CANORA - Every year, on the first Friday of March, people around the globe come together to observe the World Day of Prayer – an international, inter-church event that began around 100 years ago.
Bridging social, geographic, and political barriers in 146 countries, participants pray for justice, peace, and reconciliation by standing united in prayer and action. In this country, the World Day of Prayer (WDP) is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC), one of the original founders of this prayer movement. Preparation for the WDP is headed by an international committee based in New York, while national committees and organizations contribute from each participating country.
In Canora, residents gathered on Friday, March 1 at the Canora Gateway Community Church. The focus for 2024 was presented by a committee of Christian women of Palestine. Their theme of choice was based on Ephesians 4: 1-3, “I beg you … bear with one another in love”
The Canora event began with each attendee receiving an event program and a symbolic ‘olive branch’ at the door of the sanctuary. MC Carolyn Bright welcomed guests to watch an interactive, 55-minute WDP service video that featured personal stories from Palestinian women, as well as WICC members from across Canada.
Guests were encouraged to reflect on the history and challenges faced by Palestinian citizens; their struggle for security, peace, and independence; as well as the efforts that women have made during changes in ruling influences over the last century. The film represented an opportunity to learn more about the geographical area that is home to the roots of Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths.
Near the end of the service, after stories, prayers, and hymns, guests participated in exchanging “olive branches” with others in attendance, while they learned an Arabic phrase, “Salaam al Massih” (suh-lom-al-mass-sah) meaning, “the peace of Christ.”
Once the service had concluded, the women of the Canora Gateway Community Church invited guests to enjoy refreshments in the dining area. Sitting down to coffee, tea, and conversation, friends also enjoyed foods inspired by the country of Palestine, including olives, sesame cookies, hummus, and citrus fruits.
“Offerings received through the World Day of Prayer transform participants prayers into action in the form of project grants empowering women and children in Canada and throughout the world,” said information on the WICC website at wicc.org. “All regions share in the grants, with consideration given to greatest need. WICC has distributed around $3 million for small projects in the past 40 years. Their vision is to restore hope to women and children touched by injustice.”
On the horizon for upcoming years, the WICC website indicates that worship themes have been chosen for participating countries. In 2025, the theme “I made you wonderful” will be presented by Cook Islands. Nigeria will present in 2026 with, “I will give you rest, come.” Beyond that, more WDP themes will be presented by Costa Rica, Italy, Nepal and Jamaica.
Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking Canora Courier's homepage at this link.
Bookmark SASKTODAY.ca, Saskatchewan's home page, at this link.
