World Day of Prayer 2022
World Day of Prayer is organised by women from around the world who have been coming together in prayer since 1930. This year, the day is being run by England, Wales and Northern Island - it focuses on hope during times of crisis, prayers of confession and requests for healing from the impacts of colonialism.
The following are excerpts from the excellent prayer service - you can download the entire service below, along with resources for children and youth.
The prophet Jeremiah lived some 600 years before the birth of Christ, at a time of great political crisis. The southern kingdom of Judah had been invaded by the Babylonians and many of its people taken from Jerusalem into exile. The people had lost the land they believed God had given them and they longed to return, but the future looked bleak. Our chosen passage is part of a letter from Jeremiah, setting out God’s plan for the exiles: they are to stay where they are and make new lives for themselves in this foreign land.
Throughout the course of history, nations have conquered other nations and established empires that have stretched across the known world. Britain was one of these conquering nations. Looking back, we realise that, through our selfishness and lack of consideration for others, we caused suffering to our sisters and brothers in other countries. We feel that it is important to acknowledge this fact during this service – and have therefore included a specific Prayer of Confession. We invite all who share the British heritage and those who come from other nations with a similar history to ours to share in this Prayer of Confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader 1: Merciful God, we come to you in confession. We are aware that much of the suffering our sisters and brothers across the world face is a result of our colonial past. We acknowledge this and are sorry that, as a country, we have often put ourselves first, at the expense of others. Silence
Leader 2: Gracious God, forgive us
All: God, in your mercy, forgive us
Leader 1: We think of your beautiful world and how we have taken it for granted and squandered its resources.
Leader 2: Generous God, forgive us
All: God, in your mercy, forgive us
Leader 1: Our fellow sisters and brothers cry out to you; we have failed to love them well. We have not loved our neighbours as you have taught us. Sometimes we have not even loved ourselves.
Leader 2: Compassionate God, forgive us
All: God, in your mercy, forgive us
All: God, in your mercy, help us to act on your call for repentance.
Leader 2: Jesus, thank you that through your sacrifice we are forgiven. Holy Spirit, transform our hearts and minds, so that we may live and love as Jesus showed us.
All: Amen
VOICES OF WOMEN
Leader 1: The people of Jeremiah’s time found themselves in a place where they did not want to be: away from their homeland and excluded from their culture, worship and homes. There are many people who have settled in the British Isles after having fled their homeland and culture. In the land of prosperity there are those who are poor. And in the midst of crowded cities many are lonely. How can we tell all their stories? We cannot. But we can hear voices telling us to listen to what it means to feel excluded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. So what does it mean to feel excluded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
[Immediately three women, seated in different places on the edges of the worship area, jump up and call out the answers to this question.]
Lina: Living in poverty, regularly missing a meal so that my children might not go hungry.
Natalie: Living in fear because my partner abuses me, physically, emotionally, and sexually.
Emily: Living in loneliness and isolation because of my age, disability, ethnic origin or sexuality
In the land of prosperity there are those who are poor. And in the midst of crowded cities many are lonely.
LINA’S STORY
My name is Lina (Lee-nah) and I have helped my son to bring up my four grandsons after their mother left them. My son struggles with mental health issues and cannot work, so there is very little money for even their basic needs. I used to go without food myself in order to buy food for him and the boys. Five years ago, my grandsons attended an event at my local church, where they were welcomed warmly. Since then, this church has become our wider family. They help us with regular donations of food from the Foodbank and have helped us with clothing and holidays for the family. One member of the congregation is a retired teacher and helped the grandchildren with their homework on a Wednesday night. Through the love of this church, we have found a safe space, people who love us and will not let us down. I thank God for the way that he has worked out his plans to bless us, to give us hope and a future, through my local church.
