How To Set Up A War Binder For Your Time With God
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I have a secret to tell you. Setting up your very own war binder doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Yep, it’s true.
If you aren’t familiar with the term “war binder”, a war binder, also known as a faith journal, is essentially a binder or notebook with multiple sections that you use to document your walk with God.
The term ‘war binder” may have come from the movie “The War Room”, starring Karen Abercrombie, where Ms. Clara guides a struggling wife in creating her own “war room” as a place to pray, reflect on scripture and give thanks. A war binder is like having an entire war room in one convenient place. This is especially great if you don’t have a room in your house to dedicate as a war room or, you prefer something that you can take with you.
I’ve always been a creative person and have spent years scrapbooking, art journaling and other mixed media and paper arts. I’ve also kept separate scripture and prayer journals for the past few years.
Creating a war binder of my own has been on my list of things to do for some time as it can be a blend of creative and spiritual. Notice how I said “can be”? Your war binder can be whatever you want it to be.
So, What’s in a War Binder?
Whatever you want!
Here’s a list of the sections you might choose to put in your war binder:
- Prayers
- Scripture
- Gratitude
- Sermon notes
- Journal
- Inspiration
- Answered Prayers
- Testimony
- Reflection
- Growth Areas
- Bible Study
- Affirmations
- God’s Promises
- Reference – tithing, books of the Bible
- Trackers – prayer, tithing, etc.
Additionally, you can choose to add photos, drawing, printables or anything else that inspires you.
My War Binder
When I decided to set aside a Saturday morning to “play” in my office and set up a war binder, I grabbed things I’d already had on hand:
- small 3 ring binder (mine is 8 x 8)
- scrapbook paper
- tab punch
- faith based stickers and die cuts
- washi tape
I didn’t spend any money on setting up my war binder as I had a large “stash” of items, already in my office/craft room, that I knew would be great for this project.
If you don’t have much on hand, the dollar section at Target has tons of cool things, but my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE place to find items to use in my war binder is Dayspring/Illustrated Faith. All of my stickers and die cuts were previously purchased from them.
I’ve included Amazon links to the products I used to help you in locating them.
How I Set Up My War Binder
I started with an 8 x 8 3 ring binder that I had in my closet (I actually have two of them. I’m saving the second one for when the first runs out of room 🙂 )
Next, I decided what sections I wanted to include, so I knew how many dividers to make.
I decided to use the following sections:
- Prayers
- Gratitude
- Sermon Notes
- Journal
- Scripture
Then I grabbed some fun, two-sided scrapbook paper which I cut to 8″ x 8″.
I punched divider tabs from coordinating scrapbook paper, added stickers to label the tabs and placed tab protectors (you can use contact paper or laminate them) so they would hold up better.
After punching the holes, you may wish to use hole protectors to make the pages more sturdy.
I added the tab dividers to my dividers, punched holes in it and I was off to a good start.
We R Memory Keepers Tabbed Punch – Round (this is the one that I used)
We R Memory Keepers Tabbed Punch – Flat
Next, I made a few pockets out of scrapbook paper to have a place for saving sermon guides, prayer requests and other tidbits that I’d like to save.
So..now the basic set up was complete, it was time to fill it up and add some pizzazz to it.
Here are some faith based scrapbook paper packages that I’ve found (some that I have), if you don’t want to use general scrapbook paper. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve used what I already had on hand for the scrapbook paper in my war binder.
For the actual pages that I will write on, I cut lightweight scrapbook paper to fit the book, punched holes and placed a few in each section. I also used some pretty lined and grid paper that I had that was already the right size. I’m not a huge fan of the color combo but it will work just fine and it’s not about me – it’s about praise, prayer and worship to Him, right?
The lined and grid paper that I used for my inserts is from Bo Bunny Press. I don’t believe that it is available anymore, but any paper – lined, grid or blank will do! Remember, it is YOUR prayer journal or war binder.
Personalizing My War Binder
Here’s the fun part! I was able to use my creativity to make the war binder truly mine and reflect my walk with our Savior.
I added some ink to edges of the paper, some stickers and die cuts and went to town!
I also love to add stamped images to my war binder. Here are the two sets that I use most (all are Stampin’ Up!): I also use lots of flowers and tree stamp sets.
Here are some of my finished war binder pages and dividers:
Some Tips for Creating Your Own War Binder:
- Remember that this is YOUR personal war binder. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It is for sharing praise, worship, prayer and gratitude. It is for YOUR personal walk with God.
- It doesn’t have to be expensive or even cost money. Use supplies you already have on hand. If you only have looseleaf paper or a composition notebook, guess what? That’s perfect!
- It doesn’t even have to be “creative”. I’m not thrilled with the design of mine or even all of the pages and dividers, but this book is dedicated to our Lord and Savior. It documents my walk with Him. I think that He would be pleased that I’m focusing on Him and not how it looks or what everyone else thinks.
- Use the internet (Pinterest is great for this) to find ideas to inspire you.
Would you be interested in workshops or courses on creating a war binder or Bible journaling? If so, let me know if the comments.
Because of Him,
Sue
Thank you for sharing this. I had been scouring different sites looking for something that made sense to me in setting up my WB and finally found it here. I loved the different options of sections that you listed and I now have a choice of what to include that suits me. God bless you!
I’m so glad it was helpful to you! In early 2019, I’ll be sharing some printables and even a war binder course. Stay tuned. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thank you. I have been looking for a simple yet deep example of a war binder. This is so much help! Thank you sooo much!?❤
I’m so glad that it was helpful! Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you so much for sharing! The tips you gave were very encouraging. I have to remind myself that it between the Lord and me. That I’m not making it for others to see.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I would love to hear about your War Binder course!
Hi, Lynn! I’m working on it, as we speak. It should be released by March, God willing. Stay tuned and be sure you are on my mailing list so you’ll be among the first to know when it is released. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my goodness, that black binder is pretty! I just set mine up. A regular school binder, two folders, stickers in alphabet shapes, and a little bit of my artistic side. The cover says in block letters “let God heal your broken parts” and my two sections are “prayer trackers” (for prayers of gratitude and answered prayers) and “sermon notes” (Sunday morning service and our young adult service)
Oh, Juliet! That sounds just perfect! I pray that you reap so many blessings spending time with God and using your war binder! Thanks so much for stopping by!
This is very exciting, I often feel quite alone in my daily walk with God so am looking forward to exploring God’s word in verse mapping and in setting up a War Binder. Such a lovely thought that this is between me & God….it’s for Him. Thanks so much for sharing. God bless.
you are very welcome, Ruth! I pray that your fellowship with Him blossoms through verse mapping and prayer. Thank you for stopping by!
Since watching the movie War Room,I have made a few war binders in the last 2 or 3 years. I have gifted a couple to friends who were going through some difficult times. I added extra pages for them to add to as the years went on. I love your blog and all your ideas for the binder. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad to hear that, Denise! I have another post, showing how I made another war binder/prayer journal coming out in a few weeks and am working on a full course including dozens of war binder printables – stay tuned! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I have essential tremors in my hands and it hurts to write trying to control a pen/pencil however; I can type okay. Do you know of any good online prayer journal sites? I’ve looked at a few but not seeing anything that just really pops out at me.
This is exactly what I wanted. Although I’m Muslim. Thank you soo much.
I’m so glad it blessed you. Have a beautiful, blessed day and thank you for stopping by!
I just recently heard the term War Room Notebook and was immediately intetested. I thought of how we are in spiritual battles, daily, and must put on the armor of God…how a serious notebook of prayers, verses, how to use these pieces of armor, etc. could really help us to overcome these invisible forces…suppose we really recognize this IS war and we are Christian soldiers. How would a General plot out strategies? What would his War Room Notebook look like in overcoming the enemy? I want to start this notebook soon.
Hi, Lisa! War binders or war room notebooks can be a powerful tool in our prayer life and battling the enemy. I’m in the process of writing a post about barriers to effective prayer and war room strategies. Stay tuned! I think you’ll find it useful. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! God bless you, sister!
Thank you so much for showing everyone this information on how to strengthen your walk with God in your own personal way it inspired me to start my own thank you and God bless you and your family
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see your own war binder. Have a beautiful and blessed day!
Hi:
I’m just seeing this and actually learning about the war binder. I have a ton of scrapbook and Stampin Up! materials. I want to make one using the “Happy Planner” system. I love the way you can put those together and add to them. If you have any templates you can email or information on your course…I’d love to have access. You did such an amazing job and you kept it simple!
Hi Cindy – thanks for reaching out. I offer over 130 printables for war binders and prayer journals that can be added to the Happy Planner. You can learn more about the program here: https://www.womanofnoblecharacter.com/war-binder-printables-warrior-women/
Each month, I add at least two more for members. Just pay the one-time fee, and all current and future printables are yours. The program also features videos on how to adapt different planners for use as a war binder. Please let me know if you have any questions. Have a blessed day!
Thank you so much this. I was always curious about how to go about this and I always thought I had to spend money on it. This really helped me.
I’m so happy to hear that! I have lots of resources on the site about prayer journals and war binders. Enjoy and may God bless you.
Thank you for sharing this. Have been looking for a way to implement this into my life.
This looks so awesome! I am going to set up my own too!
I have a journal for sermons and every study plus all verses, not to mention a journal to God. I also use to Bujo each new year, but last year I was two sick and this year I just realized because of my illness I haven’t chosen my word, started my verses nothing. When searching about different verse mapping I came across your war room.
I really am intrigued putting many I. One place how glorious, what a tribute to Him. I want to learn more. Today I was starting my first 3 verses Isa 41:10, James 1:1-3 and Lam 3:22, I don’t know if I have a binder but my journal a beautiful tribute to stary night will fit inside. Thank you to someone who loves spending times in different mediums to praise our Father.
I’m so glad that the post helped you. God bless you and thank you for stopping by!
I would like help with setting up my war journal
Hi Lawana – while I would love to help each sister setting up their war journal, I just don’t have that bandwidth.I do, however, offer a course that may help. You can find it here. Holler if you have any questions: https://womanofnoblecharactershop.com/products/518544
Thank you so much for the ideas and step by step instructions!!! You are so creative!!
Thank you,
Faith
Would like a copy please on how to do mapping
Hi Kim! Here’s a post and printable about verse mapping! https://www.womanofnoblecharacter.com/verse-mapping/