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The Spicer Uniting Church hosted the World Day of Prayer service in Adelaide, Australia on Friday 1 March 2019.
The World Day of Prayer is a global initiative that brings women of various Christian denominations together in a worldwide annual service to pray with and for women facing hardships in a designated country.
Judith Lawry, leader of the women’s organisation of the Firle Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was asked to help lead the World Day of Prayer church service.
This year the focus was on the women of Slovenia with the service prepared by them and held in countless places around the world on the same day.
“This brings such a sense of unity and connection,” explained Judith, who led the ‘Women’s Voices’ segment of the service.
The World Day of Prayer movement’s motto is ‘Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action’ which resonates with Latter-day Saint women, several of whom also attended the service.
“In the Church we have a similar emphasis – that faith is a call for action. It’s about what we are prompted to do for our families, people in need and the community once we’ve offered those prayers.”
“It’s about providing meaningful support, just as Jesus Christ did in His ministry,” continues Judith.
She presides locally over the Church’s Relief Society*, whose motto is ‘Charity Never Faileth’.
“It’s uplifting to join with so many women of faith as we expressed gratitude for communities that surround women and children with love. We are inspired and motivated to look after the elderly and vulnerable in our neighbourhoods as well,” shared Judith.
The 2019 event marked the third consecutive year the Church in Adelaide has participated in the World Day of Prayer. All service donation offerings will assist Slovenian women still struggling after the 1990’s war and other hardships.
* March 17 marks the 177th anniversary of the Relief Society which is the oldest and largest women’s organisation in the world. Established in 1842, today there are more than seven million women in the organisation, aged 18 years and older. Its purposes include building faith in God and Jesus Christ, strengthening individuals, families and homes, and working in unity to help people in need.