World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women 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. Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. 

Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can come to know how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the biblical passages in their context.  We can hear their concerns and needs and can feel ourselves in solidarity with them.  In this way it is possible to experience the richness of the Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression.

In 1928 during the International Missionary Conference in Jerusalem, women delegates from many countries agreed that worldwide participation would be a bond of unity among women.  Helen Kim of Korea was chosen to be the first woman outside of the United States to write the order of worship for the World Day of Prayer in 1930.

In 1930 The Federation of Women’s Board of Foreign Missions of North America co-opted ten women from all over the world as corresponding members.  Plans for a world committee for WDP were proposed for 1932, but depressed economic conditions prevented its implementation. 
 
In 1941 the coordination of World Day of Prayer within the United States became the responsibility of an interdenominational movement now known as Church Women United.  Coordination with other countries was carried out by the Foreign Missions Conference of North America.

In 1969 The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations decided to change their international day of prayer from March to May in order to take part in the World Day of Prayer.

It is from these roots that World Day of Prayer has taken its present shape.  World Day of Prayer has moved with women wherever their lives have taken them. The theme of this year’s World Day of Prayer is “Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God” and the order of worship has been prepared by the sisters of Cameroon. The theme inspires and challenges us to embrace all people irrespective of gender, ethnicity, caste, colour and creed.  May the Good Lord help us all as we participate in this Global Ecumenical Movement of Informed Prayer  and Prayerful Action.
 
AICCW calls all the Churches to join hands in observing this day and share our hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, our opportunities and needs. The Liturgy for worship can be viewed on the NCCI Website –
http://www.nccindia.in/resources/view.htm?no=136

Wishing you a blessed Lenten Season.

Rachael Pradhan 
Executive Secretary
AICCW - NCCI