P3 Hub Podcast - Interview with Mike Strong

In the latest episode of the P3 Hub Podcast, host and P3 co-author Lance Peppler sat down with Mike Strong, Associate Pastor at Emmaus Rd Church in Woking.

Moving away from the solo format of previous episodes, this conversation dives deep into the practicalities of a Spirit-led life. If you’ve ever wondered “Am I just making this up?” when you pray, or if you struggle to find time to sit in silence, this episode is a must-listen.

Here are the key takeaways from Mike and Lance’s discussion on Prayer, Power, and Proclamation.

Prayer is Relationship, Not a Shopping List

It is easy to view prayer as a duty or a list of requests we hand over to the Almighty. However, Mike offers a refreshing definition:

"Prayer is an active relationship with God seeking to bring heaven to earth."

Mike draws a brilliant parallel to the Disney film Encanto. In the movie, the family’s magic begins to fade because the gift became more important than the relationships. The same applies to our spiritual lives. When we chase the outcome - the power, the breakthrough, the answer - without prioritising the relationship with the Giver, the foundation crumbles.

As seen in Exodus 33, Moses refused to move forward without God’s presence. The Promised Land was not enough; he needed the Person of God. That intimacy is the engine room of P3.

Dwelling vs. Abiding

One of the most relatable moments in the podcast is when Lance admits to struggling with "quiet times" first thing in the morning, often finding it easier to hear God whilst out for a run.

Mike distinguishes between two vital states found in Psalm 91: Dwelling and Abiding.

• Dwelling: This is the intentional, set-aside time. It’s the secret place where we learn the sound of His voice.

• Abiding: This is the overflow. It’s the continuous awareness of God’s presence throughout the day - whether you are on the school run, in a meeting, or jogging.

You cannot have one without the other. Dwelling builds the history and familiarity with God’s voice so that you can Abide and recognise Him in the noise of daily life.

"What if I’m Making it Up?"

This is perhaps the most common barrier to prophetic prayer. We hear a thought or see a picture, and immediately dismiss it as our own imagination.

Mike points us to Psalm 139, reminding us that God’s thoughts towards us outnumber the grains of sand on every beach on earth. If God is thinking about us that much, surely He wants to communicate? We are biologically and spiritually "knitted together" to hear Him.

A Practical Exercise:Mike shared a simple journaling method he used for a decade to sharpen his hearing:

1. Open a notebook.

2. Write "Me:" and ask God a question.

3. Write "God:" and wait.

4. Write down the first spontaneous thought, picture, or phrase that comes to mind (that isn’t obviously you).

5. Test it. Does it bring life (John 10:10)? Does it align with Scripture? Does it sound like love?

The G.L.O.W. Framework

Mike shared a fantastic acronym used at Emmaus Rd Church to summarise how to live a life of P3 everyday:

• G - Get with Jesus: Prioritise intimacy. Everything flows from the relationship.

• L - Love People: The natural overflow of being with Jesus is loving those around you.

• O - Open to the Moment: Be aware. Stop rushing. God is often speaking in the interruptions.

• W - Winning is Risking: Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.

The Shoe Story: Why Winning is Risking

Mike shared a moving story about a time he felt God prompt him to give his shoes to a homeless man on the London Underground. He felt the nudge, took the risk, and handed over his trainers. The man’s feet were the exact same size.

The "win" wasn't just that the man got shoes. The win was that Mike took the risk.

As Mike put it: "The win isn't the outcome; the win is obedience." If you pray for someone and they aren't healed instantly, you haven't failed. You succeeded because you stepped out in faith.

Ready to Step Out?

As we navigate 2026, let’s be people who listen for the whisper. God doesn't usually shout, because He wants us close enough to hear Him breathe.

Listen to the full episode now on your favourite podcast platform.

Get Involved:

• The Book: P3: Prayer, Power, and Proclamation is available now at P3Hub.org.

• The Community: Join the conversation in the P3 Hub Facebook Group.

• Contact: Have a question or a testimony? Email Lance at lancepeppler@gmail.com.

Let’s anchor our lives in our true identity and walk in power this year.