I am so excited to be bringing this conversation with repeat guest Addison Bevere to you! Addison is the author of the book Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection, and his work has really stayed with me since our last discussion. I have, in fact, told so many people about how his heart for faith feels grounded, honest, and alive, and, in this new episode, we talk about his new prayer journal that accompanies his book which is designed as a 40-day invitation to build a more real rhythm with God rather than trying to achieve perfect performance. After all, prayer should not be performative!
One of the themes that keeps coming up throughout our conversation is the idea that prayer isn’t about getting the words right, and I reflect a bit about my own experience learning to slow down and practice rest as a spiritual discipline, something I never really thought much about before. Addison explains how many people feel they are “bad at prayer” because they approach it through shame or expectation rather than connection, and, instead, he frames prayer as simply showing up honestly and paying attention.
We also unpack how quickly our mornings can be hijacked by screens, anxiety, or the pressure to immediately start producing, with Addison sharing a simple but powerful practice: when you wake up, breathe, rest in the moment, and allow your mind and heart to settle before grabbing your phone. He explains how early morning brain states may be uniquely open to reflection, creativity, and spiritual awareness, and I also reflect on how this practice has helped me move from feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands to seeing them as opportunities to respond with love and intention. Addison highlights the importance of writing down fears, burdens, or questions that can help name what we are carrying and create space for clarity.
If you have ever felt unsure how to pray, struggled with slowing down, or longed for a deeper sense of closeness with God, this conversation offers a gentle, practical framework for beginning. I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Addison, and, as always, I would love for you to reach out with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Welcome Addison Bevere back to the show!
[2:07] - Addison believes that prayer thrives on relationship, not performance, and frees us from shame.
[5:48] - Showing up honestly before God each morning is more important than fighting distraction or cultural pressure.
[8:16] - Addison asserts that morning openness invites rest and awareness, while phone use often replaces calm with anxiety.
[11:02] - Listeners are encouraged to breathe, rest, and avoid phones after waking to help nurture creativity.
[13:24] - Surrendering control each day leads to clarity, compassion, and wisdom.
[16:57] - Addison reminds us that remembering answered prayers and embracing limits helps foster humility, trust, and deeper spiritual growth.
[19:39] - I describe relying on the Holy Spirit to guide parenting and daily conversations for me.
[21:58] - Hear how morning listening helps Addison speak compassionately rather than react from a place of insecurity.
[24:49] - I reflect on how starting the day slowly helps me reflect and reconnect with God and my body.
[25:51] - According to Addison, writing fears or pain gives language to emotions, helping awareness and release.
[27:22] - Hear how anxiety can help signal inner needs, helping discern God’s guidance vs. condemning voices.
[30:44] - True prayer invites closeness with God and others, avoiding religious rigidity.
Links & Resources
The Crystal Paine Show - 211. Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection (with Addison Bevere)
Books
Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection by Addison D. Bevere
Words with God Prayer Journal: 40 Days of Getting Real with God by Addison D. Bevere
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group