Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer

168 | Liturgical Prayers: Are Written Prayers Biblical or Just Empty Tradition?

Are written prayers biblical or just empty tradition? If you've ever felt like praying someone else's words isn't "sincere" or questioned whether liturgical prayers belong in the Christian life, this episode will challenge your assumptions and open up a rich tradition of faith. Did Jesus forbid scripted prayers in Matthew 6:6–7? Many Christians assume prayer must always be spontaneous. But throughout both Jewish and early Christian worship, written prayers were a normal part of community life.In this episode, we look at the history of liturgical prayer and why Acts 2:42 says the early believers devoted themselves to “the prayers.” We’ll also talk about how written prayers can strengthen—not replace—your personal conversations with God. We will also explore the beauty and biblical foundation of liturgical prayers, from the Psalms (which are themselves written prayers) to the Book of Common Prayer and prayers written by early church fathers like Polycarp. Many American evangelicals dismiss written prayers as "ritualistic" or empty tradition, but Scripture shows us that God gave us the Psalms to pray, Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer to pray, and faithful Christians throughout history have used written prayers to train themselves in adoration, confession, and thanksgiving—not just requests. I also share a few favorite historic prayer resources and simple ways to turn Scripture into your own prayers.Shop Prayer Resources⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop Our Spring Shop is live and filled with new prayer-focused resources including the Praying the Psalms Scripture Guide and Not-So-Quiet Time: Psalms Volume 1, a multisensory guide that you can use alone or as a family discipleship tool.Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series: https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcastSubscribe to Verity Podcast: https://apple.co/veritypodcastVerity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.Order Every Woman a Theologian: https://tsfqr.com/EWATbookNew Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1 https://tsfqr.com/psalmsFollow along:Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimerEWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian

167 | Why Do I Feel Bored in Prayer?

Why does prayer feel boring sometimes? If you've ever struggled to stay focused during prayer, felt distracted, or wondered why some Christians seem so enriched by prayer while you feel disconnected, this episode will bring clarity and hope. Phylicia explores four key reasons why prayer can feel boring—and what to do about it: spiritual warfare (the enemy doesn't want you praying), overstimulation (we're unused to silence and stillness), request-based vs. relationship-based prayer, and duty-based habits that lack intimacy. Scripture shows us that showing up consistently creates the intimacy we're looking for—discipline leads to joy, and action precedes feeling.Shop Prayer ResourcesEvery Woman a Theologian Shop:https://phyliciamasonheimer.comSpring Shop launches March 12 with new prayer-focused resources and more.Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcastSubscribe to Verity Podcast:https://apple.co/veritypodcastVerity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company.We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.Order Every Woman a Theologian:https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/every-woman-a-theologian-hardcover/New Release: Who Is Like Our God? Amos & Micah Bible Studyhttps://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/amos-micah-bible-study/Follow along:Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimerEWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologianSubscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

166 | Does God hear Everyone's Prayers?

Does God hear everyone’s prayers? In this episode, we explore what Scripture really teaches about righteousness, salvation, and effective prayer, unpacking what it means to be “righteous” not by works, but by faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). Phylicia addresses hard questions like: Does God hear unrighteous or prideful prayers? What about the prayers of unbelievers? And do more prayers really equal more power? If you’ve ever wondered whether God hears your prayers, how humility matters, or how faith and fervency work together, this biblical teaching will bring clarity, encouragement, and gospel-centered hope.Revival in New York Article:https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/revival-born-in-a-prayer-meeting/Shop Prayer ResourcesEvery Woman a Theologian Shop:https://phyliciamasonheimer.comSpring Shop launches March 12 with new prayer-focused resources and more.Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcastSubscribe to Verity Podcast:https://apple.co/veritypodcastVerity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company.We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.Order Every Woman a Theologian:https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/every-woman-a-theologian-hardcover/New Release: Who Is Like Our God? Amos & Micah Bible Studyhttps://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/amos-micah-bible-study/Follow along:Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimerEWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologianSubscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

165 | Can Satan Hear My Prayers?

Can Satan hear your prayers? Can he block or manipulate what you ask God to do? In this episode, we answer one of the most searched questions about spiritual warfare and prayer: Is Satan omniscient—and does he have power over your prayer life? If you’ve ever felt anxiety about praying out loud or wondered whether the enemy can sidetrack your prayers, this biblical teaching will bring clarity and confidence. Scripture makes clear that only God is all-knowing (1 John 3: 20; Proverbs 15: 3; Isaiah 40: 13–14). Satan is powerful—but limited—and his defeat is certain (Revelation 20: 10; Matthew 25: 41). We explore Ephesians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10 to understand why prayer is spiritual warfare—and how spoken prayer partners you with Christ rather than empowering the enemy. In this episode: – Can Satan hear my prayers? – Can the enemy block or delay God’s answers? – How does spiritual warfare actually work? – Should Christians fear praying out loud? If you want to pray with confidence instead of fear, this episode will help you rest in God’s sovereignty. 📚 Shop Prayer Resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop✨Spring Shop launches March 12 with new prayer-focused resources and more. 🎧 Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series Subscribe to Verity PodcastVerity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God. Order Every Woman a TheologianNew Release: Who Is Like Our God? Amos & Micah Bible StudyFollow along: Substack, Instagram, EWAT InstagramSubscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ. #CanSatanHearMyPrayers #SpiritualWarfare #PrayerLife #ChristianTheology #FaithOverFear

164 | When God Doesn't Answer

Why do some of our prayers seem to go unanswered—temporarily, long-term, or forever? How do we keep praying when answers are delayed or don't look the way we hoped? In this episode, we tackle one of the hardest questions in the Christian life: understanding God's responses to prayer when they don't match our expectations. In this episode, we examine: ✓ What does "ask anything and it will be yours" really mean? (Mark 11:24, John 15:7) ✓ The difference between prosperity gospel and biblical prayer ✓ Why faith isn't about "believing hard enough" ✓ Four reasons God delays or denies prayer requests ✓ How to trust God's character when prayers aren't answered ✓ The supernatural work happening behind our prayers ✓ Praying with persistence through long seasons of waiting If you've ever felt discouraged by unanswered prayer, this episode will help you pray with faith and hope—even in the waiting.