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World Day of Prayer 2024
Four years ago Christian women in Palestine were asked to lead this year's World Day of Prayer, with the theme verse: 'I beg you ... bear with one another in love' (Ephesians 4:2). We could not have predicted how much the world would need this prayer right now.
You can download the full service below, or include some components into your Sunday morning.
This prayerful worship service is symbolised by the olive tree and its branches, which is incorporated into the service. Olive trees are a sign of everlasting and abundant life because they can live for thousands of years. Some of the olive trees in Palestine today were there during the time of Jesus. The olive branch, of course, is also a well-known symbol of reconciliation and peace.
We are aware of the conflict in this part of the world, but it is also where our Christian faith was born through Jesus.
This service is written by the women of Palestine, and we acknowledge their deep suffering. We acknowledge the equal suffering of Israeli casualties of war and their families. We thank God for medical teams, aid workers and advocates for justice. God is close to all who are broken-hearted, no matter what creed or race. We pray healing for all who suffer, we pray for Israel and Palestine, and we ask for a wisdom beyond our own, to end this conflict and restore peace to the land where Jesus walked and taught.
You may have questions about how Palestine was chosen, or how the World Day of Prayer selection works. You can find an excellent explanation here: The World Day of Prayer Selection Process
Below you'll find:
- a full service sheet
- Bible study
- the stories of women from Palestine
- liturgical prayer
- children's resources
- info on Palestine
'I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' Ephesians 4:1-3 (NRSV) -
