I have a secret war room. It is where I go to get energy, perspective, or council. Although this place is available to everyone, very few people actually use it. The access privilege includes a guarantee, that if we do this secretly, our Heavenly Father will reward us publicly. If you don’t have a secret War Room, you need to find one, now!

    Last year I told you about the impact that the movie “Courageous” had on me. What a great story! Men became a band of brothers as they walked through a time of crisis in their lives. As these men talked with each other and made right choices, they were rescued and blessed in ways that only the grace of God can cause.

    The same folks who produced “Courageous” have now given us another jewel – the new movie, “War Room.”

    For my part, I’m glad that Christian producers have begun to use visual media to communicate the gospel. People are more vision oriented now. They read fewer books today. The dramatic depictions in each of these movies brings home the powerful point that apart from having God in our lives, chaos and distress will pull us all down.

    “War Room” is a potent film. If you are a skeptic, it may force you to adjust your belief systems. If you are a follower of Christ, it will inspire you to start living a life of prayer.

    I recommend you see “War Room” while it’s in area theaters then discuss it with your friends. You say that you aren’t a believer? Even better! Dare to check out this spiritual secret so you can learn how to privately interact with God. It’s not religious fluff, mind you, but gritty reality plus great humor.

    In the movie, the portrayal of an older woman’s heart-felt prayers reminded me of my mother. Mom is in heaven now but her petitions to the Lord in behalf of her kids live on. Mom’s prayers still follow us. I know much grace and goodness landed on my doorstep, many undeserved blessings or opportunities, due to her heart-felt intercessions.

    One thing I’ve discovered about prayer: everyone does it. Whether you claim to have faith in God or not, you do (or you will) cry out to God. This desire is in every human heart, to reach out to God. So I make this suggestion to you — trust your inner voice! Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs. Open up your heart to simply talk to God.

    Prove to yourself if prayer works. As the late scholar Francis Schaeffer said, “He is there and He is not silent!” Jesus came to open up the way. Find the truths that connect you with God so your prayers are more effective. The Bible has much to say about this.

    Personally, I don’t care for empty words prayed into empty air from an empty heart. But prayers from a fervent heart poured out to a gracious God — the God who gave his Son so that you can know Him — those prayers are always heard in heaven and can change circumstances here on earth.

Ron Wood is a writer and pastor. He and his wife live in Arkansas with their retired Jack Russell Terrier near to their six lovely grandchildren.