120. What Working Genius Says About Prayer

How might your Working Genius influence the way you naturally pray?

In episode 120 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody explore the idea that Working Genius may shape not only how people work, but also how they naturally approach prayer. They discuss how different forms of prayer, including spontaneous prayer, journaling, contemplation, structured prayers, silence, and group prayer, may appeal to different kinds of wiring. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to understand their natural preferences without becoming limited by them, because some of the most meaningful spiritual growth may come from praying outside their genius.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00) How Your Wiring Shapes Prayer

Pat introduces the idea that people may have natural prayer preferences connected to their Working Genius, just as they have preferences in the way they approach work.He explains that understanding those tendencies can reduce guilt or self-judgment when someone does not naturally enjoy praying the same way another person does.

(02:19) Finding Your Natural Prayer Style

Cody connects his Discernment and Galvanizing combination to spontaneous, in-the-moment prayer and considers how disruptive versus responsive tendencies might also affect prayer.Pat gives examples of how different Working Genius combinations might lend themselves to group prayer, contemplative prayer, journaling, or more structured practices.

(04:46) Why You Should Pray Outside Your Genius

Pat explains that people should not limit themselves to doing only the work, or prayer, that comes naturally to them.He describes how structured prayer such as the rosary can become especially meaningful when he intentionally embraces it despite it not being his natural preference.

(07:12) Stretching Beyond What Feels Comfortable

Cody reflects on his difficulty maintaining practices such as journaling and silence and considers how those challenges may relate to his natural Working Genius wiring.Pat explains that accepting a natural preference can actually make it easier to engage other forms of prayer without resentment, guilt, or the feeling that prayer has become work.

(09:37) Prayer, Sacrifice, and Spiritual Growth