*An invitation from the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, an affiliate of the Council*
The invitation is out for everyone–women, men, and children of all ages–to join the 2022 World Day of Prayer as we celebrate the theme: I Know the Plans I Have for You (Jeremiah 29:11). The women of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have prepared the service this year. We are encouraged to reflect on the changes and challenges faced by these countries as they have evolved independently and collectively over hundreds of years. The writing team has shared the injustice obstacles that immigrant women to the UK have met, the selfishness of Britain as a conquering nation, and the hopes for the future.
World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church event that began around 100 years ago bridging social, geographic, and political barriers in over 170 countries. The weekend of prayer begins in Samoa and then travels in many languages throughout the world–through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Together we pursue justice, peace, and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.
The preparation for the day is vast. An international committee is based in New York and there are national committees and organizations in each participating country. In Canada, the World Day of Prayer (WDP) is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC), an affiliate of The Canadian Council of Churches and one of the original founders of this prayer movement.
Offerings received through the World Day of Prayer transform our prayers into action in the form of project grants empowering women and children in our own country and throughout the world. All regions share in the grants, with consideration given to greatest need. Through WDP offerings, WICC has distributed around 3 million dollars for small projects in the past 40 years. The vision is to restore hope to women and children touched by injustice.
The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC) invites you, your friends, and family to join a service in over 1000 Canadian communities on or near Friday March 4, 2022. These may take place via Zoom or in-person. As well, individuals and families are welcome to watch a fifty-five-minute WDP 2022 service video prepared by WICC that features participants from across Canada. This video will be available on wicc.org as of February 1, 2022. Visit the WICC website to learn more, including how to organize a service.
