On 6 March, Christian women from 170 countries will observe a World Day of Prayer, drawing millions of people together for a healing message in a divisive world.The 2019 theme is “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk,” based on John 5:2-9a, and has been crafted by the World Day of Prayer Zimbabwe Committee. Each year, materials are developed ecumenically and collectively within a certain country in coordination with the World Day of Prayer International Committee.
For a liturgy prepared for the day, the Zimbabwe committee writes: “The peoples from the land of Zimbabwe welcome you. Zimbabwe means house of stones. We greet you in the language of the Shona people—Kwaziwai! (kwuz-WHY), and in language of the Ndebele people—Salibonani! (sah-li-bo-NA-nee). In English, we all say hello. Let’s greet one another.”
In a tradition that has continued since 1927, among many celebrations taking places around the world is one hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva and led by women from local English-speaking congregations and Christian organizations based in the city.
Rev. Nicole Ashwood, WCC programme executive for Just Community of Women and Men, expressed gratitude for all who will celebrate, pray and simply be present for one another across the world. She stated, “As we pause and pray for others, we resist the notion that women cannot overcome the hurdles of abuse or inequalities we face. Let's work together to improve the lives of women and their families, one gift, one prayer at a time.”
Just Community of Women and Men
The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
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