Originally published Monday, 11 January 2016.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Have you ever seen the movie, “War Room?” I have to start there, because if you don’t, then the title alone may throw you for a loop! Well, if you don’t know, your “War Room” is really your prayer closet. Do you have one? Or do you feel like you could use it right now?
Before I talk about the actual “War Room,” I have to remind you that prayer is vital for you as a growing Christian woman. It’s your direct line to God through Jesus Christ as a single woman, wife, mother, friend, leader, etc. So use it. When you’re going through something tough, painful, sorrowful, or even if you just need direction, forgiveness, to confess your sins, pray for someone, or just fellowship…prayer is the answer.
The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” That means to keep praying…continuously. Don’t stop. Sometimes you may get immediate answers, and sometimes you may just receive supernatural peace, comfort, and strength. In some seasons of your life, you may feel like prayer is all you have. And I want to encourage you sis, God is there for you (especially in those times). Just continue to call on Him.
Jesus went away to be alone with His Father many times, and for many of the same reasons that you and I would go to Him. Mark 1:35 says, “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Matthew 14:22-23 states, “Immediately after this (feeding the five thousand), Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.” He is our great example.
Have you ever been in your prayer closet for a long time? Have you ever brought your tissue box in there because you knew what type of party it was going to be? If so, that’s okay. Rest in His arms, cry it out, and take as much time as you need in that secret place. Because that’s exactly what it is.
On a personal note, my daughter knows when she can’t find me in the house, she knows that I just might be in my “prayer closet.” And she doesn’t bother me (I’m training her indirectly). But for me, it’s that safe place and personal conversation that’s just between me and Him. It’s a place where I can run to when I need to pour my heart out, when my pain is deep, when I’m frustrated, concerned, misunderstood, or just need direction…it’s a place of trust. It’s my secret place.
In the movie “War Room,” the main point of the story was prayer. The main character in the film realized that her problems were too great for her to handle on her own, so she was encouraged to create her very own “War Room” (prayer closet). And she did it! Not only that, but it was a powerful, dramatic presentation of what prayer can do!
So here’s how you set up your “War Room.” Clear out a space in your closet where you can write or have typed up prayer requests and post them on the wall in your closet. Or clear out an area where you can sit down. You can also decorate it if you like (I know someone who did that), place books on “prayer” in a basket and read them in there, turn the light off and close your eyes and go to war in there, or sit quietly to listen for the voice of God. You can even shut the door behind you and cry like a baby in there. It’s a safe place. It’s your secret place.
The point here is that as followers of Christ, we have to have a consistent and fervent prayer life. The term fervent actually means hot, burning, passionate, and intense. That’s why I think “War Room” was a great name for the film and for your closet. I also recommend that you watch the film (and if you have it, watch it again). It’s a great reminder of how we should continue fighting…on our knees.
Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*Also, the books that I recommend this week are “Fervent” and “He Speaks to Me” by Priscilla Shirer. Also, check out her “Fervent” Women’s Conference Tour Schedule this year (2016) on www.goingbeyond.com! She might be in a city near you! Let’s go to war my sister…in fervent prayer!
*TELL OTHER WOMEN about Inside Out with Courtnaye. It’s all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming back soon, so let’s help populate heaven together! Also, to get more biblical and practical nuggets, stay connected through my social media outlets and donate too if it’s helping you (this takes work…LOL!). Also, if you have any questions, need advice, or want to book me for your next speaking engagement, email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com! Let’s do this!
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