Room for Prayer

     After seeing the compelling Christian movie “War Room,” I had two reactions.  One, I don’t pray enough.  And two, I need to keep a prayer journal for my answered prayers.

     Without giving away any spoilers, the movie depicts an older Christian woman speaking truth and encouragement  into a younger Christian woman’s life.  The older woman encourages the younger woman to devote a prayer closet in her house for going into “battle” with her prayers.  I’m sure we don’t literally have to clean out our closets; for me, that would be a rather claustrophobic experience.  However, depending on our stage in life, we might have a spare bedroom, a favorite chair, a backyard bench, or some other quiet, less distracting and undisturbed place to pray.  I often pray aloud in my car…of course, with eyes wide open and focused on my driving. 

     So, what’s enough prayer?  If we’re to pray unceasingly, then of course I’m not praying enough.  But the movie helped me to reflect upon how I often pray fervently when there is a crisis, problem situation, heartbreak or a request…but I tend to slack off when things are “all good.”  While most of us probably appreciate it when a friend calls us asking for our advice or consolation, if that was the only time they ever called, we might feel a bit like we’re only a shoulder to cry on.  I’m sure God, although He wants us to bring him all our prayers and supplications, also appreciates it when we pray prayers of gratitude, and praise, and thanksgiving, as well.  And if life is good for us, in the moment, we can pray blessings upon others in our lives.  I feel good when someone tells me they’re praying for me…even if I’ve given them no reason to!

     Further, how could I remember and acknowledge those answered prayers?  In the movie, the older woman has a wall hanging which documents all her answered prayers.  What an awesome testimony.  What a daily reminder of what God has done for us and His hand in our lives. 

     I also think God is the master of reverse psychology.  So often I find myself praying for a situation to change, be resolved, or end…and instead, he changes my heart.  He reveals my own stubbornness or bitterness or rebellion or self-centeredness.  It’s as if a mirror is held up to my own face, and the master healer has done a heart transplant on me. 

     Prayer turns our attention to the battle ground.  In the movie, it clearly depicts who our battle is against.  It’s not against flesh or blood.  Clearly we’re called to be prayer warriors.  There will always be enough to pray for.  And there will always be answered prayers to give remembrance, praise and honor for.