A large congregation of women of many denominations attended this year’s WWDP Service at the United Reform Church in Middlesbrough.

The service and the liturgy was prepared by the Christian women of Guyana and the theme was ‘God’s wisdom provides new understanding. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth came knowledge and understanding’.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer has come a long way in the last century. Today more than 170 countries and islands take part. It has become truly international and interdenominational. The service is translated into 60 languages and 1,000 dialects.

The day of prayer begins on the International Date Line. The first service is held at dawn at Tonga. Then as the earth rotates a great ‘Mexican wave’ of prayer rises through the Pacific and Asia, through the Middle East to Europe East and West; across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, South and North America until the last service of the day is held off the coast of Alaska.

Roman Catholic participation grew especially after Vatican II and the National Committee elected its first Roman Catholic chairperson.

Ann McGeever