​World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women
who welcome you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.

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Build on a Strong Foundation

Program written by the
World Day of Prayer Committee of
​Vanuatu for WDP 2021
Matthew 7:24-27

​One of the first things we learn with Vanuatu women is that “Land to a Ni-Vanuatu is what a mother is to a baby.” The relationship with land is at the foundation of the Ni-Vanuatu identity and spiritual strength. The painting chosen to illustrate the program reflects the Vanuatu women's connection with land, culture, faith, and the islands susceptibility to natural disasters.

​We listen to their voices through the worship service, which invites us to focus on the Bible story in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus tells a story about the kingdom of heaven using the image of a house and the land on which the house is built. Choosing the land on which to build the house is an important decision for people in Vanuatu. The combination of considering the terrain and the climate is crucial in a tropical archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean prone to earthquakes, cyclones, volcanic eruptions and rising sea levels.

In Jesus’ story, the wisdom of the builder of the house comes from hearing and acting on the word of God, which is a word of love. This is the foundation on which our sisters call us to build our homes, our nations and the world. A call of faith to be earnestly considered when responding to the prayer of commitment: “What is the house that you would build?” In receiving their voice as a gift of wisdom, we share their hope and creatively engage our communities in "Informed Prayer. Prayerful Action."

I Know the Plans I Have for You

Program written by the
​World Day of Prayer Committee of
​England, Wales & Northern Ireland for WDP 2022
Jeremiah 29:1-14 

In the midst of all the uncertainties we are living under due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WDP 2022 theme emerges like a balm of confidence. It is an invitation to place our trust in God in times of suffering.

The program is based on the letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylonia. The exiles were in a context of suffering, uncertainty, and opposing views on how to respond to the moment. Today, we come together to hear the stories of women who feel excluded, listen to the fear of a child refugee and learn to see the context of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-faith society in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (EWNI).

For Jeremiah, God’s plan was clear, and we share this assurance by singing it. What is your WDP hope? Let the children and the youth guide your response. Then, come to celebrate hope by lighting a candle on behalf of the seven regions of the world, knowing that our prayerful action can bring to life the promises of God who, like a Mother and Father, cares for us all.

We are given a seed of hope to ponder where it needs to be planted in our lives and in our communities. Take this opportunity, to raise awareness on the needs of your community and offer the gifts of prayers and commitment. A seed, nourished by prayers of intercession and actions of love, bind us together around the world.