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How would you describe your prayer life? When I first watched the movie War Room, I wasn't expecting to learn much. I had been praying all my life- I know the foundation of prayer. But...did I really? For me, this movie had sparked an important revelation. I was praying without passion. I don't think I can say this about my entire walk of faith, but I had definitely fallen into a loop of "praying wasn't my favorite part of devotions." That's why when I saw this movie, I knew I needed to make a change. For those of you who don't know, a war room is a spiritual room or closet to pray in private. The original term "war room" comes from a military or political background of making strategies for war. I've really enjoyed trying my hand at making my own war room and that's why I put together How to Create a War Room in Three Easy Steps...  1. Pick a spot.In my old apartment, my roommates and I created a war room in our hallway closet. We had a few things on shelves, but other than that, it was pretty spacious. Your space is your space. Make it your own! During the movie, the main character emptied her entire closet and then started writing her prayers, so however you want to do this is great. This summer, I'm back at my parents house in my hometown. Therefore, I improvised a little and used one of the bare walls in my bedroom. Do what ya gotta do!  2. Write down your prayers.Everyone does this differently. In the movie, she liked to write out her exact prayer in paragraph form. Although, I like to write down the general idea then elaborate on the spot. This is my favorite part, especially because you can get creative. I like to make three columns: prayers, hardest battles, and answered prayers. Then, I usually spend five to thirty minutes praying. Start with small time increments and work your way up. *Prayers: I normally have five to ten prayers up under the first column! I like to remember the origin of "war room" when I write these out. Put a little fight into your prayer. Add passion ~ what do you want to feel? Energy? Creativity? Enjoyment? Ask for it, He'll deliver. What individuals are hurting in your world? (Try to think on a local, regional, national, and international level) How can you serve this week? Who needs your presence more than ever?  *Hardest battles: Under hardest battles, I like to place one to three of my prayers. What is kicking you in the butt? What instantly brings you to tears? Write out that fear. Tell God how much it hurts. Tell Him this is your hardest battle. Look up scripture that relates and use it as your anthem this upcoming week. *Answered prayers: Lol, I kinda forgot where I learned about this trick, but it was from this movie! Anyway, when a prayer is answered, I like to move it over to this column. It's easy to psych yourself out and feel like an answer isn't on the way. However, this practice helps me remember He is a God of promises, promises that He keeps. After a week or so, you will be EMOTIONAL with how well God comes through for you. This practice keeps me humbly aware of who is in control and how I can better acknowledge things that normally go unnoticed.  3. Add things that are important to you.During prayer, I think it's important to remember whose rooting for you. I like to tape up my favorite photos or verses. :) These photos also serve as a reminder to pray individually for the people in your support system. Decorate with things you love. A few verses I might put on my wall...
 What I learned...I learned a lot from creating this space. It challenged me to kneel during my daily prayer and feel an ache for those who are hurting. I like to place my prayer sheets at the bottom of the wall, so I have no choice but to kneel when I pray. This past week I finished up "Finding God in the Hard Places" bible plan. It has by far been one of the coolest plans I’ve done. It required deep thinking and refreshing perspective. :) A challenging bible plan always helps me write better and more mindful prayers. Check out the Bible app to find one that fits you!  My favorite line from War Room is, "...victories don't come by accident." They come from a strong prayer life and fighting well. I believe creating a war room is the best start to beginning, reviving, or refreshing any prayer routine. Follow me on Instagram or Pinterest for more inspiration! *Have you tried making a war room? What was your experience? *What is your FAV Christian movie?! I need recs! :) Related posts:
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Grand Teton doesn't get enough credit. In fact, I hadn't heard of it a few months ago. A sad truth, but I'm thrilled to showcase this lovely park on my blog! I considered skipping it to spend an extra day in Yellowstone, however I'm incredibly glad I didn't make that mistake. Here's Seven Glorious Stops in Grand Teton National Park You Need to See...  1. Oxbow BendThis was my first legit stop in the park and man, oh man, did it welcome me nicely. Now that I think about it, why isn't this my lock screen wallpaper? I spent about ten minutes taking pictures level with the water and walked back to my car, which is when I took this one. THE ONE I LOVE THE MOST. I really dig that moment because I spent 30 seconds tops on it. I strongly believe experience is much more valuable than evidence. Of course a travel post won't survive without photos, but honey if you can't tell someone how to navigate the park because you spent the whole time on "photography" -- are you really in the game to be helpful? Ugh! And the reflection off the lake?! Click the gold headline for its location in the park!  2. Jackson Lake OverlookIf you only have a half hour in the park, STOP HERE. Hands down, my favorite flippin wonderland. It was interesting though, I saw people stop for a few minutes and keep driving. I was super confused?? IT WAS THE COOLEST PLACE I SAW ALL DAY. You bet I stayed for an hour and journaled. Like the snow?? The lake?? How do you not chill here forever? I mean I was psyched it was less crowded, because hey the more space from people, the better lol. Grand Teton's most precious gem in my opinion!   3. Leek's MarinaI drove down to the marina to see if they had bathrooms and look at the boats. When I stepped out, I didn't bring my phone. I imagined the stop taking two minutes. As I walked toward the water, I was shocked. The water was insanely calm. The snowy Tetons looked bigger than ever. Fishing boats sat still to the left of the dock. I went back to grab my phone and immediately thought, "Everyone needs to see this." I may have mentioned this before, but before each trip, I try to pray about what material I might find. I want these guides to be different for you! I want them to inspire you to ditch the most popular some days, and search for your own hideouts, like Leek's Marina.  4. Chapel of the Sacred HeartThe first time I went by this place I said, "I don't have time to stop there. I still have a lot of cool places to go." I said that because I didn't remember reading a single article that recommended going there. It must not be that special. Then I caught myself, "Did I really just say that about God's house?" On another note, I had prayed to find spots that need more credit, and there I was driving in the opposite direction? I flipped a U-Turn and toured the church. The inside was cozy and charming. A perfect hideaway from crowds and the heat. I was hoping to say a prayer in one of the pews, but a photographer was taking photos of the full interior. Maybe next time.  5. Jenny LakeThis is the busiest spot I encountered on this trip! I didn't make it here until noon, because I loved exploring the area by Jackson Lake! Although, I would make it a priority to head here first. I would try to shoot for sunrise, if you can to beat the crowds. This place was so hoppin, there were no parking spots left! I parked on the main road, but the walk down wasn't too bad. Jenny is great for hiking, taking a ride on their scenic shuttle, or renting a kayak! I followed a trail or two and then loaded up to find my most raved about recommendation: Jenny Lake Overlook! *Thanks Cale for telling me about this place! :)  6. Jenny Lake OverlookCan you imagine having this view out your kitchen window? That'd be so dope. If I had to pick a third favorite, this would be it! Again, I would shoot for early morning to hit this spot. The ledges get a little cramped later in the day and it is a PROJECT tryin to get a pic without someone in it lol! Wanna hear somethin embarrassing? I drove by this overlook TWICE before I could get my crap together and turn at the right time! The route is a little tricky. It's a one-way, so if you aren't watching, you'll miss the lot! Try to drive extra slow when you see the sign and pull over even if you have the slightest feeling you might be there! You can always drive forward again, but missing the turn will cause ya to take a 10-15 minute loop back around. I learned that the hard way, TWICE lol.  7. Jackson Lake DamI didn't even know this park had a dam! Lol my bad. I was stoked when I drove over a bridge and saw this beauty! I highly recommend taking the stairs down by the water. There weren't many people here and I was alone, so I was still in "what if I see a bear mode?!?" Lol, I'm ridiculous. I did see a bear cub in Yellowstone though! :) Anyone have dreams of visiting Hoover Dam? I definitely do! This spot is definitely hyping up that dream again.   Things you should know:
Okay homies, that's it! I hope these stops help you plan a bomb trip to the Tetons! If you have any questions, send me an email at [email protected] or shoot me a DM on Insta! 
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