Women arm themselves through devoted prayer
“Take a moment to appreciate those we share this world with and all that makes them unique to God’s creation.”
Holding hands and raising their voices in praise, women exalted the Lord as they gathered at the Benoni Central Methodist Church to celebrate the 95th Women’s World Day of Prayer (WWDP).
Paying homage to the Cook Islands, the women from all Christian denominations placed flowers behind their ears in celebration of this annual global event, held on March 7.
First hosted in America in 1887, South Africa officially observed the inter-denominational mass prayer meeting in 1956.
Under the banner, ‘I made you wonderfully,’ the theme highlighted that despite ethnicity, culture or language; every human was masterfully and intentionally created by God.
“Every one of us gathered here is breathing! Is that not astonishing? All share in that gift of life” read the uniform scripture prepared by WWDP.
Greeting those in attendance in customary Maori ‘kia orana’, former Benoni Salvation Army Family Care Centre manager, Carol Rennie explained the phrase means more than just a polite ‘hello.’
“This greeting means may you live long and may you live well,” said the community stalwart who recently celebrated her 83rd birthday.
“It is also an invitation to shine like the sun and dance in the waves as we bring glory to God and his grace.”
Exchanging warm greetings and taking hands, the women took the time to appreciate the gift of being with each other.
Through this act of unity, they bowed their heads in prayer, seeking guidance in times of uncertainty, comfort for weary hearts and gratitude for God’s mercy.
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