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Written by Alina Muraru, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Romania 
We all know that prayer, the highest form of communication, is a privileged dialog between us and God, our Father who created us. What is unity? It is congruency between thoughts, feelings, will, words, and actions. In the past two years when I prayed to our Father, there were many times when I couldn't even utter the words because of the pain I was feeling inside.
I have no doubt that each one of us has faced different struggles—times that were handled easier/harder than others. During those hardships, I learned how important it is to be aware that God is always with me/us. Sometimes, so many times, we tend to forget, but even so, He is still with us, as stated in Matthew 28:20 NASB:
…and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”; and Deuteronomy 31:8: “And the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.”
Yes, God is always with us, and when we are praying together in unity as sisters in Christ, we experience God's presence at a deeper level. As Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
We also know from the Bible that we have access to His presence by reading Ephesians 3:12. " ... in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him," and Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!"
Unity among His people is so important to God. It pleases Him when He sees His people dwelling together in unity. This is also of great importance when we pray together. It was significant when the apostles of Jesus prayed to God to show them who was the one God desired to replace Judas. We can read about this in the Book of Acts, chapter 1, verse 14. “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.“
Christian unity is the result of God bringing together people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and social classes into one family, or body, by faith in Christ.
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.” (1 Cor. 12:27)
For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26-28)
Prayer not only connects us with our Creator but also to one another. When we pray to God together, we experience the most important, significant, and deepest communication that can exist, and we are certain that God is listening when we ask for things in faith, in wisdom, and in harmony with God's Word. "And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:13-14).
When we are too hurt to be able to utter some words to give content to our plea, the Holy Spirit is always there to act as an intermediary for us in prayer in concordance with God's will.
"Now, in the same way, the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom. 8:26-27)
It is also important that women who pray together, pray with the same mind and for the same purpose, encouraging one another and being content with what they already have.
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Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador 
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
It is comforting to live according to what is set out in this passage, since the joy of the Lord is our strength through today's trials.
I believe that constant prayer goes deep within us, living out the desire to be in communication with, and linked to, the Power of God at all times. Then that communication and intimacy with God through prayer becomes a full part of us that truly unites us with Him.
Knowing how to be thankful for everything, whether good or bad, teaches, serves, and helps us to grow in faith, remembering what Romans 8:28 says. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
When we see both the will of God and ours, we know they must be intertwined with the Holy Spirit because the Heavenly Father wants to give us the best; and what is best for us is edification, as 1 Corinthians 10:23 says. Living in the will of God builds the character of Christ in each one of us, and that is why it should be a priority to seek His perfect will through absolute communication with the Maker of Life.
I faithfully believe that prayer will bring perfect and essential intimacy with the Heavenly Father, that communication with others will be achieved, and that we will radiate Christ through our faith and dedication as indicated in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Knowing and loving the Lord, and as a follower of Christ, His teachings on prayer are of great inspiration to me. In Luke 22:42 NLT, the Lord Himself says, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” We see here that although on many occasions our will is different than the will of God, we must seek the Lord’s will every day. In times of tribulation, His will is perfect and we will only understand it and make it a reality when we are in constant communication with Him.
Everything Jesus did to save us certainly was not easy for Him; but His immense love, obedience, and faith led Him to fulfill the will of the Father and not His own as a human.
Another great prayer inspiration for me is Hannah, Samuel's mother, as described in 1 Samuel chapter 1, verses 1-28. Hannah, full of faith in her heart, was constant and very specific in her prayers. She ultimately received her desired answer—having a child—despite her advanced age and sterility, then offered him to the service of God in gratitude for the favor granted.
On this earth, through the Holy Spirit that unites us, many brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus teach us to be unwavering servants of faith through prayers to God.
Today, I remember, with great admiration and respect, Sister Carmen Franco, a reverent, faithful, and fervent woman of prayer. Sister Carmen grew up in a Christian home, describing her life as one full of great battles. Even so, she obtained material blessings, but more importantly, spiritual blessings.
One day in 2017, as she was praying about her need to meet with the Lord's church but not knowing where to go, some members of the Church of Christ La Mesa de Los Indios, in Mérida, Venezuela, knocked on her door and invited her to their worship service. She accepted their invitation. When she attended, she arrived with a heart full of gratitude because her prayers had been answered.
Beloved Sister Carmen never stopped meeting with the congregation. Even during the pandemic, she continued to attend. She would say, “God with us, nothing against us.” She was vigilant, following Covid guidelines when attending all gatherings. Her valuable example is inspirational because she was praying each time we visited her. She taught us to strengthen, as a Christian family, the need for prayer as a means of daily communication with the Lord, through every circumstance. She always prayed for everything and everyone. Without a doubt, Sister Carmen Franco inspired us with her commitment to prayer.
Although her living conditions were sparce, she was constantly grateful and shared what the Lord gave her. Hers was a house of prayer; she lifted everything to the Father.
Sister Carmen went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2021, praying and praising the King of Kings, who answered her prayers for a peaceful end.
Dear sisters, let us be women of prayer with hearts full of faith. Will we be willing to pray without ceasing?