World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 4

Local women invite you to join the World Day of Prayer on Friday, 4 March in your community.  Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the countries that start this annual event.

This year’s resources were prepared by women from England, Northern Ireland and Wales with the theme, “I know the plans I have for you”.  The women focus on moving from darkness to light through liturgy and in the stories of three women who have found new hope.

The worship and Bible study focus on the words of Jeremiah to people in exile encouraging people attending services to find hope in the challenges and uncertainties they face, especially during the pandemic.

“In some places the World Day of Prayer is the only time women organise worship.  I encourage you to join us and use the materials in other services or for private reflection,” says Pauline McKay, National President.

English artist Angie Fox has embroidered the poster image.  The open door towards the horizon symbolises freedom.  The broken chains symbolise justice.  The dove and the peace lily breaking through the pavement symbolise God’s peace and forgiveness.  The rainbow is a symbol of God’s love for the world.

“I  am thrilled to be chosen to represent,  in art,  the prayers of the women of my country.  I  have so many memories of organising and participating in World Day of Prayer services at home and abroad and I  love the feeling of togetherness, knowing that,  all over the world,  the same prayers are being offered in many languages, and cultures,  churches and meeting places,” says Angie Fox.

Offerings from the services will go to the Bible Society, Christian World Service, and Interchurch Hospital Chaplaincy as well as costs.  The Bible Society plans to assist 3,000 Indian widows with Bibles, counselling, health check-ups, vocational training and other support.  CWS will fund the Human Rights Foundation in India so Dalit (formerly called untouchables) and Tribal (indigenous) women can achieve greater human rights, especially as elected local government officials.

For more information contact your local World Day of Prayer organising group or Zella at wdpnz@xtra.co.nz

Resources including materials for children and young people are available on the new website: http://www.worlddayofprayer.co.nz/

The World Day of Prayer is a global movement of Christian women who come together in prayer and for action in more than 170 countries.  Begun in the USA and Canada in the nineteenth century, it became a global movement in 1927.  The first service in Aotearoa New Zealand was held in Christchurch in 1931.

February 9, 2022