Today is World Day of Prayer, a worldwide ecumenical movement of women and men in more than 170 countries observing a common day of prayer. Prayers are offered all over the world, beginning with the first sunrise and ending at the last sunset. "God's Wisdom Provides New Understanding" is the theme used for the prayer service written by the women of Guyana.
The theme is developed to express the awesomeness of God's creation and that we can learn from it. As we survey God's work we are filled with awe at the beauty and diversity, and begin to understand that we are called to care for all creation.
The opening prayer speaks to us about wisdom: "Dear God, we come before you with confidence and reverence. We give thanks for life, and understanding, and ask that you strengthen and increase our knowledge. Our relationship with you is the beginning of wisdom." New understanding comes from God through Jesus Christ.
We acknowledge the Wisdom of God in the marvelous works of creation. When God established the heavens and earth, Wisdom was there. When God assigned the seas their limits, and shaped the mountains, and brought forth the hills, Wisdom was there.
May the strength of God uphold us. May the power of God keep us. May the wisdom of God teach us. May the hand of God enfold us. May the shield of God protect us. May the host of God guard us against the worlds' evils and temptations. May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us. May the salvation of God be always ours, this day and forever more. Amen. (from 2008 World Day of Prayer Worship Service)
Lois Poston
Today's local World Day of Prayer service is at First United Methodist Church, 6363 Livernois, Troy MI, at 10:00 a.m.
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