Prayer for world women’s day 2021
Asia-Oceania
Symbols: statue/picture of Mary and Marie-Louise, items/pictures depicting women’s careers as mothers, teachers, nurses, architects, accountants, etc., candles, flowers
Introduction: On this World Women’s Day, we thank God for creating women, gift to humanity. We celebrate the achievements of women as we remember those who have played a significant part in our lives. Let us pray that all women may receive the basic necessities of life, respect, protection, empowerment and recognition
Call to Worship
Voice 1: We celebrate women’s voices, proclaiming wisdom.
Voice 2: We honor women’s lives, forging new paths.
Voice 1: We remember women’s faith, strong amid challenges.
Voice 2: We anticipate women’s vision, calling us into the future.
All: Past, present, and future, our lives join with women everywhere.
Suggested song: We Are Called by David Haas or any selected song by the entity
Fact: Sustainable Development Goals #4 and #5 aim to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” and to “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”. In spite of some achieved progress, we have a very long way to go.
RL #2: Members of an international Congregation, we are attentive to the massive consciousness of the global dimension. Inhabitants of an Earth that is threatened in its existence and where human rights are scorned, we announce the Spirit who is always at work and denounce the false wisdoms that destroy life.
All: Empower us, Transforming Wisdom, so we may bring hope, life and love to all those you put on our path.
Ant.: O Lord, you place your hand of blessing on my head.
Psalm 139 (read by two persons)
Breathing in: “Goodness in me”. Breathing out: “I trust this goodness”. I say aloud
* You knit me in my mother’s womb.
* I praise you for I am wonderfully made.
* Wonderful are your works. (Joyce Rupp)
Reflection and sharing
Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
After the Scripture readings, in my heart I thank God for the gift of my person and for the women who have helped me to grow and to become who I am today. I share the story of one woman. In her honor, I bring a lighted candle in the display after my sharing.
Refrain: Magnificat (Magnificat, Magnificat, Magnificat anima mea Dominum…)
Intercessions: God always hears our prayers. May we attune our will to God’s will as we present to God our deepest longings.
® Lord, give us a loving heart and a renewed spirit.
For all world leaders, that they may be moved to work for peace and justice by ratifying the United Nations Convention, to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, and carry out its terms, we pray. ®
For courage to stand up for the abused, the needy, the sick, the poor and the stranger. For healing and comfort for those who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially for this ongoing pandemic, we pray. ®
For women who bring forth their children in uncertainty, for refugees and for victims of war who live on others’ mercy and generosity, we pray. ®
For all those who go hungry while others feast in plenty, and for those who struggle to support families in the midst of economic injustice, we pray. ®
For women leaders contributing, setting standards, changing the course of history, preparing, supporting, challenging those resentful of our collegial claims and capabilities, we pray. ®
For the bold women today, who serve with a sense of holy purpose in their vocations as daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters. Empower us by faith and bless our vocations at home and in the church. Inspire us to encourage one another in fellowship, laughter, hospitality and sharing, we pray. ®
For the times we and others have limited women through inequality, by stereotype, by exclusion, through lack of opportunity, we ask forgiveness. May all women know equality of healthcare, of education, of wealth, of prospects, we pray. ®
Prayer: Loving God, you have heard the cries of your suffering people. Open our eyes to see the immensity of your love for us and the wonder of what you have done for us. Give us the courage to be your hands and heart for those who are in pain. Give us the wisdom and the strength to speak out for justice and righteousness. May your will be done in us today and always. Amen.
Affirmation of Faith
R: There are women yearning for good news.
All: We will speak out.
R: There are women whose hearts are broken.
All: We will reach out.
R: There are women who have lost their freedom.
All: We will seek justice.
R: There are women who mourn.
All: We will stand with them.
Ending Prayer
All: Let us go forth then, O Living and Loving God,
Let us go forth in the power of Your Presence deep in our hearts,
and the power of your presence overflowing in our communities.
Let us go forth confirmed and strengthened in our vision.
Let us go forth named in hope and joy, and sustained in these challenging times.
Let us go forth as valiant women of justice and peace.
Let us go forth, with Mary, Montfort and Marie-Louise to love without borders. Amen.
Suggested Song: Standing on the Shoulder by Joyce Johnson Rouse
There are Women of Valor (Il y a de ces femmes)
or any selected song by the entity
Image source Pixabay
