Privilege of Prayer

Nerida and Alison explore how prayer is fundamentally about asking, likening it to children freely requesting things from loving parents. Nerida shares a personal story of praying for a simple wraparound skirt after having her first baby, showing God cares about small details as well as big needs.

They reflect on Jesus asking the blind man "What do you want me to do for you?" and how his bold request to see illustrates the invitation to ask for big things, not just manage our limitations. The hosts note how their own prayers have shifted over time from everyday requests towards asking for character qualities like wisdom, resilience and compassion, closing with a prayer encouraging listeners not to hold back from asking God for whatever they need.

This podcast has been brought to you by Rhema Media Inc.
For more, check out the Privilege of Prayer page on rhema.co.nz.
Produced using AI tools under human supervision.
Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nerida and Alison explore the spiritual and scientific benefits of gratitude, linking the Old Testament's "thank offering" to modern studies showing thankfulness improves mental and physical wellbeing. They discuss the biblical story of the ten lepers and Paul's instruction to "give thanks in everything," highlighting that gratitude is a choice and a mindset shift rather than just a reaction to good circumstances.

Nerida shares a personal story about discovering smoke from a washing machine fire and choosing gratitude over panic, illustrating how thankfulness can be a powerful pivot point in difficult moments. The hosts encourage listeners to go deeper in prayer by thanking God not just for everyday blessings but for who He is, closing with a prayer for those struggling with low mood or mental health to experience a spark of gratitude that shifts their perspective.

This podcast has been brought to you by Rhema Media Inc.
For more, check out the Privilege of Prayer page on rhema.co.nz.
Produced using AI tools under human supervision.
Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nerida and Alison explore the Lord's Prayer, not as a rote recitation but as a living, relational conversation Jesus modelled for His disciples. They unpack the beautiful progression woven through it - from worship and surrender, to daily dependence, repentance, forgiveness, protection, and adoration - all flowing from the foundation of God as our loving Father.

Alison shares a touching lunchbox analogy to illustrate daily provision, and both women reflect on forgiveness as a choice that benefits our own wellbeing as much as it releases others. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer that listeners' prayer lives would be transformed as they engage with Jesus' pattern for prayer as a genuine relationship with God.

This podcast has been brought to you by Rhema Media Inc.
For more, check out the Privilege of Prayer page on rhema.co.nz.
Produced using AI tools under human supervision.
Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus regularly withdrew from the noise and the crowds to spend time alone with the Father. What can His example teach us about our own prayer lives?
In this episode of The Privilege of Prayer, Nerida Ashcroft and Alison Shaw explore the practice of private prayer and why it matters. She encourages listeners to follow Jesus' example by intentionally carving out time and space to draw near to God, away from distraction, to refresh, re-centre, and reconnect with Him.
Whether your days feel packed or your prayer life feels neglected, this episode is an invitation to make room for that quiet, personal time with God.
Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who are you, really, in God's eyes?
In this episode of The Privilege of Prayer, Nerida Ashcroft and Alison Shaw dig into the stories we tell ourselves, the ones shaped by negative self-talk, past experiences, and other people's opinions, and hold them up against what God actually says about us.
They explore what it means to build our identity not on performance, feelings, or approval, but on the truth that in God's eyes, we are wanted, adopted, and fully loved. This is a conversation about rewiring the narrative and letting that truth transform the way we come to God in prayer.
Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.