We are SO excited about our 40 Day Prayer Challenge, and we’re thrilled that you’re a part of it! If you’ve been wanting to improve your prayer life or make this spiritual habit a discipline, you’re in the right place! These 40 microepisodes will serve as a way to jump start your habit of prayer. Episodes 245-287 of the Witty & Gritty Podcast will help start-to-finish your way through 40 days of praying. This particular prayer challenge focuses on the topic of prayer.
40 sounds like a lot, but by doing the following, you’ll be well on your way to starting a prayer habit that will bear Godly fruit:
- Download episodes 245-286 of the Witty & Gritty Podcast
- Listen to one episode a day
- If you miss a day, you can double up tune into the next episode
Quick Info About the 40 Day Prayer Challenge
Episode 245 sets the scene for the next 40 days, while episode 285 closes out the 40 days with a debrief episode. Whether you start the 40 Day Prayer Challenge at the time of the airing of the episodes or later, we are proud of you for investing in your relationship with God. Go you!
Each prayer episode will be approximately five minutes, so be sure to make these minutes a priority in your day. Below you’ll find the the podcast episodes and show notes that accompany each of the days. Each of our 40 days together will look like the following:
- Scripture reading
- Guided prayer (based off the day’s scripture)
- Independent prayer
We are excitedly praying for you and your 40 Days of Prayer Challenge. We can’t wait to see you experience your faith growing!
Here are a few podcatchers for easy downloading (we’re available everywhere):
- Apple Podcasts
- PodBean
- Spotify
- YouTube
- Podcast Addict
- Listen Notes
- The list goes on! Just search “Witty & Gritty Podcast on (your favorite podcatcher)
Episode 245: 40 Day Prayer Challenge- Intro
Ways to enhance your 40 Day Prayer Challenge Experience:
- Download your FREE workbook
- Bring a friend (or two, or ten!)
- Make a plan (see workbook)
- Dig into the scripture by reading the chapter of the featured verse
- Use our Read, Pray, Talk, Tell method
- Utilize The Bible Project site
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the ability to be able to have a direct line to you. We can talk to you anytime about anything, and we are so grateful for that. You didn’t have to give us the gift of prayer, but you did! Help us to not take it for granted. We ask that you send constant reminders to get us in the habit of praying to you more. We ask that you give us the strength, courage, and energy to spend the next 40 days in intentional prayer. Guide our time and focus our thoughts where they need to be. Give us a posture of gratitude and humility as we complete this 40 days of prayer challenge.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next two minutes asking God to prepare your heart with holy anticipation for what’s to come in these next 40 days.
40 Day Prayer Challenge
Day 1: Episode 246
“You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him.”
Job 22:27
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the ability of prayer and that you actually listen to what we have to say. You could easily toss aside what we bring to you in our prayers, but you listen with a fatherly love. Help us remain accountable for what we say we will do for you. Give us the emotional, physical, and spiritual endurance to fulfill the calling you’ve placed on us. Help us be people of our word and honor you with what we do.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute thanking God for the ability to pray to a loving father who listens.
Day 2: Episode 247
“Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 4:1
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for making sure there will be an end to troubles once and for all. There is a time limit to pain, sorrow, and all trials, and that’s because of you. Remind us to come to you when we face adversity, and remind us that you are merciful to your children. We know you will answer when we call on you, we just need to listen and act in the direction you point. Let us run to you in every dark moment, seeking your truth and light.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God for guidance on a specific trial or circumstance.
Day 3: Episode 248
“I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.”
Psalm 17:6
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for hearing us and seeing us. You listen because you love and care about us. We pray to you because we are confident in how good of a father you are and what you will do for your children. Thank you for bending down to our level, just to hear our thoughts. You have all the power and authority, and you still get on our level to show that you care. Remind us to call on you because you are faithful and you will answer.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to strengthen your faith and knowing God will answer you.
Day 4: Episode 249
“He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.”
Psalm 102:17
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for always providing for your children, no matter their circumstance. Give us hearts of humility as we pray for those who are in need, whatever that need may be. You are the God of miracles, and we are thankful that you dress the lilies, watch over the sparrows, and give good gifts to your children. God, you are so good and so powerful. Show us where we can do our part and be the body of Christ.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you areas you can support those in need.
Day 5: Episode 250
“Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.”
Psalm 141:2
Guided Prayer: God, let us lift all our praises and worries to you. Let us approach you with hands lifted, giving you all of us. Our talents, passions, materials are all given to us by you. Don’t let us waste these gifts. We pray that all we possess furthers the kingdom of Heaven. Help us be intentional with our offerings to you, and show us the best way for us to use those abilities. Let our lives glorify you and point others to you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you what you can offer in a way that furthers His kingdom.
Day 6: Episode 251
“The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for being near. This is such a gift that we do not deserve, yet you choose to be close to your children. You are not hard to find, and you are with us every step of the way. No matter the circumstance, we know that you are alongside us, guiding us, and loving us well. Let us hold fast to these truths of the Bible and who you say you are. Help us learn to call on you, holding the truth of your word up to what our thoughts say.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to remind you that He is near and that you can call on Him for truth and guidance.
Day 7: Episode 252
Guided Prayer: Celebrate week one of the 40 Day Prayer Challenge! God, thank you for being with us this week as we spent intentional time in prayer. Please give us the endurance to continue through the next week as we seek the truth about you through prayer, and grow our relationship with you. Help us reflect and see the good growth we’ve made so far these past several days. We pray for holy excitement and curiosity for what’s to come through this 40 day prayer challenge. We love you and we’re so grateful for the time spent with you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for the people (past, present, and future) who are completing this 40 day prayer challenge. Pray they are encouraged through this challenge and can feel the fellowship of other believers in this prayer challenge.
Day 8: Episode 253
“The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.”
Proverbs 15:8
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for delighting in our prayers. Not only do you listen to us, but you have joy when your children talk to you. Help us not be preoccupied with what the world says or does, but let our focus be on you and your righteousness. We are grateful that you continue to make us more like you each day. Guide our paths to make choices that honor and glorify you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute talking to God about the joy He brings to your life.
Day 9: Episode 254
“The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.”
Proverbs 15:29
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for reminding us multiple times in scripture that you hear our prayers. Help us remember to faithfully trust that you are who you say you are, and that you do what you say you’ll do. Thank you for the promise to listen to your children. Remind us to continue on our righteous path, using your standards as our moral compass. Give us the endurance to follow you no matter what.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute thanking God for listening to your prayers.
Day 10: Episode 255
“You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for helping us take simple steps to communicate with you. We call on you, come to you, and pray to you. You promise to listen to our prayers when we do this. Help us have a posture of honor and respect as we come to you with whatever it is we’re feeling. Help us to remain consistent with seeking you and talking with you. As you listen to our hearts, we pray that we have the discipline to listen to what you have to say.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute calling on God, coming to Him, and praying to Him about whatever is on your mind.
Day 11: Episode 256
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”
Daniel 6:10
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the ability to develop habits and routines that honor and glorify you. Help us establish a regular prayer routine with you. We know that the only way to grow any relationship is by spending time together. Let us lean in to this season of prayer, and guide us in our next steps to building a foundation of prayer on you. Help us stay committed and consistent to regular conversation with you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God for next steps on establishing a regular prayer routine.
Day 12: Episode 257
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Matthew 5:44
Guided Prayer: God, we know that you made everyone in your image, and that you love them. You send your son to save our enemies too. We know this can be a hard truth; help us work through any negative feelings surrounding our feelings. Give us the courage to forgive, press on, and keep our eyes focused on you. We know you can empathize with loving those who are against you. Help us be brave and love like you do.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for your enemies and asking God to help you love like He does.
Day 13: Episode 258
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.”
Matthew 6:5
Guided Prayer: God, help us pray in a way that is humble. Help us keep our egos in check while we maintain a posture of honoring you through our prayers to you. Thank you for the gift of prayer and that we can talk to you like we’d talk to anyone else. We don’t have to use fancy words or quote scripture back to you. We can come as we are, and simply speak. Thank you for this gift, help us to not take it for granted.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute talking to God how you’d talk to your favorite person.
Day 14: Episode 259
Guided Prayer: Celebrate two weeks of the 40 Day Prayer Challenge! Thank you, God, for two weeks of consistently praying with you. We know that you’re working in us, and you’re not done yet. Help us be transformed during this prayer challenge. Keep us consistent and honor you by talking with you on a regular basis. Help us continue to deepen our faith through this time of intentional prayer.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praising God and celebrating two weeks of intentional prayer.
Day 15: Episode 260
“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for making prayer so simple and easy to do. We don’t have to be publicly put on the spot, but instead, we can have an intimate conversation with you. Help us remember that we can tell you anything, no matter what, and we can come to you privately and feel unashamed about that. Thank you for the reminder that we can take a step back, seek solitude, and speak directly to you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute speaking privately with God about something you may have not yet vocalized.
Day 16: Episode 261
“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.”
Matthew 6:7
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you how we speak to anyone. We know that we can have a casual conversation with you without the pressure of having to use fancy terminology. Thank you for letting short, heartfelt prayers be just as powerful as long, heartfelt ones. Give us the courage to come to you when we have little or even nothing to say. Let our ears be tuned into what you have to say.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute listening to what God is saying to you.
Day 17: Episode 262
“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
Matthew 7:11
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for being the most perfect father to us. You are the best gift giver, and you will give us more than we can imagine. Help our desires be aligned with your will when asking for something. Help us be diligent in praying for our hearts to want what you want. Give us the courage to pray big, bold, aligned prayers knowing that you can overdeliver.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for your heart’s desires to align with God.
Day 18: Episode 263
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Matthew 26:41
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to help us move toward you. Help us be watchful and constantly pray for your guidance with every decision we make. We know that we are weak, and it’s only by your grace that you have given us the spiritual power to focus on you. Guide us in our daily actions, in our conversations, and in the choices we make.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to guide your conversations.
Day 19: Episode 264
“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for asking that we pray with confidence. Not in our ability to gain or do anything on our own, but confidence in how good of a father you are to your children. Thank you for wanting what is best for us. Thank you for knowing and controlling all the moving pieces. Help us respect your timing on the things we ask. Help us trust that your decision is best.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute boldly asking God for something.
Day 20: Episode 265
“One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.”
Luke 6:12
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for sending your son to model praying for us. You never sleep, so on the nights we lie awake, help remind us to come to you and pray. You will be alert, hear what we say, and never get tired of us speaking to you. When we feel alone in the night, we can rest knowing that you are near and that you listen to our prayers. Thank you for being with us.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute thanking God for his nearness and accessibility.
Day 21: Episode 266
Guided Prayer: Celebrate three weeks (officially a habit!) of the 40 Day Prayer Challenge. Thank you, God for 21 days of prayer! We celebrate this moment with you, and thank you for helping us be diligent and intentional in this spiritual discipline. Give us the energy and motivation to carry on this daily routine. Help us be encouraged and give us the boldness to invite someone to join us in the coming weeks. Thank you for helping make this a habit.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you someone who could benefit from this 40 Day Prayer Challenge.
Day 22: Episode 267
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”
Luke 18:1
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the encouragement and reminder through your son, Jesus. The reminder to always pray lets us know that we can talk to you anytime, anywhere, any place and you are there. When we pray, help us to remember to never give up. You are faithful, you do what’s best for your children, and you will never stop loving us. Thank you for the gift of 24/7 access to you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute thanking God for His nearness, His constant access, and His encouraging reminders.
Day 23: Episode 268
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”
Romans 8:26
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the Holy Spirit that will help us when we are weak. When we come to you in prayer and find ourselves speechless, you intercede on our behalf through the spirit. Thank you for this incredible gift that stands in the gap when our thoughts and words are jumbled. Sometimes words are just too much, but you made a way for us to still come to you through prayer.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute being thankful for the gift of God the Spirit and that He intercedes in prayer for us.
Day 24: Episode 269
“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
Romans 12:12
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for allowing us to come to you with our big emotions. Whether we’re rejoicing or in trouble, we know that we can come to you no matter what. We can confidently stand on the hope that is you. We can come to you in our darkest hours. What a blessing! Thank you for letting us take our feelings and pour them out to you. We will keep on praying.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute rejoicing and praising God for the hope that is in Him.
Day 25: Episode 270
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”
Ephesians 1:18
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for sending others to pray on our behalf. Give us the confidence to ask for prayer from other believers. Help us remember to pray for others and follow up. Help our hearts be flooded with your light so we can continually focus on the confident hope that is you. Thank you for saving us, allowing us into your family, and letting us partake in your inheritance.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for someone you know and a struggle they’re facing.
Day 26: Episode 271
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Ephesians 6:18
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the reminder that we should come to you with everything that’s on our minds and in every circumstance we face. Help us be persistent in our prayers, continually seeking your love and wise counsel. Guide our posture to reflect you. Align our desires with what you want. You will not lead us astray. You are faithful to your children.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute talking to God about your life today.
Day 27: Episode 272
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Philippians 4:6
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for giving us simple steps to our thought work. Help us get in the habit of capturing our worried thoughts and turn those thoughts into prayers. We know there is no need to worry because you know everything and you will make everything work together for good. Give us the courage to come to you and tell you exactly what we need. Thank you for all you do for us.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute taking a worried thought, and turning it into prayer.
Day 28: Episode 273
Guided Prayer: Celebrating four whole weeks of prayer in the 40 Day Prayer Challenge! Thank you, God, for the gift of this prayer community and for all those who are praying along with us. Please continue to embolden our faith and deepen our prayer life. Thank you for the gift of prayer and being able to talk to you in any circumstance about anything. You are so good.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praising God for all the good he has done for you this past month.
Day 29: Episode 274
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
Colossians 4:2
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the specific reminders to stay devoted in prayer, have an alert mind, and a thankful heart. We know there is an enemy at work, and this scripture is a way we can combat the evil in this world. Help us stay committed to you in prayer. Keep our minds sharp and aware. Remind us to be thankful for all that you do.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you places in your mind that need guarding.
Day 30: Episode 275
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Guided Prayer: God, the fact that you tell us to always rejoice and never stop praying shows us that there is always something to be thankful for, and that we can come to you to celebrate that. You are kind enough to constantly give us good gifts. Let us remember that no matter what situation we’re in, you are always working to make things come together exactly how they need to be.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute telling God what you’re thankful for in your current circumstance.
Day 31: Episode 276
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”
1 Timothy 2:1
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for reminding us that we need to pray for others. Thank you for allowing us to talk to you on our people’s behalf. Help us to encourage our fellow believers and pray for them on a regular basis. Let us champion one another in prayer. Help us keep the priority of prayer in the forefront of our minds. Remind us to come to you with the prayer requests of others.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute interceding in prayer for someone you know.
Day 32: Episode 277
“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
1 Timothy 2:2
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of authority. You are the ultimate authority and in control of all things and all the leaders who are appointed. Help us remember that whoever is in charge is made in your image, and that we should pray for them to be good leaders. Whether we are in a leadership role or someone else is, help us remain humble in prayer.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praying for the authority figures in your life.
Day 33: Episode 278
“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.”
1 Timothy 2:8
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for being holy and worthy of worship. If there is any negative feeling we have in our hearts, let us bring it to you first. We want to be more like you, so steer our posture from any negative feelings to gratitude, humility, and holy perspective. Help us not let our emotions dictate our actions, and let us seek your wisdom in prayer.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute humbly praising God.
Day 34: Episode 279
“And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”
James 4:3
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for letting us know that our heart posture matters. You care enough about our mindset to show us when we’re being self-serving in our prayers and requests. Show us places in our lives where our motivations are not aligned with you and your purpose. Help us see this clearly and actively take steps to shift the focus off of us and onto you.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to search your motivations.
Day 35: Episode 280
Guided Prayer: Week five celebration of the 40 Day Prayer Challenge! Thank you, God, for five whole weeks of praying intentionally every day! We know this it’s not by our strength that we’re able to do this, but through you. Thank you for equipping us with endurance, energy, and strength throughout this 40 day prayer challenge. Help us to finish strong and reflect on al you have done for us in this prayer time.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute reflecting with God on how you’ve grown white doing this prayer challenge.
Day 36: Episode 281
“Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.”
James 5:13
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the simple answer of prayer. Prayer can be our response to you in any circumstance or emotion we’re experiencing. Help us run to you in prayer during our hardships. Remind us that there is always a reason to praise you and always a reason to spend time in prayer with you. Whether it’s happiness or sorrow, you are worthy to be praised.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute praising God for being our safe place to run.
Day 37: Episode 282
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5:16
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of Biblical community and all the good it does for us. Give us the courage to exercise healthy vulnerability. Help us have the ability to create a safe space where confession, prayer, and healing can take place. We know that meaningful prayer of your children is powerful and produces good results. Help us lean into this truth as we encourage our siblings in Christ.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to show you areas where confession and prayer can take place.
Day 38: Episode 283
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
1 John 1:9
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for your faithfulness to forgive us of our sins. Only you have the ability to be fully loving, full just, and fully faithful. Thank you for the gift of cleansing us from all wickedness. Help us not take that for granted and remember to praise you for this on a consistent basis. Help us spread the good news of what you’ve done for us.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute thanking God for His faithfulness, His justice, and His forgiveness.
Day 39: Episode 284
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”
1 John 5:14-15
Guided Prayer: God, thank you for the assurance that you hear our prayers when we ask for things that please you. We know you want what’s best for us, so when we ask for those things, we can know with full confidence that you hear our requests. You are a good father who gives good gifts that align with what is pleasing and according to your will.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute reflecting with God on things that please Him.
Day 40: Episode 285
Guided Prayer: We did it! We completed the 40 Day Prayer Challenge! Thank you, God, for walking alongside us for these past 40 days. We know that praying is a way to honor you and connect with you. We are so thankful for this gift. Help us to carry on our lifestyle of prayer as we walk with you daily. Thank you for making a way for us to have a deep relationship with you. Thank you for this 40 day challenge.
Independent Prayer: Spend the next minute asking God to help you keep up a lifestyle of prayer.
Helpful Links:
