World Day of Prayer
An annual event which is developed each year by a different country chosen years in advance. This year, coincidentally, it happens to be Palestine which might seem to some rather apt.
Organised by all denominations
‘I beg you, bear with one another in love’
The Christian Women of Palestine are calling for us to connect with the land from where Jesus came. The place where he was born, ministered and died and from where our faith began and is rooted. Despite living in an area of the world where there is ongoing conflict and the future is uncertain, the women of Palestine are sharing with love a reminder that they are there, and they want to give hope to everyone.
The theme of the service 2024 ‘bear with one another in love’ seems very appropriate for these women who will not give up witnessing the love of Jesus Christ.
World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation led by women. It enables us to hear the thoughts of those women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns, and prayers. The preparation for the day is vast. An international committee is based in New York and there are national committees in each participating country. Regional conferences meet to consider the service and then local groups make their plans.
How to Celebrate
Finally, at a church near you on Friday 1 March people will gather to celebrate the service prepared by the women of Palestine.
The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 146 countries. It begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world. It travels through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later.
Regardless of whether you have a faith or not, everyone is most welcome to join us for our worship service at the Kibworth Methodist church on Friday afternoon on 1 March, 2.30pm.
Theresa Jackson, associate minister St Wilfrid’s church.