“I have heard about your faith,” from the letter to the Ephesians 1:15-19 is the theme of the 2023 World Day of Prayer.
A long-standing tradition in Devils Lake, a number of churches in the community come together for this special day and join with thousands all around the world, all praying at the same time on the same day.
This year’s WDP will be Friday, March 3 at 2 p.m. and the local host church is the United Methodist Church, but the team putting it together is made up of members from the United Methodist Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
All churches in the area are invited to participate.
The program
The service is created by a team of people from the featured nation and this year’s is Taiwan. They provide a program and materials to the local host church, but the host church then makes it their own by “tweeking” it to suit what they want.
Normally part of the program involves learning about the host nation and its prayer concerns.
From the WDP Leader Guide: “World Day of Prayer 2023 is brought to us by the women of Taiwan. They call us to worship with the words, “I have heard about your faith” from Ephesians 1:15-19. This is based on a letter sent to a faith community to express gratitude. Paul gave thanks to God for the Ephesians living out their love and faith and prayed that they could see these three truths: the hope to which God has called the disciples, the riches of God’s glorious inheritance among the saints and the immeasurable greatness of God’s power.”
“God’s calling has a meaning and a purpose. Often we are frustrated by difficulties and obstacles and may even lose our hope and faith or rely on our weak human nature. However, we are called to keep our “hope and faith” in God’s kingdom and promises. Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, we come to see the faithful, loving, and gracious God. We regain our hope and faith to face the challenges and move forward. As it was written in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Pineapple Cake and Bubble Tea
From the materials provided the local host church has decided to offer one of the popular treats from Taiwan, it will be a version of Taiwanese Pineapple Cake and Bubble Tea. You’ll have to come to 601 5th St. NE on Friday, March 3 at 2 p.m. to find out what that is!
Offering
An offering will be taken during the WDP and sent to WDP USA to continue its work across the country and the world.
What is the World Day of Prayer and its Worldwide Movement of Christian Women?
“World Day of Prayer is a worldwide, ecumenical movement of Christian women (and men, too) of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.
- It is initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions.
- It is symbolized by an annual day of celebration observed on the first Friday in March to which all people are welcome.
- It brings women of different races, cultures and traditions together in fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.
- Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and have immeasurable influence in the world.
- The motto of World Day of Prayer is “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action.” – This was taken from the WDP USA website
Next year’s World Day of Prayer – March 1, 2024 will be hosted locally by St. Olaf Lutheran Church and has the theme “I beg you … Bear with one another in Love” from Ephesians 4:1-7 with the program created by the people of Palestine.
