Brock’s Devotional:

If I’m (Brock) being honest, prayer hasn’t always come easily for me. It’s not because I don’t know what to say—I think sometimes I put so much pressure on myself to pray the “right” way that I end up not praying at all. And usually, I regret it later.

That’s why Romans 8:26 has been such an encouragement to me. It says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

I love that reminder because it shows us that we’re never alone in prayer. Even when we don’t have the words, when we’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure what to say, God’s Spirit is right there, interceding on our behalf.

So if you’re struggling to find the words today, be encouraged. We serve a God who meets us in our weakness and gives us His Spirit to help us. Even when we can’t pray the prayers we want to pray, we’re still covered in prayer—and that’s something worth praising God for.

Joe’s Devotional:

Inspiration comes in the most unexpected places sometimes. For me, this week it was in an algorithm!

One of our favorite TV shows was always The West Wing, starring Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlett. Every once in a while, a West Wing clip will show up in my Facebook feed. Last night, it just so happened that the clip was of actor Martin Sheen singing a hymn on his podcast. That hymn was ‘On Eagle’s Wings,’ composed by Father Michael Joncas in the 1970’s.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The inspiration is the reminder that we find our strength in God rather than relying on human endurance. We can trust in God and help overcome life’s exhaustive moments.

Congratulations to this week’s Name That Tune winner – Rodney from Gambier!

He correctly guessed this week’s song, “demons” by Josiah Queen!

We’re starting a new Praise Thursday tradition!

Every week, we will play “I Saw The Light” by David Crowder Band before starting the second hour of the Afternoon Drive! We hope it’s a reset and reminder to praise Jesus!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock