World Day of Prayer 2019 artwork by Rezka Arnus of Slovenia.
The World Day of Prayer, to be held on Friday, March 1 is being hosted by Slovenia this year, with the theme, ‘Come –
Everything is ready’, from Luke 14:15-24.
The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.
It is run under the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.
At the core of this year’s theme for World Day of Prayer is an invitation – Come. And to enable the response – Everything is ready. Come to praise, thank, and proclaim the kingdom of love.
The invitation is grounded in the parable that Jesus told about a great dinner which was attended by the ones called off the streets, as the ones invited excused themselves. The community formed around the table is not enough to fill the house – there is still room. Who are missing from the table in your community?
The WDP Committee for Slovenia say that the artist for the World Day of Prayer image, Rezka Arnuš, wanted to present two topics with her artwork.
“(They are) the country of Slovenia and the main biblical story of the worship service. At the top there are women dressed in national traditional costumes. The semicircular ornament with Slovenian folk embroidery represents a plate or a table with their best known national dish – potica – and grapes from various wine producing vineyards,” the committee writes.
“Partly under the table, one can see the children from the margins of the society. They heard the invitation to the feast. The red and white colours used reflect Slovenian folk embroidery. The green background colour emphasises the green Slovenia, fields and forests. The warm colours of children express the joy of heartfelt invitation.”
If you or your community are interested in taking part in the World Day of Prayer in Australia there is a list of worship services available on the WDP Australian website here, as well as resources for celebrating the day here.
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