World Day of Prayer - ‘Bear with one another in love’ | The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

World Day of Prayer – ‘Bear with one another in love’

Wednesday February 14th 2024

Artist: Halima Aziz.

World Day of Prayer, an international, inter-church organisation led by women, will be celebrated across the globe on Friday March 1.

The theme of the service this year is based on Ephesians 4: 1-6: ‘I beg you, bear with one another in love.’ It was written by the Christian Women of Palestine.

The Rev Louise Bowes, Ordained Local Minister in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Mossley, is vice-chairperson of World Day of Prayer.

“The service was written by a group of Palestinian Christian women approximately four years ago and, through sharing their personal stories, their hope was to encourage and inspire others around the world to bear with one another in troubled times,” Louise said.

“At the time of writing the service, these women could not have known the tragic events that would unfold just five months before the Day of Prayer 2024.

“Despite living in an area of the world where there is ongoing conflict and the future is uncertain, the Christian Women of Palestine are sharing with love a reminder that they are there, and they want to give hope to everyone. The theme ‘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 shares the thoughts of 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. Finally, on Friday March 1, people will gather to celebrate the service prepared by the women of Palestine.

Louise said: “What makes the Day of Prayer so special is that men, women and children in over 146 countries will be praying with and for this place and its peoples.

“The wave of prayer begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world – through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later.”

She continued: “But what will make the wave of prayer even more special is if you, the reader, would join in too. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.”

To find a service near you, CLICK HERE.