pray these prayers when you're in the air, about to take off, before you go on a flight, or to pray prayers of safety and blessing for a loved one who is traveling. Mindful Christian Prayers is a space to slow down, connect with the Lord, and focus on His renewing presence. With short, inspiring prompts, Scripture readings, and plenty of silence to allow you to turn your heart towards God, Mindful Christian Prayers are a resource you can use any time ... as you're getting ready for the day, before you go to bed at night, or as you're going about your busy schedule. 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 "most wonderful time of the year" feels overwhelming due to grief, family hurt, or a devastating diagnosis? How do you find peace when your natural instinct is to fight harder against the quicksand of life? In this devotional on Psalm 46, we explore the profound invitation to "cease striving" and "be still and know that I am God." We look beyond the surface of this famous passage to encounter the "Lord of Hosts"—the Commander of Angel Armies—and learn why our desperate attempts to save ourselves often make it harder for Him to rescue us. Through the lens of a lifeguard saving a drowning swimmer, we discover that true safety is found not in struggling, but in spiritual surrender. Join host Jaime Hampton for this encouraging scripture meditation on the Praying Christian Women podcast. Whether you are battling holiday anxiety, financial hardship, or just the noise of a busy season, discover how to turn away from fear and embrace the God who is your refuge and strength. Come ready to surrender your plans and rest in the presence of the One who makes wars to cease. 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!Is your empathy making you a target for manipulation? In this vital episode of the Praying Christian Women podcast, Alana and Jaime tackle the unsettling but necessary topic of spiritual scams. While most people know how to spot financial fraud, the hosts explore a more subtle danger in the church: the theft of your time, emotional capacity, and prayer energy by those seeking attention rather than genuine help. Jaime opens up about a personal encounter with a crisis manufacturer—someone who fabricated emergencies to monopolize her time—while Alana helps listeners distinguish between a needy "emotional vampire" and a calculated "emotional scammer." Together, they define spiritual stewardship, challenging listeners to treat their intercession like a precious resource that requires wise "triage" rather than an unlimited supply for every demand. They also provide practical biblical wisdom on spotting red flags, from fabricated testimonies to those who demand to be the center of your spiritual focus. Finally, the hosts address the guilt and shame that often plague empathetic Christians who have been deceived. Whether you are dealing with compassion fatigue or recovering from betrayal in ministry, this episode offers a gentle reminder that no prayer offered in love is ever wasted. Tune in to learn how to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves," protecting your prayer life and spiritual vitality without hardening your heart. 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 you feel like a "hot mess" right in the middle of the holiday rush? How do you silence the lies of the enemy when your to-do list is overflowing and your heart feels overwhelmed by imperfection? In this devotional on Psalm 45, we explore the surprising connection between "The King’s Marriage" and our own inadequacies. While this beautiful wedding song celebrates the union of the King and His Bride, it also invites us to lay down the pressure of perfectionism. We learn that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness and that He can redeem even our most chaotic moments for His glory. Join host Jaime Hampton for this encouraging scripture meditation on the Praying Christian Women podcast. Whether you are battling holiday stress or spiritual attacks, discover how to turn away from old mindsets and the lies of the enemy to fully embrace your identity. Come ready to "give attention and incline your ear" to the One whose grace is sufficient 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.