Women’s World Day of Prayer at the Church of the Resurrection
The first Friday of March is celebrated internationally as the Women’s World Day of Prayer, and we are delighted that a group of Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox women have prepared some stations in church to help us pray creatively and imaginatively.
A Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation
Make me, O Lord, the instrument of your love, that I may bring comfort to those who sorrow and joy to those who are regarded as persons of little account.
In this diverse country, with all our disparities of faith, background, wealth and experience, make me courteous to those who are humble and understanding to those who are resentful.
Teach me what I should be to the arrogant, the cruel; for I do not know.
And as for me myself, make me more joyful than I am, especially if this is needed for the sake of others.
Let me remember my many experiences of joy and thankfulness. And may I this coming day do some work of peace for thee.
Amen.
(adapted from a prayer by Alon Paton, anti-apartheid campaigner and author of Cry the Beloved Country)
The message about the cross doesn’t make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God’s power at work.
1 Corinthians 1:18
Generosity
God has given us countless gifts! Let us pray for a spirit of gratitude. Take some time to reflect on the things for which you can be grateful in your life.
Give thanks for your body and health.
Give thanks for something material that you own or use regularly.
Give thanks for a relationship.
Give thanks for your relationship with God.
Give thanks for something surprising.
As you conclude, is there something God is calling you to as a result of your time of gratitude? Is there anyone he wants you to call? Is there anything he wants you to give?
Creation
Creator God, we give thanks for the wonderful gift of creation and your presence in every part of it.
As we seek to widen our circle of love, help us to rediscover the value, unity and sacredness of all that exists.
We seek forgiveness for the ways in which our actions and choices have damaged the earth, affecting the climate, destroying diversity and impacting the lives of the poorest of our sisters and brothers.
In your love, lead us into solidarity and companionship, inspire our leaders to courageous decisions, and grant each of us the wisdom and commitment to act.
May we treasure earth’s resources, work to reduce our impact on the climate and be open to a conversion of heart and lifestyle.
Amen.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4.4-9
Peace for the Nations
In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!