World Day of Prayer

Imagine over 1.5 million Christians speaking 90 different languages in 150 countries coming together in spirit; uniting to pray for relevant issues affecting women and children. This was the 2022 reality for this tremendous movement that has been active for nearly 100 years.

Observed on the first Friday in March, World Day of Prayer is a global, ecumenical movement of Christian women joined together to observe a common day of prayer.  A different participating country writes the service each year, and the service for 2023 has been prepared by the Taiwan committee. In Canada, the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada is made up of representatives from 11 church partners.

Through participation in the worship service, we can learn how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression.

The motto of the World Day of Prayer movement is Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. Through our participation in the World Day of Prayer, we affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence on the world.

Teach me the language of prayer, God (a prayer for World Day of Prayer)

Teach me the language of prayer, God.

Help me to hear prayers of thanksgiving
in the laughter of young children and old friends.

Help me to feel prayers of lamentation
in the silent tears of strangers and loved ones.

Help me to witness prayers of intercession
in small acts of kindness and service.

Teach me, God,
how to pray with my whole being.
Amen.

-Alydia Smith, from Parables, Prayers, and Promises (UCPH)

There is also a video for kids!