Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Katie Forbess is my right-hand woman, my Barnabas (encourager) and "partner in crime" for everything that has to do with Iron Rose Sister Ministries. I am so blessed to have her as President of the Board of Directors and as a friend.

We talk almost daily about things related to the ministry. We rejoice in what God is doing and often express our frustration at what others are not doing (like when we were dealing with the publishers). We share prayer requests, encouragement, challenges, and life. We had not seen each other in about nine years before the bilingual event in Denver, November 2013, but now, living only two hours away, we get to see each other much more often!

Early in the IRSM days, I was in Houston, frustrated that we were not going to get the copies of the Spanish book in time for the International Women's Conference where I was speaking. Katie was doing all she could to follow up with the publishing company and light a fire under anyone that would listen. After the conference had ended and we had more hope of receiving some books in time to deliver to the ladies who were returning to their home countries, Katie and I were touching base about the books we were trying to get down to Venezuela, which was my next trip at that time.

At that moment, I had to go meet with someone, so we didn't get to finish our conversation nor were we able to pray together. Katie said, "Okay. Number one on our list for tomorrow is that we pray!" I agreed wholeheartedly, we hung up and continued on with our days.

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.

New beginnings can start at any time. By this point in January, many people are feeling discouraged because some of the resolutions they made for the new year have fallen by the wayside. Others have opted for a specific word or concept on which to focus their thoughts, Bible study, and prayers for the year.

As a ministry, we are focusing on Preparing for the I AM in 2019. For our annual Prayer Month emphasis in February, we are “Praying to the I AM.”

Each year, we have committed to spending 24 days of prayer leading up to 24 hours of prayer, but this year, after a year of significant growth, we wanted to add a “Plus 1.” 24 days (+1) of prayer will lead up to 24 hours (+1) of prayer.

Here are the applications of “Plus 1.”
• Invite someone else to pray with you, for IRSM, and as a Prayer Partner
• Growing in a life of Prayer.
• Growing in relationship with the I AM.
• Growing in the ways with pray with others.
• Adding IRSM and the vision of equipping women to your daily prayers.
• The Prayer Month does not end with a certain month, a specific number of days, hours, or minutes. We are invited to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17)! Add a “Plus 1” to your life of prayer.

How you can join us as IRSM Prayer Warriors, Praying to the I AM:
• Commit to pray daily for IRSM and download the February Prayer Calendar
• Share the calendar and opportunity to pray with a “Plus 1” friend or Iron Rose Sister.
• Share the Instagram posts (@IronRoseSister) and daily requests from our Facebook page posts (Iron Rose Sister Ministries) or share your own prayers and posts with the hashtags #IronRoseSister #prayingtoIAM.
• Comment on Facebook, Instagram, or write us personally to let us know where you are praying from and the specific prayers God has led you to pray on IRSM’s behalf.

Monday, February 25 will be our Prayer-a-thon, in which people from all over the world will join as one voice to lift up IRSM to the Great I AM.
• Sign up for a 15-minute time slot to prayon Monday, February 25th on our website: (http://ironrosesister.com/be-a-part/pray then click the link to a Google Doc) or contact us with the time slot you prefer and city, state/country you are praying from. Times are listed in Central Standard Time.

Beyond our Prayer Month, here’s what you can do as an IRSM Prayer Warrior:
• Sign up for our monthly Prayer newsletter (different than our e-news). Subscribe on the website or contact us to add your email address.
• Commit to keeping IRSM in your prayers, especially that the I AM will guide and bless our equipping efforts in His name.

Please know that you are in our prayers as well. We cannot do this without you! Your prayers are a vital, integral part of what God has called us to: equip more women to connect to the I AM and to one another, in English, Spanish, and bilingual contexts across the Americas.
Thank you!
Note: The calendar is available in both English and Spanish.

#IronRoseSister #prayer #24hoursofprayerplus1 #IAM #beapart

Written by Michelle J. Goff

February is Iron Rose Sister Ministries’ Prayer Month—always has been, always will be. We prefer to adopt a “pray without ceasing” mentality, but it is encouraging when we can set aside a specific time to pray together over the same things.

As we usually do, we have made a Prayer Calendaravailable that has a prayer prompt and a scripture reference for each day. There is also an information page that has more detailed instructions about other Prayer Month activities, like the new Monday evening open prayer hour we are offering via Zoom.

The first of those Prayer Nights is tonight, February 1, 7pm Central (and all other time zones listed on the info page). We will have four Breakout Rooms: one for English-speaking women, one for Spanish-speaking women, one for women who want to pray and/or hear prayers in both English and Spanish, and finally one for men that want to join in prayer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries. Prayers in that room will also be in English and Spanish. The Zoom link for the Monday Prayer Nights is also on that info page.

Our biggest prayer for our Prayer Month is that each of us individually and all of us as a we join in prayer, will be redefined by it.

May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. (Ps. 141:2)

James 5:13-18 details many of the merits and purposes of prayer. As you read these verses below, mediate on how both the person doing the praying and the person being prayed over are being redefined by prayer, even before any answer to that prayer is revealed by God.

¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

How does the process of redefinition happen through prayer?
How have you been redefined by prayer in the past?
Are you ready to be redefined by prayer along with us this month?

The month of February is when, as a ministry, we choose to focus on prayer.

Over the next 24 days, we will join in prayer over some specific things for IRSM that are listed in the Prayer Calendar.

Please join us in prayer and invite others to participate as well.

Then, on Wednesday, February 24, we will close the 24 days of prayer with a 24 hour Prayer-a-thon in concentrated prayer for the ministry and all God has called us to this year.

If you have any questions about things mentioned in the calendar, please ask! We would love to share more details about how you can get involved in all God is doing through IRSM.

II Corinthians 1:11 “as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

Starting at midnight tonight Mountain Standard Time, aka Tuesday, February 24, we will be concluding our 24 days of prayer with 24 hours of prayer.

We would be honored for you to join us in prayer for the ways in which God is leading, blessing, guiding, and providing for Iron Rose Sister Ministries. You can sign up for a specific time to pray on our website or comment on this blog post with a time and your location.

Tomorrow's blog post will include a summarized list of the things to pray over or you can access the list on our Prayer-a-thon page. (We apologize for any inconvenience.  This page is no longer available.)

Mark 11:24 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

My prayers have been transformed from a rambling conglomeration of words to moments of silence, listening to what God speaks to my heart. I have realized the value of being in the presence of the Lord instead of always feeling like I have to have something to say, or have the perfect words to express whatever is on my mind.
And so I listen to His heart.
After several years of friendship, while driving on a road trip, a friend commented, “I’m glad we have reached the point in our relationship where we don’t feel like we have to fill the silence with noise. We are comfortable with ourselves, with each other, and with our relationship that it is enough to just be here together.”

Written by Laureen Henegar, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." 
Luke 2:36-38

When I was asked to write a blog about Anna, I wasn’t quite sure how to even start, but as I read the verse over a few times, I began to relate to her in a very personal way. I lost my husband seven years ago. Scripture tells us that Anna had been alone for 77 years. But, as a widow or a widower, are we really alone? No, we are not. Psalm 68:5 tells us just that. God is, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”

I have talked with several people who have lost their spouses and it’s interesting that each one mentions that since the passing of their spouse, they have drawn closer to God. Is it possible that in our sorrow and trials God actually provides us with a blessing? I think so. God helps us understand that life is not over. God ALWAYS has a plan for us. It’s our responsibility to trust Him and wait on His timing.

Anna was the daughter of Phanuel, a godly man whose name meant “Face of God.” She was from the tribe of Asher. She appears to have been raised in a Godly home. Married for only seven years, she spent the rest of her life devoted to God in all she did.

I have learned two things in studying Anna and writing this blog. One, God provides us with the strength, courage and comfort we need to get us through the trials and challenges of this life. The more time I spend in prayer and fasting, the closer I draw to God; but I must also spend time listening to His response to my prayers. Second, not only must I spend time praying, fasting and listening to Him, but I must wait for His time for prayers to be answered and I must trust Him to answer my prayer in His way, not mine.

Anna was a woman devoted to prayer. She knew God was faithful and that the promise of a Savior would be fulfilled. I’m certain that, not only did she spend time in prayer, but she spent time listening, listening to the Holy Spirit’s soft whisper. Many times, when I pray, I find myself ending my prayer and then immediately throwing myself into whatever my plans are for the day. I don’t take time to listen, to listen to the soft whisper of the Holy Spirit, communicating back to me, providing me with words of strength, wisdom, and courage to face the day. I believe Anna not only spent time in prayer and fasting, but she also spent time listening. Listening to His words that drew her closer and closer to God.

Can you imagine how she must have felt when she first saw Jesus and held Him in her arms?! Here was the promised Messiah, the answer to the Scriptures, the Son of God sleeping in her arms! I don’t imagine there are any words to describe the joy she felt and the urgency to tell others that the Messiah had come. She knew the Messiah would come; she knew it would be in God’s time and she knew the minute she saw Him that He had arrived.

She rejoiced in the fact that Israel’s prayer for a Messiah had been answered and she immediately began to share the Good News. Sometimes we get so caught up in our worldly plans that we miss seeing prayers answered. Yes, we see the big ones, such as when a loved one is cured of cancer. But do we notice the small ones, the blessings God gives us each and every day? Do we share how those prayers have been answered and how wonderful our God is? I think Anna noticed all of God’s blessings, saw God all around her and shared God’s love with whomever she met.

My prayer for us is that we become more like Anna: That we spend more time in prayer, fasting and listening to God. That we take time to step away from our busy lives and look around at this beautiful creation. That we recognize, acknowledge, and give thanks for the blessings God showers upon us every day. That through our daily prayer time we draw closer and closer to God. In Scripture, Anna’s life story is but a few short verses, but she is an inspiration. Her story provides us with important lessons that give us an opportunity to have an amazing, lifelong relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Written by Carolyn Jo Gower, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (‭‭Rom. ‭12:12‬ ‭NIV)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

My grandson, Noah, age three, was good at talking. But sometimes we’d have to ask, please repeat. Caroline at five months, was a happy chatterbox! We’d ask her, “How's your day going?” Her answer was jabbering with big smiles! Both expressed love!

Jesus can handle our prayers, even though we may feel lacking. Jesus gets it. When we pray (talk to Jesus), our love for Him shines through. He wants us to be real. He made us, He came to live among us, and now He lives to intercede for us.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:25 ESV)

Jesus is praying for us! Prayer gets to the heart of God not that we’re worthy, we aren’t. Jesus is. He talks with the Father about us. He’s been here and knows what it’s like.

There’s no need for flowery words or memorized church prayers. Never just copy someone else’s prayer. You can use it as a prayer starter, but change it to speak from your own heart. Ever heard the expression, “Honesty is the BEST policy”? Truth be told, honesty is the ONLY policy. Talk to Jesus honestly first. He is our Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God.

Being faithful in prayer means, “Keep on praying and don’t give up” (Luke 18:1 NIV).

Prayerfulness, or being faithful in prayer becomes a part of us as we read God’s Word and spend time with Jesus. For example, a few weeks ago, reading about John and his disciples in Matthew 14, I began to see something about prayer from a different angle.

John the baptizer was in prison for preaching repentance as he prepared the way for Jesus. He was doing everything correctly. But things weren’t looking good for John.

John’s disciples were praying for his rescue from Herod. But instead, Herod had him beheaded. His head was delivered on a platter to Herodias. John was murdered in an unspeakable manner. Talk about disappointment and hurt!

John had a huge following. He was a powerful man of God! We can’t begin to imagine the pain, fear, and anger his disciples must have felt!

They could’ve been thinking, “Now what are we to do, our leader is gone! Do we continue as John’s disciples? Is there even a ministry anymore?”

In Matthew 14:12, we read that after burying John’s body (note that John’s head was no longer with his body), his disciples went to Jesus and told him everything that had happened.

The only thing that made sense was to tell Jesus everything. That’s exactly what they did and some of the Gospels record that Jesus took John’s disciples with him, even to His own disciples.

Maybe prayer is not hard for us after all. Being faithful in prayer is going to Jesus first, moment by moment.

The way to move from prayerlessness into prayerfulness is to pray.

We are even commanded to be prayerful, …faithful in prayer (Rom.12:12) and pray continually… (1 Thes. 5:17). When we pray consistently, talking to Jesus becomes as natural as taking another breath.

Scripture tells us often that Jesus spent extended time alone in prayer with His Father.

Because of Christ, the great high priest (Heb. 4:14-16), God invites us to bring our needs to Him. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (‭‭Heb. ‭4:16‬‬‬)‬‬‬‬.‬‬‬

God listens and when we call on Him, we’ll never get a response that ‘notifications are silenced’!

Just as we cherished the time talking with our grandchildren, Christ wants fellowship with all of His children.

Dear Iron Rose Sisters, do you feel comfortable going to Jesus, telling Him everything that has happened?

Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina 

It has happened to all of us: we have high expectations about a relationship with something or someone, and then we realize that the reality is completely different than what we expected.

Even Jesus, when realizing that He would be betrayed, kept in His heart the desire to pass that cup. “After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me’”(John 13:21 NIV).

Jesus knew that it was not Judas himself who initiated the betrayal, but He recognized that sinful action stems from an external influence. “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve”(Luke 22:3). “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him”(John 13:27a). It is very important to recognize that Satan is actively working to bring about betrayal in our relationships.

Dealing with these situations on a personal level can cause us anguish, and will affect how we deal with the reality of what has happened.

Jesus' outline was simple—only three steps:

1. Accept the situation.
2. Pray to the Father to process the feelings.
3. Keep the heart open to give love.

It seems quite simple—and I assure you that it is not—but I also assure you that lowering expectations and accepting what comes, while cultivating a pure heart will make the path more bearable!

Verizon marketed a catchy question we often ask when passing through areas with poor cell reception. Last Friday, I was driving in the mountains from Denver to Estes Park, where cell service is a bit spotty. The beauty of God’s creation is a hindrance to cell towers and a consistent phone connection, but the drive is definitely worth it!

Board President, Katie, and I had already been talking for a while, but we had transitioned to some prayer time when I began to navigate some of the mountain roads.

I started our prayers by lifting to the Father several personal and ministry issues that we wanted to leave in his hands. Katie listened and offered her silent “amen.” After a time of silence in my prayer, Katie thought I was taking a pause and wondered if she should start praying aloud now herself. Nope. The call had dropped.

I called her back and continued my prayer, unsure of what she had heard or not.

Following another time of silence, Katie began her prayers, thinking that I was finished. Nope. The call had dropped again, but it had taken us longer to realize it that time.

When we finally got connected again, we chuckled about the way in which we didn’t want to interrupt the other person’s prayer, and were unsure about how much the other person heard, but that, really, it didn’t matter.  God had heard us.

God’s ears do not depend on a cell tower. His attention is not limited to only one person at a time. “Can you hear me now?” God’s answer is always yes!

When I was in middle school, I started writing in a prayer journal. It was a more focused way of expressing my thoughts and prayers to God. It was also a tremendous testimony to how God was working in my life as I looked back and read past prayers.

Early in my high school career, I prayed that God would use my interest in languages to his glory. It seemed like a good prayer at the time. My sister’s interest prompted my entire family to take a sign language class. And I had already started taking Spanish classes at school.

Shortly after that prayer, we were offered the opportunity to host a Brazilian foreign exchange student through my high school. We even met her family and hosted them on a visit. My limited Spanish and her broken English made for an interesting situation communicating with her family in Portuguese, but we managed.

During that time, I thought that was the only way God was answering my prayer regarding my passion for languages:Spanish classes, sign language class, and a Brazilian exchange student. Was I ever mistaken…

My limited perspective of an “already answered prayer” potentially limited the doors God would open later in my life:Translator, coordinator of campaigns, women’s retreats, youth camps, church plants (in U.S., Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela), full-time missionary to Venezuela… and God isn’t finished answering that prayer yet!

Fast forward to today. This summer will be three years since the establishment of Iron Rose Sister Ministries, a bilingual women’s ministry resource. Everything we do is made available in both English and Spanish. And we continue to pray that all we do be to God’s glory.

My simple high school prayer is still a valid one today and I can’t wait to see how else God honors that simple plea nearly 25 years ago.

Take a moment to reflect on a prayer you have lifted up to God—one that you think he has maybe already responded to. And realize that he may not be through answering it yet. Let’s not limit his potential in our lives. What a mighty God we serve!

Have you ever been fishing and cast a line? I grew up fishing on the farm pond in Iowa and even though my cousin caught a five-pound catfish by dropping his string line in the water with a medicine bottle bobber, that is not the normal way to cast a line.

The proper casting of a line is all in the wrist. You throw the hooked bait out into the middle of the water and proceed with the waiting process of fishing.

One night, I was meditating on I Peter 5:7 and realized what it meant to cast my prayers and my cares before God. It signified letting go of my requests and trusting him with the answer.

I could picture myself going before God’s throne with my request and very specifically giving God all of my detailed instructions about how he should answer my request. Then, instead of leaving it in his hands, I take the request back with me upon leaving the throne room.

After meditating on I Peter 5:7, some of my most weighty prayers were transformed. I pictured myself entering the throne room of God, throwing the request at him, making a sincere plea for help, and running out the throne room before I could take it back up again.

The first time I visualized that practice, tears filled my eyes as a 100-lb weight was lifted from my shoulders. I repeated the practice the following night, and each subsequent night, it became easier and easier to leave my requests at the Father’s feet. I knew he cared. I trusted him to take charge. I had cast all my cares upon him. And, today, I invite you to do the same.

What have you heard through prayer this month? Are you listening?
What good is what we hear, if we don’t do anything with it? We would be like the foolish builder who built his house on the sand—he heard, but didn’t put it into practice (Matt. 7:24-27).
So, in the spirit of “putting it into practice,” we will encourage each other to do so through the Common Threads.
Don’t forget to share this with someone, an Iron Rose Sister, so that you can join in prayer together: serving as iron sharpening iron, encouraging each other to be as beautiful as a rose, in spite of a few thorns.

Written by Ana Alfaro, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in El Salvador

Daniel was a young man, a prince of Judah, taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. His name was changed to Belteshazzar (Dan.1:7). Daniel, despite his youth, proved to be a determined young man with character and strong conviction. He maintained a consecrated life and constant prayer to God, which caused much jealousy and envy amongst those around him.

Daniel, studying the book of Jeremiah, learned that the destruction of Jerusalem was coming to an end (Dn. 1:2) and decided to fast, dressed in sackcloth and, sitting in ashes, pray to God.

Daniel came to God with pleas and prayers, confessing his sins and the sins of the people, thereby showing humility and shame for having disobeyed God and turned away from His commandments (Dn. 9:4-6). Iniquity, rebellion, disobedience, were sins that Judah and Jerusalem committed against God when they did not obey God's servants (the prophets).

“We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.”

Sin brings shame, pain and separation from the presence of God leaving us alone, sad and helpless… at the mercy of Satan. Daniel knew what God had done with his ancestors (Dan. 9:15). What He had done to him and the young men who were also taken prisoner (Dn. 3 and Dn. 6). Daniel had full confidence in God. That is why he said: Great God, worthy to be feared. Daniel acknowledged God's mercy, His justice, His faithfulness (Dn. 9:4,7 and 9); Daniel pled for God's mercy so that His wrath would not fall on Jerusalem (Dan. 9:16-19) .

“Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.””

Like Daniel, we must learn to know the qualities of God so that we can confidently come before Him knowing that, if we show true repentance, He will hear us, forgive us, and restore us. “If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and righteous, will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). God's response to Daniel was prompt, it did not take long.

While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision.” (Dn. 9:20-23)

Daniel's faithful prayer allowed God to answer him quickly. God continues to listen to the fervent prayers of His children when He is loved and sought with all our hearts; however, it should not be forgotten that any transgression of His word has a consequence. We must trust in His love, His mercy, His faithfulness, when we have sinned and approach Him with an attitude of humility, confessing the sin or sins that we commit.

Like Daniel, we must remain determined to continue praying to God; live a life of continuous prayer, trust in His mercies, and love Him. We will be heard in the hour of our tribulation, receiving an answer to our plea within God’s will.

May God bless you and allow us to continue learning more from His Word every day.

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas 

When we think of David, we often think of the shepherd boy… the youngest in the family… who killed Goliath, spent years running from Saul’s anger, became king, took another man’s wife, and had him killed in battle.

There is more to David than those events. There is his heart—a heart devoted to God in constant communication.

Samuel told King Saul in 1 Samuel 13:14 (ESV), “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.” This was said when David was still a shepherd, before he slew Goliath. God saw David’s heart.

In 1 Chronicles 17:16, we see David’s HUMILITY. Nathan told David he couldn’t build the temple, but the Lordwas building a house for him: a dynasty of kings. “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me this far?“

In Psalm 73, we find a description of David’s relationship with the Father and why Samuel described him as a man after God’s own heart. Additional passages show David’s constant communication with God in various situations:

LOVE and TRUST:

Psalm 18:1, “I love you, O LORD, my strength.”

Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the Lord and do good.”

RECOGNITION for WHO GOD IS:

Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”The rest of this Psalm continues to proclaim the majesty of God.

Psalm 40 is a prayer of THANKSGIVING for deliverance:

“I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation” (vs. 10).

OVERWHELMED by betrayal:

In Psalm 55, David pours out his heart because of the rebellion of his son Absolom. Ahithophel, one of his thirty mighty men and a trusted advisor, sided with Absolom.

He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. God will give ear and humble them… My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords… But I will trust in you. (55:18-23)

PROTECTION when fleeing from Absalom:

Psalm 3:3, “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

REFUGE:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea…The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Ps. 46:1-2,7)

THANKSGIVING for God’s MERCY:

Psalm 103:8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

WORSHIP and PRAISE:

Psalm 106:1-2, “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise?”

Heartfelt words of REPENTANCE after his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! … Restore to me the joy of your salvation.(Ps. 51:1-2, 12)

THANKS for ANSWERED PRAYER:

Psalm 116:1, “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.”

Psalm 119 is a prayer of GRATITUDE for God’s Word: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!(vs. 1) Then in verse 11, David gives one of the keys to knowing and doing God’s will, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Being TRANSPARENT:

Psalm 139 closes with, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (vs. 23-24)

David allowed his life to be an “open book” before the Lord.

The Psalms show how David walked with God in all stages of life. He turns to God as we often do to a close friend who knows all our joys, hurts, and secrets, and that open communication molds David into a man after God’s own heart.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (29:13). David’s life is one of seeking relationship with God through constant communication in complete faith and trust. Are you developing your relationship with the Father through regular communication?

At the end of June 2009, while IRSM Board President, Katie Forbess, and her family were serving as missionaries in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a group of teens and four adults were on their way to a Spirit-filled weekend at church camp. Along the way, the driver lost control and the bus rolled about 100 meters down the side of the mountain.

News was scarce at the beginning and the church was in shock as they learned that three people had died in the accident and others were in critical condition. But they didn’t know any names and rumors were rampant.

The mother of a missionary coworker, Sharla Marcum, called Katie to find out how her son was doing or to see if she had any news. At that point, they didn’t know specifically whether or not her son, missionary Josh Marcum, had survived the accident.

A short way into their phone conversation, Sharla, without preamble or asking permission, began to pray over Katie.

Katie recalls, “Her words impacted me. She had called in the hopes of receiving good news and comfort, but instead used her words to comfort and empower me. She empowered me to pray over others who were processing this incident in the days and months that followed. And she inspired me to never hesitate to pray over someone – in a moment of crisis or joy, trial or triumph.”

Thank you, Sharla Marcum, for empowering Katie through your prayer that memorable day.

And now, Katie and I invite you to take the initiative and pray over someone today. Not only will you give them a tangible reminder that they are being lifted before the Father, but you will also inspire them with the empowering nature of prayer.

(Sharla’s son, Josh Marcum, did survive the bus accident. Three young ladies, Belen, Diana, and Ariana passed away in the accident.)

Weary. Tired. Beaten down. But never alone.

Through the video series “Victorious and Joyful in Battle,” we acknowledged that everyone is facing a battle in their lives. Our battles may look different, but the struggles are the same. And in the midst of the battle, we get weary and forgetful. The struggles consume us because we are in survival mode and can lose sight of what we are fighting for.

The hope of victory may feel like a distant, even nonexistent reality. However, we can wait in hope and eager expectation of the victory we have in Christ!

This past weekend, we celebrated the victory of the resurrection—the ultimate victory over death. And if we have been united with Christ in His death and His burial, we are promised the victory of the resurrection (Rom. 6:1-4)!

Yet Jesus, in His humanity, even though He knew with absolute certainty the promise of the resurrection, He and His disciples became weary in the battle.

We do not have to feel guilty for feeling weary! And when we do feel beaten down and exhausted, Jesus reminds us of three keys during the weary stage of the battle, as we eagerly anticipate the victory of the resurrection.

Jesus’ example shows us that
1. It’s okay to admit our weariness. “Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death... The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:38a, 41b).
2. It’s okay to ask for help. “...and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him... Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matt. 26:36-38).
3. Prayer is vital for keeping our perspective. “So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing” (Matt. 26:44).

I rejoice with you in the hope of the resurrection and the victory we share through Him.

Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength, that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be ;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our Guide;
through endeavor, failure, danger,
Savior, be thou at our side.

Words: Love Maria Willis, 1864
Music: Sussex, Gott will's machen, Gott des Himmels, Marching