Ever felt like prayer was just another religious hoop to jump through? Our third episode this season, explores what prayer actually is - genuine communication with God, not performance for others.

Drawing from Jesus' teachings, we unpack why authentic prayer primarily happens in quiet spaces rather than the spotlight. You'll discover how the "God with us" principle changes everything about approaching prayer - we're not shouting up to a distant deity, but engaging in intimate dialogue with someone already present.

We tackle the trap of turning prayer into a spiritual shopping list and explore the beautiful father-child relationship analogy. The truth? You matter to God simply because you exist, not for what you can produce.

Whether you're new to prayer or looking to rediscover its authentic power, this episode offers a fresh perspective that goes beyond religious performance to real relationship.

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In episode two of season seven of the Loveshaped Life podcast, Nathan, Otavio, and Bob explore Jesus’ challenging words from Matthew 6:1-4, about the danger of performing religious acts for public recognition. Jesus warns against practicing righteousness “to be seen by them,” calling out what the hosts describe as “click bait religion” - doing good deeds specifically to gain attention and praise. The discussion draws parallels to modern social media virtue signaling, where people post about charitable acts or social causes primarily to boost their public image rather than from genuine concern for others.

The hosts emphasize that Jesus isn’t discouraging charitable giving or good works, but rather addressing the heart motivation behind them. When religious practice becomes performance, it reinforces self-centered behavior instead of transforming it. God sees beyond external actions to the true motives of the heart, and acts done for recognition have “no reward from your Father in heaven.” The conversation explores how this performative approach creates a false perception of what pleases God and fails to address the fundamental human need for heart transformation - what the hosts refer to as sin - the fundamental shift in human nature from living for others’ wellbeing to living primarily for self-interest.

The episode concludes with practical application, challenging listeners to practice “secret giving” - tipping generously, volunteering, or serving others without telling anyone or posting about it on social media. This approach allows people to experience authentic generosity and creates what Bob calls a “circle of benevolence” - receiving from God’s love and allowing it to flow naturally to others. The hosts emphasize that true spiritual transformation requires supernatural change, not just external behavior modification, and that God offers this new heart through relationship with Jesus.

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Discover how Jesus's teachings can transform your life in ways you never expected. In Season 7, hosts Bob Hayes and Nathan Stearman are joined by Otavio McKenzie as they continue their journey through Jesus' revolutionary Sermon on the Mount, diving into the middle section (recorded in Matthew chapter 6). They explore these teachings not as religious doctrine, but as a practical guide for finding meaning beyond politics, work stress, and broken systems.

Each episode combines deep biblical insights with real-world application, creating a safe space for anyone questioning faith, seeking spiritual wellness, or wondering if there's something better than what our culture promises. Whether you're burned out on traditional religion or curious about authentic spirituality, we'll help you navigate the gap between religious performance and genuine relationship with God.

At Loveshaped Life, we believe every human heart longs for connection, purpose, and love that transcends human remedies. Through conversational teaching and personal stories, we explore how Divine love can reshape your relationships, leadership style, and daily life. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you're welcome here.