Teach Us to Pray with Lissa Hinman
Episode Summary
In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Lissa Hinman, a disciple-making leader with Phoenix Underground and New Generations, whose life and ministry have been shaped by a growing passion for movement prayer. Together, they continue the Teach Us to Pray series by exploring the connection between prayer, spiritual formation, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Lissa shares from her own journey of helping catalyze prayer across North America, offering insight into what it means to move beyond viewing prayer as a secondary practice and instead see it as the starting point—the spearhead—of everything God is doing.
This conversation invites us to consider prayer not only as a personal discipline, but as participation in a spiritual battle where disciples are formed and movements begin. Lissa emphasizes the importance of starting with our own lives—learning to discern distractions, walk in obedience, and engage God with simple, faithful steps. As the conversation unfolds, the invitation becomes clear: prayer is not reserved for the experienced or the equipped, but for anyone willing to step into relationship with Jesus and join Him in what He is already doing.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Prayer Is the Spearhead of God's Mission
Rather than seeing prayer as something that follows strategy or ministry activity, Lissa explains that prayer is where kingdom work begins. Extraordinary prayer prepares the way for disciple-making movements and positions believers to partner with God's purposes.
2. Spiritual Battles Begin Within
Before believers can effectively engage in kingdom expansion, they must recognize the internal battles that often distract them from obedience. False beliefs, unhealthy patterns, relational struggles, discouragement, and distraction can all keep disciples from stepping into God's calling.
3. Learning to Hear God's Voice
Movement prayer starts with learning to listen and obey. Lissa emphasizes that discipleship is rooted in developing a relationship with Jesus where His voice becomes the primary influence over our lives rather than the distractions around us.
4. Prayer Is Modeled Before It's Mastered
Many believers feel intimidated by prayer, especially praying out loud. Lissa encourages leaders to create simple environments where prayer is modeled naturally. Pairing people together, keeping prayers simple, and demonstrating conversational prayer helps new disciples gain confidence.
5. Praying for the Harvest
One of the greatest shifts needed in the Western church is moving beyond self-focused prayer toward praying for people who don't yet know Jesus. Lissa reminds listeners that God is the one who draws people, making prayer an essential part of disciple-making.
6. Every Disciple Is Called Into God's Army
Following Jesus is more than personal faith—it is joining God's mission. Lissa describes believers as warriors participating in a spiritual battle through prayer, advancing God's kingdom as they faithfully intercede for the harvest and walk in obedience.
Final Thoughts
Prayer is not reserved for spiritual experts or ministry leaders. It begins with simple obedience, learning to hear God's voice, and faithfully praying for the people He places around us. As we grow in intimacy with Jesus, we become battle-ready disciples who join Him in advancing His kingdom through both prayer and everyday mission.
