On 1 March 2024, many churches around the UK will be holding a World Day of Prayer Service. This year’s theme is “I beg you, bear with one another in love”. World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation, led by women, which enables us to hear the thoughts of those women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns, and prayers.
This year the Christian Women of Palestine are calling us to connect with the land from where Jesus came; where he was born, ministered and died – and from where our faith began and is rooted.
World Day of Prayer England, Wales & Northern Ireland National Committee member Amanda Allchorn said: “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 ‘bear with one another in love’ seems very appropriate for these women who will not give up witnessing the love of Jesus Christ.”
The Palestinian Christian women who wrote this worship service invite us to pray for peace, justice and freedom of religion and movement, asking us to pray for women, refugees, the sick, dying and grieving.
A Palestinian Christian Nurse, Dina Nasser, said: “I hope on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer, as we pray for peace and justice on earth, we remember that taking a stand for justice does not allow us the luxury of choice. It is a moral stand that we should uphold for all the oppressed in this world, be they Palestinians, Syrians, Yemenis or Ukrainians. How can we remain silent and only speak up when it is acceptable to do so? Please take action; we have heard enough statements of concern!”
Over the last 3 months, many churches from across the British Isles have been holding preparation days, becoming familiar with the resources offered by WDP ahead of 1 March. Amongst these, there is a Bible Study that calls us to ask what it means to bear with someone in love. And it asks us to reflect on why community is important for Christians. The Children’s Programme invites children to reflect on how standing together in love, makes us all feel stronger and less alone. It encourages children to imagine how the world could be more loving.
Also provided is the country background to Palestine, giving information about the history and culture of the country. It mentions places that have significance for Christians, being the birthplace of Christianity. It also reflects on the role of women in Palestinian society, and the history of the World Day of Prayer movement in Palestine.
The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 146 countries. It 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.
World Day of Prayer is a Charity and Network in Association with Churches Together in England.