Embracing Your Unique Prayer Personality Part 1
Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast podcast. In today’s episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of prayer and how each individual approaches it differently. Our host, Cynthia, is joined by special guest Janet McHenry, who is not only a prayer enthusiast but also the author of the book “Praying Personalities.”
Together, they explore the concept of prayer personalities and how understanding our unique prayer styles can enhance our relationship with God. Janet shares her journey of discovering different praying practices based on personalities found in Scripture, ranging from cerebral and emotive to devotional and physical prayer styles. She encourages listeners to embrace their natural inclinations while also challenging them to examine any busyness that might be hindering their prayer life. Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of prayer personalities and discover how God’s economy works beyond our understanding.
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Cynthia:
So can you tell me, how did you come to the conclusion that we pray differently and that there’s different prayer personalities?
Janet:
Well, a couple of years ago, I was doing a presentation on all the different ways that we could incorporate different kinds of praying practices into our lives so as to try to get to that place. We’re praying without ceasing, as Paul said. And then I heard myself say, perhaps there are different kinds of praying styles based on our personalities. What a mic drop moment for me. I was astonished even with what came out of my mouth. And after that, I went into God’s word. And I found that yes, people pray differently based on their personality.
Cynthia:
When you think about it, it makes sense. I know some people I’ve listened to some women who are very bubbly and warm, and they talk about how they just overflow. And I’m thinking, I don’t have that bubbly as a personality. My reserved son would not let loose on emotions. He’s too restrained. So it makes perfect sense.
Janet:
Yeah. Even years ago, I thought there really was something wrong with me as a Christian because I was not like the love like an ocean, Or I was not joy, like a fountain peace. I had a different kind of a temperament. And so years and years ago, I kind of began studying personality types and so forth. We can see that play out in scripture in the different ways that different biblical characters prayed. So I think there is a freedom that we can certainly go to God in what seems natural to us. I kind of take the reader off the hook in that way. But I also want to put the reader back on the hook a little bit. We use our busy, busy lifestyle as an excuse not to pray, I think we need to kind of examine that perhaps maybe we’re just a bit too busy.
Cynthia:
Busyness really is not a good excuse.
Janet:
Right. I myself do that. Even still, 25 years later, after beginning prayer walking, I can have a million excuses as to why I’m not going to get out there today and go walking and praying for my community. But when I do, I never regret the time. And I also find that God in his economy, through me, can equip me to be able to accomplish all those things. I didn’t think otherwise I would get done if I spent all that time in prayer.
Cynthia:
And that has happened to me before. I had a disabled child. There were times when I just was so overwhelmed by what he was dealing with that I would pray for a long time. I would think, gee, my day is going to be awful. And then I would realize I got more done on those days when I prayed more. So God’s economy isn’t quite like ours.
Janet:
Exactly.
Cynthia:
That’s good to know. We’re going to continue this conversation next week. The interesting point to note is that God calls us to pray, and we should feel free to pray the way God designed us.
