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“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
1 Corinthians 12:18-20

I've listened to many lessons over the years about how we each need to do our part within the church. The body of Christ has many members, and each member has a part to play, right? Preachers will often quote the scripture in 1 Corinthians 12 and list the various parts of the body, showing how each one has its own specific role to play.

I'm sure many of you have heard similar lessons, and it brings me to my question today:

What do you think of when you imagine doing your part?

Is it an active role? When you think of serving, are you up and about? Are you going to people's houses, cooking meals, talking with others, going on mission trips... what does it look like? I have always been a fairly active and social person, so I usually imagine myself going and doing, talking and reaching out, physically serving people in some way. Are these the only ways for someone to do their part?

I met a very encouraging man at Harding University’s Lectureship this past fall. He was moving from table to table in the lobby area, stopping to talk with whoever represented each ministry. It was difficult not to notice him as he moved around the room with his motorized wheelchair and beautiful service dog, and I was amazed to see how much time he spent talking to each and every person at the ministry tables. When he arrived to our area, this is how he introduced himself: “I have MS (multiple sclerosis), and I can’t always fit into the rooms where they have the classes. There isn’t a whole lot I can do for others, but I can pray. Can you give me a card about your ministry and tell me more about it so I can be praying for you?”

I have to admit that I have not always seen prayer as a way to serve others. It has been a way to communicate with God, and I know that He hears us. We often tell people we will pray for them when they are going through a difficult time, but is that always because we believe in the power of that effort? Or are we just offering words of comfort and encouragement in a difficult time when we aren’t sure what else to do?

This man spoke of his part in prayer as others might talk about going to other countries to build houses for people. He knew of its significance. It was his very real, very actionable part in the body of Christ, and I am so thankful for that.

*Written by Rachel Baker for Iron Rose Sister Ministries blog, Feb. 2020

• prayer
• PartoftheWhole

Prayer is the foundation of everything we do: keeping us connected to the One who guides our efforts and directs our vision. When we keep our eyes fixed on the Great I AM, we see more clearly the part that others play in the fulfillment of that vision, starting with your prayers!

During our Prayer Month, we are celebrating “Our Part in Prayer,” as a part of our overall 2020 theme: “Part of the Whole” (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:15-16). Every year, during the month of February, we join as one voice in prayer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries and all the women impacted, equipped, inspired, and encouraged through our efforts.

Our PART in Prayer
• Praise the I AM for being present with each of us individually as members of His body and for using us as His instruments through Iron Rose Sister Ministries.
• Admit that we cannot do any of it without Him, confessing Him as Lord of our lives.
• Request that God give us wisdom for where and how He leads us in the future and that He lead you in how you can partner in the vision to equip women.
• Thank God for what He has done through Iron Rose Sister Ministries thus far and thank Him that He is far from done with His work.

What is my part in prayer this month?
1. Pray daily for Iron Rose Sister Ministries.
2. Deepen our relationships with God and one another through prayer.
3. Print/copy this calendar and share it! Each day’s entry can serve as a reminder or a prompt for the Spirit to guide the rest of our prayers.
4. Share on social media: hashtags #IronRoseSister #ourpartinprayer #partofthewhole
Instagram (@IronRoseSister), Facebook (Iron Rose Sister Ministries)
5. Let us know where you are praying from and the specific prayers God has led you to pray on Iron Rose Sister Ministries’ behalf.

Monday, February 24 will be our Prayer-a-thon, in which people from all over the world will join as one voice to lift up Iron Rose Sister Ministries, “as each one does his/her part” (Eph. 4:16).
• Sign up for a 15-minute time slot to pray on Monday, February 24th, then fill out the form with your information 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 continue to do as a Prayer Warrior:
• Sign up to receive to our monthly Prayer newsletter (different than our e-news), which will include answered prayers! Subscribe on the website or contact us to add your email address.
• Commit to keeping Iron Rose Sister Ministries in your prayers, especially that God 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 God 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.