Alex and Stephen Kendrick—creators of hit faith films Fireproof and Courageous—have just wrapped principal photography on their as-yet-untitled fifth movie, a family drama focused on the power of prayer. 

“We made this film to inspire, challenge and motivate families to fight the right kind of battles and to fight them the best way possible,” said director and co-screenwriter Alex Kendrick. “We have plans for everything—careers, finances, health. But what about a strategy for prayer for our lives, our spouses and our children?”

The Kendricks’ fifth film is their first project independent of Sherwood Pictures, the movie ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church. Pre-production began in 2013 with the blessing and support of the Sherwood family, where they remain associate pastors.

“Sherwood is still our church home, and we’re here talking to you now only because Michael Catt, our pastor, took a risk, supported us and let us make a movie,” Alex Kendrick said.

Provident Films and Affirm Films partnered with the brothers to distribute the new film, which features New York Times best-selling author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer in her film debut. 

“I'm honored to be working with the Kendricks and to be part of a story that encourages people to pray,” Shirer said. “Prayer is the most powerful weapon the church has to unlock the activity of heaven on earth.”

Filmed in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, this is the first Kendrick Brothers project shot outside their hometown of Albany, Ga. It drew more than 1,000 volunteers from 85 churches in the Charlotte area. They reached across denominational lines to support the production.

The film follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a middle-class couple, and their daughter, Danielle, as they struggle through personal, marital and spiritual issues. Their lives are forever changed after Elizabeth meets an elderly widow who helps her develop a secret prayer room in her home.

In addition to Shirer, the cast of the movie includes T.C. Stallings (Courageous), Alex Kendrick (Moms’ Night Out, Courageous), Robert Amaya (Moms’ Night Out, Courageous) and veteran actress Karen Abercrombie (My Name Is Paul, Mountain Top). It introduces two film newcomers: comedian Michael Jr. as Michael and Alena Pitts as Danielle; it also features a cameo appearance by best-selling author and speaker Beth Moore in her first acting role.

“It's time for fierceness in prayer, and I cannot think of a more crucial message for a movie to convey,” Moore said. “God waits to see a generation that will take Him at His Word. Let's be that generation.”

Stephen Kendrick produced and co-wrote the film.

“We’re going after something here that could radically improve our culture, and moviegoers will experience it within the context of an inspiring and emotional story,” he said. “Prayer is so much more than people realize. It can powerfully affect every problem and need in our lives if engaged from within a vibrant relationship with God.”

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