4 March 2022

World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical organisation which enables women all over the world to share the ideas and concerns of the writing country. The invitation is to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.

This year’s service is presented by the World Day of Prayer organisation for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a theme of ‘I know the plans I have for you’. In the midst of all the uncertainties we are living under due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WDP 2022 theme is offered as a balm of confidence. It is an invitation to place our trust in God in times of suffering.

This year’s material reflects a seed of hope to ponder where it needs to be planted in our lives and in our communities. Take this opportunity, to raise awareness on the needs of your community and offer the gifts of prayers and commitment. A seed, nourished by prayers of intercession and actions of love, bind us together around the world.

The website www.worlddayofprayer.org.nz/ has all the resources and includes the Service Booklet which has been compiled and adapted the original service to suit our New Zealand groups – i.e. two of Colin Gibson’s hymns – and people are able to see the projects being supported. We still have a quantity of the service booklet available. Contact details are on the website. Over 10,000 copies were sent out at the end of November 2021 to groups. We also ran a Leaders’ Workshop at the end of January 2022. Here is a link to watch on the Christchurch North Methodist Parish Facebook page - Christchurch North Methodist Parish / Facebook In due course this will be available on YouTube and a link will be posted on the WDPANZ website.

by Mission & Ecumenical & Lynne Scott, National Secretary World Day of Prayer Aotearoa New Zealand.