Tuesday 26th February 2008
The Co-operative Republic of Guyana is the focus of this year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer (WWDP), on Friday 7 March.
For nearly 80 years the British Isles has taken part in what is now a global movement of Christian women, from many traditions, for a national day of prayer that not only takes up the burdens of the needy, praying with and for them, but also enriches the faith of all who take part.
Organisers say that the act of joining with Christians from other countries and cultures helps people become part of a greater world, extending their understanding of the faith experience. Closer to home, women often discover new talents that can enrich the life of their church or wider community.
But how did it all begin?
In the 19th century in United States and Canada Christian women from different denominations encouraged one another to engage in days, and occasionally weeks, of communal prayer in support of women’s home, and later overseas mission activities. Their vision – that Christian Unity was vital to the success of their missions.
In 1920 in Canada representatives of women’s missionary societies from five denominations formed a committee – now the Women’s Inter-Church Council – which organized the first co-ordinated national Day of Prayer. A similar day was held in the States on the first Friday of Lent, from which was born the now global Women’s World Day of Prayer.
Today the international committee oversees the work of the movement worldwide, while each participating country has a national committee to help co-ordinate activities.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are now over 3,000 branches holding 5,000 services every year.
The theme for this year’s day is ‘God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding’ and resources include Bible Study notes, children’s material, a press release and speakers’ notes. For details call 01892 541411or email office@wwdp-natcomm.org