Do you struggle with prayer—what to say, how to say it, and whether God will respond? Does God ever feel distant or silent when you cry out to Him? In this episode, guest Rachel Britton shares why prayer often feels difficult, especially when we feel fearful, disappointed, or anxious, and she explains how simple, guided prayers can help us open our hearts wider to the Lord.

Together, Carol and Rachel explore what we can learn from biblical women who prayed through some of Scripture’s most painful and complicated moments:

• Rachel, a person of deep sorrow
• Leah, a person overlooked
• Jochebed, a person in the background
• Sarah, a person who doubted

Their lives reveal that God hears those of us who feel unseen, afraid, or unsure. Through their stories, Rachel invites us to grow in confidence—not by having perfect words, but by remembering we are perfectly loved.

Resource referenced: Pray Naturally: Finding Your Spiritual Confidence as a Woman Loved by God by Rachel Britton

Reflective/Discussion Questions

1. Which part of prayer feels hardest for you right now—finding the words, believing God hears you, or trusting Him with the outcome? Why?
2. When you think of praying bold prayers, what emotion rises first—fear, excitement, skepticism, or hope? What might God be inviting you to explore in that?
3. Is there a biblical woman’s story (Rachel, Leah, Jochebed) that mirrors a season you’re in? What does her journey teach you about God’s character?
4. In what ways have fear, disappointment, or past pain shaped the way you pray—or the way you avoid praying?
5. Rachel talks about being honest in prayer, even messy or raw. What would it look like to tell God the truth about something you’ve been holding back?
6. Where do you sense God inviting you to trust Him more deeply—not someday, but today—as you learn to pray more naturally?

Find Rachel Britton:

On her website

On Instagram

On Facebook

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When anxiety tightens your chest and fear whispers that you’re alone, knowing who God is can steady your heart. In this deeply comforting conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and ministry leader Grace Fox to explore how the names of God reveal His nearness, power, and peace—especially in seasons of uncertainty, trauma, and unanswered prayer.

Grace shares how understanding God as Yahweh Shalom, Abba Father, Yahweh Roi (the Lord my Shepherd), and the God who is Light can reshape how we walk through hardship. From cultivating daily time with God in busy seasons to experiencing supernatural peace in the middle of a medical crisis, this episode gently reminds listeners that fear is not a sign of failed faith—but often a signal that we were never meant to carry our burdens alone.

In this episode, guest Grace Fox shares practical tools to quiet anxious thoughts, anchor themselves in truth, and learn how God often reveals His heart most clearly in life’s darkest caves. (Scroll down to download a free companion guide designed to help you process this episodes content more deeply and for more information on today's guest, Grace Fox.)

Key Topics Covered in today's episode:

• Why fear doesn’t mean you’ve disappointed God

• How the names of God reveal His character and care

• Finding peace while still “in process”

• God as Father for those wounded by earthly relationships

• How God brings light and beauty even in dark seasons

• Practical steps to experience peace amid chaos

Resource Referenced: Names of God: Knowing Peace: Devotional Study with Video Access (Names of God Devotional Studies Book 2) by Grace Fox

Download this episodes free companion guide HERE.

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. When anxiety rises, what does your first response tend to be—problem-solving, worrying, withdrawing, or turning toward God?
2. Which name of God discussed in this episode resonates most deeply with your current season, and why?
3. How might viewing God as a perfect Father challenge or heal wounds shaped by imperfect human relationships?
4. Where do you feel like you’re “in process” right now, tempted to believe you should be further along?
5. What would it look like to ask, “God, what do You want to teach me here?” instead of “Why is this happening?”
6. Are there areas of chaos in your life where you need to invite God’s light to bring clarity or order?
7. How might intentionally renewing your mind change the way you experience fear or uncertainty this week?

Connect with Grace Fox:

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.