Minute for Mission: World Day of Prayer

“Wonderfully Made,” created by Tarani Napa and Tevairangi
Napa, a mother-daughter artist team from the Cook Islands.

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement, celebrated in more than 170 countries, led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March; for 2025 that is today, March 7.

This year’s theme, “I Made You Wonderful,” inspired by Psalm 139:14, was selected by a group of ecumenical Christian women of the Cook Islands, who also prepared this year’s worship materials. According to the World Day of Prayer website (worlddayofprayer.net/cook-islands-2025.html): “[E]ach one of us was made with care and love by God. When we can receive this profound truth, everything in our life changes and we begin to radiate and shine from within. We also learn how to treat every other person made wonderful by God.”

On this World Day of Prayer, let us remember that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) by a loving Creator. 

To learn more about World Day of Prayer, visit worlddayofprayer.net or visit wdp-usa.org (for resources).

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Inc.

Let us join in prayer for:

• Rob Hagan, Ministry Relations Officer, Presbyterian Foundation
• Patricia Haines, Executive Vice President, & Chief Benefits Officer, Board of Pensions  

Let us pray:

Loving God, we are thankful that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”! As we reflect on this most profound truth and gift, we are renewed, resting in your assurance that our lives are meaningful, worthwhile, and wonderful! Help us to remember to live joyfully and to lovingly reflect your light to all we encounter as they, too, are “wonderfully made.” Amen.

Minute for Mission: World Day of Prayer

March 1, 2024

Informed prayer and prayerful action

art by visual artist Halima Aziz

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement, celebrated in more than 170 countries, led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March; for 2024 that is today, March 1.

This year’s theme, “I Beg You … Bear With One Another in Love,” inspired by Ephesians 4:1–3, was selected by a group of ecumenical Christian Palestinian women, who also prepared this year’s worship materials. According to the World Day of Prayer website: “We reflected collectively on this theme from the context of our suffering as Palestinian Christian women. We hope to inspire [others] around the world to bear with one another in love during troubled times.”

On this World Day of Prayer, let us remember that we are called to make “every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

To learn more about World Day of Prayer, visit worlddayofprayer.net or visit wdp-usa.org (for resources).

Source: worlddayofprayer.net/palestine-2024.html

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Inc.

Today’s Focus: World Day of Prayer

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Jennifer Cash, Copy Editor, Communications Ministry, Presbyterian Mission Agency 
Deborah Cassady, Participation Report Processor, Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program

Let us pray

Loving God, we pray for peace in our homes, in our neighborhoods and cities, and in and across all nations. We trust in your guidance and are comforted and inspired by your unwavering love for your people. In gratitude and joy, we will use our gifts to bring your peace to your world. Amen.

Minute for Mission: World Day of Prayer

March 3, 2023

World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a global ecumenical movement, celebrated in more than 170 countries, led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March; for 2023 that is today, March 3.

Every year a different country is responsible for resources created to help believers celebrate around the globe. For 2023, the WDP Committee of Taiwan chose the theme “I Have Heard About Your Faith,” based on Ephesians 1:15–19, to guide worship, prayer and prayerful action. The women of Taiwan lament the forces that compel them to live “under the shadow of war” and the impact that such fear and uncertainty bring to their lives and the lives of their families and communities. They lament but they are also encouraged that through Christ they (and all who suffer unjustly) are beloved and that as disciples they will “know the hope to which God has called you.”

Through Christ our lives have meaning and purpose. World Day of Prayer 2023 invites each of us to deeply reflect on the hope that is ours through Christ.

To learn more about World Day of Prayer and order resources, visit wdp-usa.org.

Carissa Herold is marketing associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Inc.

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Frank Spencer, President, Board of Pensions
Alex Spoelker, Director, Relationship & Development Operations, Ministry Engagement & Support, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)

Let us pray

God of our whole lives, thank you for being with each of us every day. Even in times of suffering, loss or uncertainty, we know that we are never alone. We give thanks and promise to strive to reflect your love to our neighbors. Amen.

Minute for Mission: World Day of Prayer

March 4, 2022

“Informed prayer and prayerful action.”

World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a global ecumenical movement, celebrated in more than 170 countries, led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March; for 2022 that is today, March 4.

This year’s theme, “I Know the Plans I Have for You,” was selected by the WDP Committee of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which also prepared this year’s worship materials.

As people of faith, we know that our lives matter to God and that God is with and for us. “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11, TMG). Jeremiah’s message — first shared with the exiles in Babylon who were in a place of uncertainty and suffering — continues to resonate with us today. World Day of Prayer 2022 invites each of us to reflect on God’s love for us no matter our circumstances. Our most loving response to our loving God is to reflect God’s love to others: never abandon them, care always about their plans and hopes, and work to protect their well-being through care, concern and advocacy.

To learn more about World Day of Prayer and order resources, visit wdp-usa.org.

Carissa Herold is marketing associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Inc.

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Gabriella Lisi, 1001 Apprentice, 1001 New Worshiping Communities, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Sara Lisherness, Director, Compassion, Peace & Justice/Interim Director, World Mission, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

God of our whole lives, thank you for being with each of us every day. Even in times of suffering, loss or uncertainty, we know that we are never alone. We give thanks and promise to strive to reflect your love to our neighbors. Amen.

Minute for Mission: World Day of Prayer

Artwork from Zimbabwe. (provided)

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement that is celebrated in more than 170 countries and led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. The day’s motto is “informed prayer and prayerful action.” World Day of Prayer is celebrated on the first Friday in March; this year, that is today, March 6.

This year’s theme — “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk!” — was selected by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Zimbabwe, which also prepared this year’s worship materials. Reflecting on the turmoil within Zimbabwe as well as the world at large, they were guided by Jesus’ response to the lame man at Bethzatha: “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6)

As people of faith, we are called to act in love, confident in God who offers personal and social transformation. “To be made well” is a choice. World Day of Prayer 2020 invites each of us to reflect on Jesus’ question for our own lives.

To learn more about World Day of Prayer and order resources, visit wdp-usa.org.

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Kris Valerius, Office of the General Assembly
Miguel Vargas, Office of the General Assembly

Let us pray:

Compassionate God, too often we feel immobilized by the turmoil of this world. As people of faith, we understand that we are called to respond affirmatively to Jesus’ question: “Do you want to be made well?” Be with each of us who pray this prayer as we rise, as we take our mat, and as we walk toward healing and wholeness. May our courage to act be a blessing to you and your world. Amen.