It´s always the first Friday in March: The women´s world day of prayer.
Each year an other country is in the focus of this ecumenical movement.
This year it´s Papua New Guinea which is in the centre of attention.
Women of all denominations from PNG worked out the liturgy, select hymns and songs from PNG and also provide some information on the social, cultural and historic background of the country with a special focus on women.
This year´s liturgy reflects on the theme „we are many but one in Christ“
It is wonderful to have in mind that people around the world pray the same liturgy, sing the same hymns and join and connect in faith and prayer for the people and country of Papua New Guinea (or in other years other countries).
I´ve been to many WWDPs so far- it is always great to be reminded to be part of the world-wide church. This year´s theme makes it very clear.
I will join the music team tonight- play the guitar and some drums. And I look forward to sharing a simple but original meal from PNG.
But each year my personal highlight is the closing hymn: „The day thou gavest, Lord, has ended“.
I love that hymn. It reminds me that that our common faith in Jesus Christ brings people together from around the world.And whenever I sing it, I think of a very dear friend in NZ, who loves this song as much as I do. Particularly the fourth stanza. It says that somewhere in the world there is always someone who prays and praises God as the sun moves forward to the west and brings other peoples the light and love of God.
And: Although it´s called „Women´s world day of prayer“ – menfolk is also invited!
So come and join into the world wide ecumenical movement of prayer and shared faith.
And isn´t this year´s picture particularly beautiful?
