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A reflection and prayer to start the day with Beverley Humphreys.

Good morning. These days it’s easy to start a public campaign via email and social media, but in 1887 it was word of mouth that brought together a group of women in New York. They prayed together and worked to improve the poor living conditions they saw all around them. Over the years this grew into a global movement, and today - the World Day of Prayer – connects over 16 million people from 170 countries in their vision to work and pray about each other’s needs, hopes and fears.

The day of prayer begins as dawn breaks over the islands of Tonga, continues across each continent, encircling the world in prayer for 36 hours. The prayers reflect issues that affect everyone - from Education to Climate Change, and reflect the faith that God is present in every aspect of our lives, from the mundane to the monumental. So these are not just empty words - these prayers help to transform love into action.

The pandemic has shown us how interconnected we are - whatever affects us may also be experienced by someone tens of thousands of miles away. But how refreshing and reassuring it is that today - on World Day of Prayer - something so positive is spreading across the world. We can’t see it, can‘t touch it and yet it has the possibility of impinging on the life of every single one of us.

Generous God. As we face the challenges of our lives and of our world, enfold us and connect us with your love, give us the wisdom to search for your truth, the strength to work for justice and the joy of being close to you and to each other. Amen