We live in a time of war. Do we really believe that? Are we ready for battle, do we have the proper weapons and armor? We need strategy, intention and a willingness to fight. We need to get down on our knees.

Laughter bubbles up from the living room, with my six year old's squeals piercing through the serenity of classical music I'm enjoying. When I look down over the railing onto the scene below, I see my two smallest sons tumbling about like bear cubs, with our newest polar-bear puppy dancing around the pile and occasionally jumping atop the pillows and blankets they've wrapped one another in. They play at fighting, typical boys joyfully expressing theirboy-ness.

This afternoon I attended a showing of War Room, a new movie highlighting the need for Christians to spend time in concentrated, strategic prayer. We all can take a look at the culture we live in, our own country, our communities, churches and indeed inside our own walls and recognize that we live in a time of war.

Do we behave as if we are living in the light of that recognition? Or are we merely playing at it?

As I watched today, I was convicted of my own need to make some strategic moves. I imagine I'm like many Christian moms: for many years I've been comfortable with reading and studying the Bible, talking to God as I lie in bed at night and in the morning as well as throughout the day, worshiping and spending time in fellowship. Jesus is the center of my life.

And yet ... Prayer? That's my weak spot.

I have a tendency to think that since God knows everything and is all powerful, He'll just do whatever is best without my input. However, scripture indicates that our prayers move Him, and effect what happens in the world around us.

"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints ..." Ephesians 6:18

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Perhaps we all need the challenge I felt this afternoon. Where's your war room, mama? Where do you go to be alone with God? Where do you keep the lists of scripture you can stand on as you do battle for your family? Where have you written down the things closest to your heart; the areas of weaknesses and pain in yourself, your children, your husband, that you need the Lord to touch? What miracles are you believing for? And where are you keeping track of His answers to your requests?

Jesus said this:

“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]" Matthew 6:5-13

Like it or not, we're in a war. And a war requires strategy, intention, and a willingness to fight.

I'm setting aside a spot in my own closet this week. Who's joining me? If you do, post a picture and use the hashtag #showmeyourwarroom !

Blessings ~ MistyK