Ep 181: Leanna Crawford: Thank God for the Prayers He Didn't Answer

July 29, 2026
00:00 39:24
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What if the greatest blessing in your life is a prayer God never answered the way you expected?

In Episode 181 of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Dove Award-winning artist Leanna Crawford shares the deeply personal journey behind her sophomore album, Thank God. While many know Leanna for her No. 1 hit "Still Waters (Psalm 23)," this conversation reveals the seasons of disappointment, comparison, anxiety, and healing that shaped the songs on her newest record.

Leanna opens up about nearly walking away from music, how counseling helped her rediscover joy, and why she's now grateful that God didn't answer every prayer the way she wanted. She also shares the excitement surrounding her Grand Ole Opry debut, her love for country music, and how faith continues to shape every lyric she writes.

Whether you're walking through uncertainty, waiting on God, or learning to trust His timing, this conversation is a reminder that His plans are always better—even when they don't make sense at first.

Guest Bio

Leanna Crawford is a Dove Award-winning singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Named New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards, she is known for heartfelt songs including the RIAA Gold-certified, Billboard No. 1 hit "Still Waters (Psalm 23)." Her sophomore album, Thank God, blends country influences with honest storytelling and faith-filled encouragement as she continues reaching millions of listeners around the world.

Episode Highlights

  • Why Leanna almost walked away from music
  • How counseling helped change her perspective
  • The story behind her new album, Thank God
  • Learning gratitude in seasons of disappointment
  • The growing connection between country and Christian music
  • What it means to trust God's timing instead of your own
  • Her upcoming Grand Ole Opry debut
  • Why a full life includes both joy and sorrow

Pull Quote

"I'm thankful God didn't answer every prayer the way I wanted Him to."

Sponsor

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Watch the full conversation on the Worship Leader Media YouTube channel.

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Meet Your Host
Hosted by award-winning voice talent Joshua Swanson, The Walk is a podcast dedicated to sharing the stories of passionate believers with a message for our large audience of worshippers. Our guests are creatives who walk with God daily and bring a great word to the Body of Christ. They include worship leaders, pastors, educators, speakers and artists. Listeners will travel along each week and hear an intimate first-person story and learn how, through that story, our guests have built a lifestyle of worship.
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