The Parent Podcast · Shauna Danneberger and Bethany Berry

A Life of Prayer

September 16, 2025·35 min·3 clips

Bethany reveals how she immediately heard God say 'I'm the only thing that matters' during a quiet prayer session.

This episode features hosts Shawna and Bethany discussing the role of prayer in daily life, particularly for parents and ministry leaders. They share personal experiences and practical insights on integrating prayer into a busy schedule. The conversation centers on making prayer a consistent, heartfelt practice rather than a perfunctory task. Bethany references a question from speaker Jackie Hill Perry: "What other option do you have?" besides prayer. She cites 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which instructs believers to "pray without ceasing." Shawna describes feeling overwhelmed by life's "plates in the air," like moving houses and managing kids' schedules. She shares a personal example of deciding against a sprint triathlon after praying for guidance. Bethany recounts a moment of prayer where she felt she heard the message, "I'm the only thing that matters." The hosts explore the idea that hearing from God often involves a posture of listening, not just speaking. They acknowledge prayer can be challenging when personal pride or a desired outcome blocks receptivity. Bethany mentions using a prayer journal to maintain focus, while Shawna suggests simply letting the mind wander quietly. They discuss the Holy Spirit's role in providing discernment and nudges, which may not be dramatic. The importance of aligning prayer with Scripture is emphasized, as the Bible already provides many answers. A practical tool is introduced: the PRAY acronym, with letters standing for Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield. Bethany shares a family practice of praying in the van during the school commute, noting her five-year-old now leads specific prayers for her siblings. They stress that prayer does not require perfect words and is also meant for communal use, like praying aloud with others. The tone is conversational, reflective, and encouraging, rooted in personal faith experiences. This episode would resonate with Christian parents or individuals seeking to deepen their prayer life amidst daily chaos. Listeners preferring theological debate or scriptural exegesis might find it too anecdotal.

As heard by us

A warm, practical prayer conversation rooted in busy everyday life.

Shawna and Bethany start in the familiar crunch of fall, with kids back in school, a new house, and ministry responsibilities all pulling at once. That ordinary overload gives the prayer conversation a grounded shape, and it keeps the focus on real life rather than abstraction.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

For when your calendar is packed and you need a quiet reset around prayer.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Parent Podcast