Show Notes
Sometimes prayer can feel like a duty, but what if it's actually an invitation? In this first episode of The Privilege of Prayer, Nerida Ashcroft and Alison Shaw explore one of the most fundamental questions of the Christian life: what is prayer, really? Drawing on decades of walking with Jesus, Nerida and Alison unpack why prayer isn't about formulas, rituals, or the right words, but about a genuine relationship with God; one built on trust, honesty, and time spent together. They dig into Ephesians 6:18 and what it means to pray "on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers," from everyday small talk with God to the heartfelt cries that come out of our darkest moments. Along the way they share honest stories from their own lives, reflect on the beauty of praying authentically in your own voice, and offer encouragement for anyone who finds prayer difficult or simply doesn't know where to start. Whether your prayer life feels like a desert or a garden, come and join us. Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Privilege of Prayer
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 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.
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.
What comes to mind when you picture God, and where did that picture come from? In this episode of The Privilege of Prayer, Nerida Ashcroft and Alison Shaw explore how childhood experiences, life events, and even well-meaning teaching can quietly distort our view of who God is. Whether we picture Him as distant, disappointed, or demanding, those images shape the way we approach Him in prayer, often without us realising it. Nerida and Alison unpack why we can't put God in a box built from our own experiences, and how Scripture invites us into a fresh, ongoing revelation of His true character. If your view of God feels small, painful, or incomplete, this episode is an invitation to let Him redefine it. Support The Privilege of Prayer: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.