The Greg Laurie Show

Do you remember the first time you truly prayed? In this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie opens up about the powerful, often overlooked practice of prayer—and why it can transform your relationship with God and your everyday life. Drawing from his own journey as a new believer and his interactions with spiritual giants like Billy Graham, Pastor Greg Laurie shares candid stories, biblical insights, and down-to-earth wisdom to help you move beyond rote words and genuinely connect with your Heavenly Father. Centering the conversation around the Lord’s Prayer, Pastor Greg Laurie unpacks its role as both a prayer for all occasions and a practical template for your daily communication with God. You’ll hear about: How the Lord’s Prayer shapes your view of God—not as some distant force, but as a loving Father who runs to embrace His children, even in their brokenness. The surprising reasons why many believers don’t pray as much as they want to—and how shifting your priorities can open the door to a more vibrant faith. What to do when God seems silent, including a memorable framework: If the request is wrong, God says “no”; if the timing is wrong, He says “slow”; if you are wrong, He says “grow”; but if everything’s right, God says “go.” Whether you’re battling doubt, longing for deeper purpose, or hungry to experience real spiritual change, this episode reminds us: prayer isn’t about getting our will in Heaven, but welcoming God’s will on earth—starting with our own hearts. Ready to rediscover the wonder and life-changing power of prayer? Subscribe for more conversations like this, and let your journey with God grow richer, one honest prayer at a time. CHAPTERS:00:00 God Is Not an AI Search Engine01:19 Pastor Greg’s First Answered Prayer Story02:27 Emergency Lord’s Prayer—A Pilot’s Crisis04:38 Praying the Lord’s Prayer at March for Life05:41 Why Memorize the Lord’s Prayer?07:47 Social Media vs. Time Spent in Prayer09:45 Do We Really Believe Prayer Works?12:49 Jesus Teaches the Lord’s Prayer: The Ultimate Model13:37 God as Father—The Prodigal Son Parallel19:46 "Father Knows Best"—What Sets God Apart22:20 The “Hallowed Be Your Name” Lifestyle Test23:53 Praying for Christ’s Return and Loved Ones’ Salvation29:39 Never Stop Praying for Those Far from God32:12 Wrestling With God’s Will—Jonah and Jesus' Struggles34:42 Prayer Isn’t Getting My Will in Heaven37:05 "Give Us This Day": Total Dependence on God39:14 Whose Cookies Are You Eating? The Cookie Parable41:48 "Forgive Us"—Power and Challenge of Forgiveness44:49 The Destructive Power of Unforgiveness46:21 Temptation Is So Tempting—How to Pray Against It49:53 Ask, Seek, Knock: The Persistence Principle53:21 Can Nonbelievers Pray? The Sinner’s Prayer Invitation55:53 Closing Prayer and Invitation to New Believers Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Could a single act of forgiveness rewrite a life shattered by war, pain, and betrayal? On this extraordinary episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with the legendary Louis Zamperini—Olympic runner, WWII hero, and the subject of the best-selling book and film Unbroken. From his childhood as a self-proclaimed “rotten kid” in Torrance, California, to facing sharks and starvation adrift in the Pacific for 47 harrowing days, and enduring years of brutal captivity in a Japanese POW camp, Louis Zamperini shares his story in his own captivating words. But survival is only the beginning. In a conversation filled with wit, candor, and deep vulnerability, Louis Zamperini reveals how trauma after the war nearly destroyed him—until a pivotal moment at a Billy Graham crusade transformed anger and nightmares into a life of peace, faith, and radical forgiveness. Key Moments You Won’t Forget: The chilling truth about survival at sea—including a moment when Louis Zamperini turns the tables on circling sharks. His face-to-face encounter with Adolf Hitler after an electrifying race at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The astonishing night forgiveness replaced hatred—ending years of torment and shaping the rest of his life. This is more than a war story. It’s a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, the possibility of redemption, and the freedom found in forgiveness. Whether you’re familiar with Unbroken or discovering Louis Zamperini's legacy for the first time, you’ll be inspired by his journey from bitterness to forgiveness, and the profound faith that anchored it all. Subscribe for more conversations that will challenge and uplift your faith journey. -------- CHAPTERS:00:00 "God Help Me"—Facing Death in a Plane Crash00:38 Louis Zamperini: The Unbroken Story Unveiled05:16 Qualifying for the 1936 Olympics Against All Odds11:19 Meeting Hitler After the Olympic Race13:28 Stealing a Nazi Flag—A Risky Souvenir15:13 Surviving the Green Hornet Plane Crash19:01 Fighting for Life—Miraculous Escape from Underwater Wreckage24:09 Mental Exercises for Survival on the Life Raft25:25 Shark Attack—Turning Predator Into Dinner32:09 POW Camp Recognition—Japanese Know Zamperini’s Olympic Fame34:15 The Bird—Facing His Cruelest Captor40:41 Nightmares & Post‑War Trauma: The Bird Haunts Home Life42:40 Billy Graham Crusade—Life‑Changing Faith Decision43:01 Forgiving the Bird—Conversion Ends Nightmares44:01 Reading the Forgiveness Letter to Watanabe48:07 Experiencing Instant Transformation Through Christ49:16 How Anyone Can Accept Jesus—Zamperini’s Simple Explanation50:36 All Things Work Together for Good—Faith Tested Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What really happened behind the scenes of Jesus Revolution? In this unforgettable episode of The Greg Laurie Podcast, Pastor Greg sits down with his wife, Cathe Laurie, to share the raw, unfiltered story of their journey from rebellious teens to partners in faith, love, and ministry. Together, Greg and Cathe pull back the curtain on the “Hollywood” version of their romance, revealing what the movie got right (and what it didn’t). With warmth and humor, they recount their first real meeting—not at a high school fence, but in a humble California coffeehouse Bible study. As they reminisce about young love, awkward first proposals, and the challenges of starting a family with little experience, listeners get a front-row seat to the genuine, grace-filled adventure that has sustained them for over 50 years. Cathe shares her powerful spiritual awakening amidst the drug culture of Southeast Asia—a moment that changed the direction of her life. The couple also digs deep into common relationship myths, why lasting marriages require more than cultural “trial runs,” and the sacred call to support one another through all of life’s seasons. If you were moved by Jesus Revolution or are searching for real wisdom about love, commitment, and God’s plan for your future, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more true stories, biblical perspective, and authentic conversations that will strengthen your faith and inspire your relationships! Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ https://x.com/greglaurie https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. -------- CHAPTERS:01:39 Fact vs. Fiction: How Greg and Kathy Really Met06:50 Overcoming Parental Objections to Marriage09:51 Kathy’s Memorable Proposal Ultimatum13:50 Wedding Day Mix-Up: "Greg and Laurie Are Man and Wife"15:29 Secrets to 50 Years: Embracing Irreconcilable Differences19:30 Can You Really Change Your Spouse?20:16 Roles in Marriage: Leadership and Support Explained24:41 Controversy: Living Together vs. Marriage Commitment29:46 Kathy’s Global Upbringing and Early Drug Use36:15 Encounter With God: From Skepticism to Surrender41:50 Shock of Early Parenthood: "I Was the Least Prepared"45:00 Breaking Generational Patterns Through Faith48:05 The Crisis of Family Breakdown in America50:03 Biblical Femininity: Womanhood by Design52:46 The Dangers of Modern Gender Ideologies56:17 Chastity, Modesty, and Modern Pressures on Girls59:58 Stop Waiting: The Myths of Delaying Marriage & Family62:01 Encouraging Men: Let Boys Be Boys, Let Girls Be Girls70:00 Don't Give Up: Hope for Marriages and Singles Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Before America had a revolution, it had a revival—and at the center of it was a “rock star” preacher named George Whitefield. On this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Greg sits down with Joshua Enck and Jonathan Blair—creators and star of the new film “A Great Awakening”—to uncover the forgotten story of the First Great Awakening and its lasting impact on our nation. Joshua Enck (director, Sight & Sound) and Jonathan Blair (who portrays Whitefield) bring history to life, sharing how Whitefield’s radical preaching and partnership with Benjamin Franklin helped ignite a revival that transformed colonial America. Through powerful anecdotes, biblical insight, and a genuine passion for storytelling, the conversation explores not just Whitefield’s supernatural voice and courage, but also the authentic warmth and compassion that drove him to reach every corner of society. Listen for two unforgettable moments: Jonathan describes the challenge—and surrender—in embodying Whitefield’s larger-than-life spirit, revealing how “getting out of the way” allowed something greater to shine through 06:09. And don’t miss the compelling analysis of Whitefield’s relationship with Franklin—a unique friendship that shaped both men and the birth of America 22:50. This episode invites listeners into the heart of revival: how ordinary, flawed people can spark extraordinary change. If you’re hungry for authentic stories of hope, faith, and renewal, tune in as Greg and guests reflect on what America needs now—another spiritual awakening. Subscribe for more inspiring conversations that illuminate faith, history, and the power of storytelling! Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ https://x.com/greglaurie https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.   --------   CHAPTERS: CHAPTERS:00:00 Gen Z’s Search for Authentic Faith00:47 The Forgotten George: Spotlight on Whitfield02:12 Thirty Years That Sparked a Revolution03:27 Bringing Whitfield to Life On Screen05:00 God Uses Unlikely, Flawed People06:09 Whitfield’s Unstoppable Preaching Power07:19 Becoming an Evangelist: Preaching for a Decision10:27 Gospel Is Dunamis—The Power of Dynamite11:37 Whitfield’s Compassion for All People12:28 Franklin and Whitfield: Revolutionary Collaboration16:01 Self-Governance Born from Revival17:42 Franklin, the Reluctant Preacher’s Son22:08 Why This Film Matters for America Today23:12 Philly Rebuilt: Filming Market Street’s Awakening25:40 Hollywood’s Alternate Universe and Film’s Influence28:09 Every Christian Is a Candle—Personal Impact30:06 Truth, Conviction, and Flawed Heroes32:24 God Uses Crooked Sticks: Flaws in Scripture36:13 America’s Revival Roots & Need for Awakening37:20 Living Through Revival: The Jesus Movement38:32 Can This Film Ignite Another Awakening?39:29 Films That Changed Our Lives44:05 The Power of Storytelling in Gospel Film46:01 A Call to Unashamed, Bold Christian Art47:52 God Ideas, Not Good Ideas48:27 Closing Blessing: Fame of Revival Spreads the Flame Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to leave an eternal legacy? In this unforgettable episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with Pastor Chuck Smith—the visionary founder of Calvary Chapel and often called “the father of the Jesus Movement”—for a profound, personal conversation recorded live at Harvest Orange County in 2012. Together, Greg and Chuck delve into Chuck’s journey from boyhood in Ventura, California, to his pivotal decision to pursue ministry over medicine, trusting God for an impact that would last beyond this life. Chuck shares candid stories about his family, his marriage to Kay (his partner of 63 years!), and the unimaginable pain of losing loved ones—all woven together by faith, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to God’s Word. You’ll discover surprising insights, such as the astonishing miracle that changed Chuck’s family forever, the real story behind Calvary Chapel’s explosive growth and birth of contemporary Christian music, and how Chuck remained calm in the face of death, cancer, and seemingly impossible storms. Pastor Greg and Chuck also revisit the origins of the Jesus Movement, the importance of supporting each other through suffering, and what truly sustains a lifelong marriage and ministry. This episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and hope for anyone facing challenges, questioning their purpose, or simply longing for inspiration. If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary faith becomes extraordinary legacy, you’ll find answers here. Don’t miss Chuck’s heartfelt prayer and his favorite hymn, “The Love of God,” as the perfect close to a conversation about running life’s race and finishing well. Subscribe for more conversations like this—full of faith, real stories, and practical encouragement for your own journey. Don’t miss this powerful episode. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge, encourage, and point you toward lasting hope. Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:   https://harvest.org/. Find Pastor Greg on social media: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/ https://x.com/greglaurie https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.   -------- CHAPTERS:00:00 Kay Smith’s Burden for Hippie Youth02:08 Everything in Life Is Preparation04:46 Sister’s Healing and Mother’s Vow08:12 Chuck’s Personal Encounter with God at Age 1410:19 "One Life, Soon Past—Only What’s Done for Christ Will Last"13:55 Meeting Kay: A Misplaced Car and Love at First Sight16:13 Secret to a Long Marriage: Christ at the Center18:25 The Infamous Boulder Incident21:00 Losing Father and Brother: Processing Tragedy and Faith24:26 Never Trade What You Know for What You Don’t Know26:41 Calvary Chapel: From Small Church to Jesus Movement33:33 Lonnie Frisbee’s Impact & Hippie Revival Explosion41:37 Calvary Chapel Expands: Birth of Contemporary Worship42:13 Cancer Diagnosis: Chuck’s Peace and Perspective on Death45:03 Best Decision: Marrying Kay46:28 Most Embarrassing Moment: “Blessed Out of My Gourd” in New Guinea47:08 First Sermon and Last Sermon Themes49:47 Three Reasons for Preaching Christ’s Return52:02 Heroes: Billy Graham and the Power of Sacrifice53:52 How Chuck Wants to Be Remembered54:39 Chuck Sings “The Love of God”57:40 Final Wisdom: Holding to an Unchanging Christ in Uncertain Times58:39 Chuck’s Prayer for Listeners and the Future Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.