Every year, the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada participates in the Women’s World Day of Prayer – a global ecumenical Christian initiative, led by lay women, that strives to build understanding through “informed prayer and prayerful action.”
This year’s World Day of Prayer service was prepared by the women of Zimbabwe, on the theme, “Rise! Take your mat and walk!”
The source is John 5:2: “One who was there had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?” …Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.”
The women of Zimbabwe see the parable as a call to follow God’s word, and work towards peace and reconciliation in their own country, and around the world. No more waiting powerlessly on the mat!
In Bradford, Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church, 167 Essa St., will be hosting the World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 6 at 1 p.m. Six local churches are involved in the service and music. All are welcome to attend.
The service will be followed by a lunch reception in the Holy Martyrs of Japan Parish Hall.
World Day of Prayer is celebrated in an estimated 170 countries around the world.
Zimbabwe, a land-locked country of 16 million, gained its independence in 1980 – when Robert Mugabe was elected president. He remained in power for 37 years, only deposed on Nov. 15, 2017 through military action.
In 2018, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa was inaugurated as the new president – but upheaval and controversy have continued. Protests against the rising cost of fuel last year were violently suppressed by the regime.
Zimbabwe is struggling with a faltering economy, poverty, gender inequality and violence against women – but the World Day of Prayer service is a call to prayerful action, and reconciliation.
