The Prayer Chair

From the moment the movie “War Room” hit the big screen, I became inundated with texts, Facebook messages, and personal recommendations that all said the same thing, “YOU have to go see this movie.”

Most were from people who have heard me speak or attended the bible study I teach on prayer. All of them believed I would love it because they knew I love to pray.

They were right.

True to everyone’s expectations, it was a great movie and has confounded much of America and Hollywood with its success.

I told my husband that while critics think it is silly, those of us with an established prayer life see it as confirmation of what we already know to be true … prayer changes things.

In fact, some critics have argued that the movie’s answered prayers are implausible and something only a Christian would believe. Alex Kendrick, the filmmaker, was asked in an interview, “Aren’t you just preaching to the choir?”

He answered, “People act like preaching to the choir is a bad thing, but we would say the choir needs it.”

I say AMEN!

And much like the classic books, This Present Darkness (Frank Peretti, 1986) and Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Jim Cymbala, 1997) the movie reminds believers why they should pray and what is possible when they do.

I don’t have a “War Room” but I’ve had a “Prayer Chair” for years. It is that sacred spot where I sit almost daily and meet with God. My bibles, lectionary and prayer list are within arms’ length. I love to start my day with a cup of hot lemon water (I know…a bit weird), the Word of God, and my prayer journal.

A few months into our house remodel I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I had spent any deliberate time in prayer.

“What has happened to me?” I asked myself.

Then it hit me…my prayer chair was gone. My place of meeting was moved. I had unconsciously stopped my devotional time because I had not made a new place for it in my life. Until that moment I had not realized how tied to that chair I was.

That very week, with my husband’s help, I reset a personal prayer space. We bought a new chair (the old one was pretty worn out) and located it in the not-quite-finished den. I settled in the very next day. Having a dedicated spot for prayer felt like home.

Like that chair, prayer is a comfortable place for me. But it wasn’t always that way. Thirty years ago, as a young bride I wrote this…

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m real?

Will I really go to heaven?

Will I really live a Christian life?

I am often a doubter of my faith. Yet, I know that faith must be allowed to grow and mature.

I guess I’m at the milk stage.

I do know that I’m improving…

I can be kind to myself and see the way I’m growing now.

It is becoming easier and easier to read my Bible. (I still don’t understand it.)

The worst area is my prayer life. It seems so much easier to not pray then to pray. Even when I pray my prayers often seem empty or hollow.

I realize now that I must be consistent and eventually I will feel God’s presence in my prayers.

It is a wonderful feeling to know I’m changing and growing and to know that that change is really God’s plan for my life.”  (June 20^th, 1985)

That girl seems far-removed from the 50-something woman I have become today. I’ve lived a lot of life since then. More importantly, I have seen hundreds of answered prayers.

My journey to this place has been bumpy…

• I’ve had prayers that were not answered like I thought they should be.
• I’ve asked for things I didn’t need.
• I’ve been mad at God.
• I’ve had prayer failures.

But somewhere along the way, like the characters in “War Room,” I’ve learned that God not only hears my prayers, but also longs to answer them (and often in very creative ways).

If you identify with the girl above and have a longing to establish a prayer life, here are a few suggestions.

First, get started.

There is no right or wrong way to pray. Just start talking…just like you would to someone sitting next to you. Tell God how you feel, what your needs are, and why you think it is hard to believe He hears you.

Ask Him to teach you to pray. Let Him be your instructor. He is more than happy to oblige that prayer.

If you are able, establish a location where you can meet Him regularly (like a prayer chair). Even on the days you don’t know what to pray, go there, be quiet and sit before Him. You will be surprised at the things He will begin to bring to your mind.

Second, study what the Bible says about prayer. 

The Word gives us very clear guidelines on how to pray and what to ask for. It also gives us clear guidance on reasons why our prayers are not being answered. Do a bible word search on the word pray. Read what it says. Take it to heart. Begin to cultivate His Word in your heart and your prayer life will change.

Finally, go to where people are praying.

There is something powerful about praying with a group. It doesn’t need to be scary. Find a church or prayer group where you can listen and learn. Share your needs with others and commit to pray for them.

When you begin to see God move in the life of those around you it will give you confidence that it will happen for you.

Watchmen Nee said, “Our prayers lay the track down on which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.” 

I love that. Not only does God hear us and love us, he also allows us to participate in bringing His message to the world through the power of a fervent prayer.

Go see the movie. And then take some time this week to ask God who He wants you to pray for.

 

(FYI – I will be teaching PrayerSurge beginning Monday night the 21^st as a small group bible study elective for the women of my church. You are welcome to attend. You can call the church or register on the website.)