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/@veritypodcast
Subscribe to Verity Podcast: https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity 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/EWATbook
New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1 https://tsfqr.com/psalms

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]
Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian



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

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 Resources
Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/]
Spring Shop launches March 12 with new prayer-focused resources and more.

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:
https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast
Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity 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 Study
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/amos-micah-bible-study/

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]
Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

167 | Why Do I Feel Bored in Prayer?

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 Resources
Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/]
Spring Shop launches March 12 with new prayer-focused resources and more.

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:
https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast
Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity 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 Study
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/amos-micah-bible-study/

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/]
Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian

Subscribe 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?

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 [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/]

✨Spring Shop launches March 12 with new prayer-focused resources and more.  

🎧 Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series  [https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast]

Subscribe to Verity Podcast [https://apple.co/veritypodcast]

Verity 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/EWATbook]

New Release: Who Is Like Our God? Amos & Micah Bible Study [https://tsfqr.com/Amos]

Follow along: Substack [https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/], Instagram [https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer], EWAT Instagram [https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian]

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ. 

#CanSatanHearMyPrayers #SpiritualWarfare #PrayerLife #ChristianTheology #FaithOverFear

165 | Can Satan Hear My Prayers? 

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.

164 | When God Doesn't Answer 

How do you pray God's will—without trying to control the outcome?  In this episode, we break down what Scripture actually teaches about the will of God and how to pray in alignment with His truth and character. Learn the difference between bold, biblical prayer and self-centered or "manifesting" language, and discover how God's will is revealed through His Word—not guesswork.  

If you're a woman seeking clarity, confidence, and depth in your prayer life, this teaching will help you pray with boldness, humility, and trust.  

In this episode, we examine: 

✓ What is the will of God? (Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Micah 6:8) 

✓ How to discern God's will through a renewed mind 

✓ The difference between praying boldly and praying selfishly 

✓ Why God doesn't always give us a "blueprint" for decisions 

✓ How to pray freely without fear of getting it "wrong" 

✓ Biblical prayer vs. manifestation theology 



📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

- Every Woman A Theologian website: phyliciamasonheimer.com

- Verse-by-verse Bible studies: Amos & Micah, 1-3 John, Galatians, Revelation, Leviticus 

- Books: Every Woman a Theologian, Every Home a Foundation, Stop Calling Me Beautiful 

- Multi-sensory Bible Studies & Kids' Resources  



📧 QUESTIONS? Email: phylicia@phyliciamasonheimer.com  

PRAYER SERIES EPISODES: - Episode 0: We're Back! Prayer Series Announcement 

- Episode 1: Can the Saints Pray for Us?

- Episode 2: What Is Deliverance Prayer? 

- Episode 3: How to Pray God's Will (this episode) 

- Coming soon: Scripted vs. Spontaneous Prayer, Prayer & God's Sovereignty, and more!  



 #VerityPodcast #PrayingGodsWill #BiblicalPrayer #WillOfGod #ChristianTheology #EveryWomanATheologian #PrayerLife #ChristianPodcast #TheologyForWomen #ManifestationTheology #BoldPrayer

163 | Praying God's Will 

Is deliverance prayer biblical? What makes it healthy versus unhealthy? In this episode, we explore what Scripture says about spiritual warfare, freedom from sin, and deliverance ministry.  

In this episode, we examine: ✓ What is deliverance prayer? ✓ Biblical foundations for spiritual warfare ✓ The difference between healthy and unhealthy deliverance practices ✓ Warning signs of manipulative deliverance ministry ✓ How Christ secures our deliverance and freedom  

Whether you're charismatic, cessationist, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you understand how to pursue freedom from sin in a biblically grounded way.  

---  PRAYER SERIES EPISODES: - Episode 0: We're Back! Prayer Series Announcement - Episode 1: Can the Saints Pray for Us? - Episode 2: Do We need Deliverance Prayer? (this episode) - Coming soon: God's Sovereignty & Prayer, How to Pray God's Will, and more!  

---  #VerityPodcast #DeliverancePrayer #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianTheology #BiblicalPrayer #EveryWomanATheologian #CharismaticTheology #FreedomInChrist #ChristianPodcast #TheologyForWomen #DeliveranceMinistry

162 | Do We Need Deliverance Prayer?

Can we ask saints in heaven to pray for us? This is one of the most requested questions about prayer, and today we're exploring both Catholic and Protestant perspectives with respect and biblical depth.  

In this episode, we examine: 

✓ What does "saint" really mean? 

✓ Revelation 5 & 8: Do the saints intercede? 

✓ The Catholic perspective on intercession of the saints 

✓ The Protestant response and biblical concerns 

✓ Why this conversation matters for unity  

Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, or just curious about different Christian perspectives on prayer, this episode will help you understand how believers arrive at their conclusions—even when we disagree.  

---  PRAYER SERIES EPISODES: 

- Episode 0: We're Back! Prayer Series Announcement 

- Episode 1: Can the Saints Pray for Us? (this episode) 

- Coming soon: Deliverance Prayer, God's Sovereignty & Prayer, and more! 

--- 

 #VerityPodcast #Prayer #CatholicVsProtestant #ChristianTheology #SaintsIntercession #EveryWomanATheologian #BiblicalPrayer #ChristianPodcast #TheologyForWomen #ReligiousDebate

161 | Can the Saints Pray for Us? 

After a meaningful year of reflection, we're relaunching Verity Podcast with an entire quarter dedicated to PRAYER! 🙏 

Join us January 22nd as we explore prayer's essential role in the life of a believer—answering your questions and mine with biblical depth and practical wisdom.  

📅 FIRST EPISODE: January 22, 2026 

📌 NEW EPISODES: Weekly  

UPCOMING TOPICS IN THIS QUARTER: ✓ Can the saints pray for us? ✓ Deliverance prayer explained ✓ Why God's sovereignty matters in prayer ✓ How to pray God's will ✓ Scripted prayers: yay or nay? ✓ Answers to YOUR questions!  

2025 taught us so much about trust, loss, celebration, and learning—and prayer kept rising to the top. We can't wait to explore this essential practice together as the Verity Podcast community.  Thank you for being part of this journey. See you January 22nd!

Verity Podcast is BACK 🙏 | Prayer Series Starting January 22

What if God can do more without your hustle than with it? Lisa Fields of the Jude 3 Project shares her journey from workaholic apologist to discovering that God doesn't need our striving—He wants our trust, our healed hearts, and our willingness to rest in His sufficiency. 

💡 Key Scripture: "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders' labor is in vain... He grants sleep to those he loves." - Psalm 127:1-2 

The Big Truth: God doesn't need your hustle. Rest isn't avoidance or vacation—it's a posture of complete trust in God. When we truly rest in Him, He does what our striving never could, without the soul-damaging side effects.  

📖 Resources Mentioned: Book: "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience" by Lisa Fields "Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day-to-Day Devotional" Centering Prayer app  

🔗 Connect: 

-Jude 3 Project: https://jude3project.org/ 

-Verity Conference 2025: https://verityconference.com 

-EWAT: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/  

💭 Reflection Questions: Are you so busy doing God's work that you're not meeting with God? What "dead grass" has been buried in your heart while you kept moving? Do you like being the hero? What does that feed in your insecurity? Can you sleep in peace, or is it just avoidance? What would it look like to trust God enough to rest?  

⏰ Practical Steps to Rest:  Daily Silence: Start with centering prayer (work up to 30 min/day) Weekly Sabbath: Take one full day off - it's commanded, not optional Community: Let your friends be your friends (get off the pedestal) Healing: Let God show you your heart and do the work of healing

160 | Why God Doesn't Need Your Hustle: Learning to Rest in Him

Phylicia Masonheimer's Show

The Verity podcast is hosted by author, speaker and public theologian Phylicia Masonheimer. Covering topics of faith and culture from a biblical perspective, through a historical lens, the podcast is designed to inspire you to ask better questions, go deeper in faith, and defend your beliefs with both grace and logic.

Phylicia Masonheimer

Shows