“The Lord wants us to fast, and weep, & mourn over our sin because, when we are believers, this mourning & sorrow will drive us to Him. There & only there we can receive His grace & mercy.” Today we continue in our series, Beatitudes: Building Godly Character in the Woman of God, by welcoming back our United States Country Coordinator, Susan Shepherd. We dive into the second beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Susan reminds us of the power of prayer, confession and our great Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Listen in to learn how to pray more deeply and grow closer to your Heavenly Father.

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Susan Shepherd joyfully serves as the USA Country Coordinator for Moms in Prayer International, coaching, encouraging, and working with amazing godly women across the United States. She joined a Moms in Prayer group in 1996 when her daughters were in elementary school. Since then, she’s experienced the peace, power, and perspective of watching God work in the lives of children and schools and she is passionate about sharing this hope and joy with other moms. Susan is married to Joe, mom to two married daughters, and the grandmother of three with another grandchild on the way. Susan loves to pray, but she also likes coffee with friends, traveling, and a good book.

SCRIPTURES

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 ESV

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 ESV

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV

“Even now,” declares the Lord,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12 NIV

Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. Daniel 9:13-14 NIV

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22 NIV

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“Being humble and poor in spirit is being God dependent and God confident, and knowing God is going to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.” What a powerful and peaceful place to be! As we recognize our need for Him, we can have confidence that He will provide for every one of those needs out of His abundance! Today we welcome Kendra Rock, our Southwest Division Coordinator, to the podcast as we dive into our new podcast series, Beatitudes: Building Godly Character in the Woman of God. Listen in as Kendra shares encouraging wisdom from God’s Word, focusing on the first beatitude, blessed are the poor in spirit.

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kendra was called to be a prayer warrior when her sons were toddlers; that began a lifelong journey of learning how to pray.

She was introduced to Moms in Prayer when her sons were in 1st and 2nd grades and she has participated in a Moms in Prayer group every year since. She now prays for her adult children in a career group and has the joy of praying in a Grandmas in Prayer group. Kendra serves as the Southwest Division Coordinator for Moms in Prayer.

Kendra and her husband reside in Oklahoma. They have two adult sons, 2 wonderful daughters-in-love, and two precious grandchildren. Kendra enjoys playing the harp, taking walks with her husband, and playing and praying with and for her grandchildren!

One of her favorite verses is Psalm 5:3 “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

SCRIPTURES

If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Psalm 50:12 NIV

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NKJV

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Proverbs 30:8 NIV

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NASB

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 NIV

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. Proverbs 29:23 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

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MIP 40th Anniversary Celebration

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“As a parent it is easy to feel like we are getting it all wrong, all the time. There are no perfect moms, there’s just moms who need Jesus. And there’s grace for us here.” The enemy would love for us and our kids to constantly compare ourselves to others and neglect our true identities that are found in Christ. Today Shannon Popkin and Lee Nienhuis return to the podcast to share about their soon to release book, “Comparison Girl for Teens”. They remind us of a better way, the Jesus way, to live and see others. There is so much more joy and freedom found in His way.

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

From the platform, page, and podcast mic, Shannon Popkin invites you to drink deeply of God’s story, and live like it’s true. Shannon’s books include Control Girl, Comparison Girl, Comparison Girl for Teens (2024), and Shaped by God’s Promises (2024). Shannon also hosts the Live Like It’s True Bible podcast and has been featured on Revive Our Hearts, FamilyLife Today, The Gospel Coalition, and Proverbs 31. She’s happy to be sharing life with Ken, who makes her laugh every day. Together, they have the joy of watching their three young-adult kids become the amazing people God created them to be. You can connect with Shannon at shannonpopkin.com, or on Instagram, Facebook, or Youtube.

Lee Nienhuis is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She cohosts the Martha & Mary Show and the You Can Tell the Children podcast with Bible2School. Lee’s books, Brave Moms, Brave Kids and Countercultural Parenting are a clarion call for parents looking to raise wholehearted Christ followers. Lee and her husband, Mike, have four kids and live in West Michigan. Find her at leenienhuis.com.

SCRIPTURES

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV

The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 ESV

So the last will be first, and the first last. Matthew 20:16 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

LINKS

Comparison Girl Website

Shannon’s Website

Lee’s Website

BOOKS

Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World That Compares

Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus to Flip the Script on Your Measure-Up Mindset

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“We wanted to give women permission to say all the things. That they don’t have to pretty themselves up before they come to the Lord, they can come to Him with all their yuck.” Hillary Morgan Ferrer, founder of Mama Bear Apologetics, and Julie Loos, who has served in Moms in Prayer for over 20 years, share about their newest book, “Honest Prayers for Mama Bears”. God wants us to bring our whole, true selves to Him and lay our hearts and burdens before Him. And you know what? That’s not too much for God. That’s actually what He wants! He loves you, uniquely made you, and wants to hear from YOU.

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Hillary Morgan Ferrer is the founder and President of Mama Bear Apologetics. She feels a burden for providing accessible apologetics resources for busy moms. She is the chief author and editor of the bestselling books Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality: Empowering Your Kids to Understand and Live Out God’s Design, and the soon to be released, Honest Prayers for Mama Bears. Hillary has her master’s degree in biology and loves helping moms to discern truths and lies in both science and culture. She and her husband, John, have been married for 16 years and minister together as an apologetics team. She can never sneak up on anybody because of her chronic hiccups, which you can hear occasionally in interviews.

Julie Loos has a passion for biblical truth and has been a contributor for both flagship Mama Bear Apologetics books. She has BA in journalism and psychology from the University of North Carolina as well as a certificate in apologetics from Biola University, and has served in Moms in Prayer International for more than 22 years. Julie and her husband Todd live in Missouri and have two grown sons.

SCRIPTURES

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. James 4:3 ESV

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21b ESV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV

LINKS

Mama Bear Apologetics Website

BOOKS

Honest Prayers for Mama Bears

Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies

Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality: Empowering Your Kids to Understand and Live Out God's Design

MOMS IN PRAYER

New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started

Rise Up Southern California Event

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“My greatest strength is realizing that Jesus is my greatest need.” Today Aubrie sits down with author and speaker, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, to talk about the peace and joy that is found in walking with Jesus. We don’t have to buckle down and just get through our fear or work through things on our own. We have God, Who is so present with us, to call upon and ask for His help and power to work in and through our situation. Shellie also shares about her newest book, “Seizing the Good Life”, and reminds us that JESUS is the good life.

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is a farmer's wife and totally besotted grandmother of half a dozen beautiful grandchildren she fondly calls The Super Six. She fell in love with storytelling as a child when her paternal grandmother regaled her with stories of what it was like to come to Louisiana from the hills of Appalachia and set up house in a tent with a dirt floor. On the other side of the family tree, her maternal grandfather, a people-loving preacher, was known for using humor to draw his listeners to Jesus. It's safe to say the two of them marked her. Whether in her books, speaking before audiences, or dropping a segment on her podcast, she loves nothing more than helping hungry hearts feast on Jesus through humor and storytelling.

SCRIPTURES

And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:41-42 ESV

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 ESV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV

LINKS

Shellie’s Website

Shellie’s Facebook

BOOKS

Seizing the Good Life: Discover Peace and Joy through the Study of John's Gospel

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“If we keep saying yes to what God places before us, He will do more than we could ever ask or imagine.” Three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion, Leah Amico, shares her journey as an Olympian and how God met her on a softball field. Now, she is speaking and going to school campuses to encourage students that they aren’t alone and they, too, can be a light to others. Listen in as Leah gives us insight into what students today are struggling with and how we can be praying for them.

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Leah Amico is a three-time Olympic gold medalist with USA Softball, a two-time World Champion, a National Softball Hall of Fame Inductee in 2009, and a three-time national champion at The University of Arizona. At Arizona, Leah was also honored as a three-time First Team All-American and a three-time First Team Academic All-American for her excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Known for being one of the most clutch hitters of all time, Leah still holds the record for highest batting average in the Women’s College World Series. Leah is also a college softball analyst with ESPN and Westwood One Sports, where she imparts her love and knowledge of the game to many fans across the world. 

Leah Amico is a professional and inspirational speaker with over 20 years of national speaking engagements. She empowers people with the tools needed to have a strong mindset and apply the daily discipline needed to be successful. Leah relates to others with her stories that are engaging and inspiring. She shares keys to unlocking your potential that can help you thrive in any situation. Leah leaves people believing they can and will conquer their personal and career goals if they will apply the core principles she speaks about. She is also passionate about being able to enjoy a healthy balance between work and personal life. Leah helps people determine their own views of success and to set goals to rise to the top of their expectations.

SCRIPTURES

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV

LINKS

Leah’s Website

BOOKS

Victorious: A Year-Long Devotional

Softball, Glory & God's Story

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New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started

Collegiate Day of Prayer

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Victorious: Moms in Prayer 40th Anniversary Celebration

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“The God of the universe is paying attention to my prayers and they make a difference.” This episode is full of powerful encouragement and answers to prayer from Fern Nichols, the founder of Moms in Prayer International. Fern’s message is timeless treasure from our Moms in Prayer archives and is just as relevant today as it was back in the day when the ministry was known as Moms in Touch. Listen in as Fern shares the difference one praying mom can make. 

The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Fern Nichols is a former elementary school teacher and the founder of Moms in Prayer International, a prayer movement that mobilizes women around the world to gather together to pray for their children and schools. In 1984, Fern was fearful about sending her two eldest children off to junior high. She knew the school would be a battlefield for their hearts and minds. She realized the warfare would be intense and to fight in this battle she needed to invite other moms to pray. She called a mom and asked her to pray with her for their children and school. Her response was an immediate “yes,” and that was the humble beginning of Moms in Prayer that now spans the USA in every state and is in more than 150 countries. Fern has traveled to almost every continent in the world speaking, teaching and training women how to pray effectively. She and her husband Rle have been married for over 50 years. They were involved with Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU) for 15 years. They have four children and 10 grandchildren.

SCRIPTURES

 Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24b ESV

if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, Luke 18:1 NKJV 

You do not have, because you do not ask. James 4:2c ESV

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: 1 Samuel 12:23a KJV

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30 NKJV

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 ESV

LINKS

BOOKS

Mom's Little Book of Powerful Prayers

Moms in Prayer: Standing in the Gap for Your Children

When Moms Pray Together: True Stories of God's Power to Transform Your Child
Igniting a Passion to Pray, Teacher Book

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