Each year, on the first Friday of March, the Women’s World Day of Prayer takes place. If you haven’t yet heard of this event, we’ll be taking a little look at the when, how, and why so that you can get ready. And if you have already celebrated WDP in the past, we’ve got everything you’ll need to recognise the day in a beautiful way.
What Is The Women’s World Day of Prayer?
The global WWDP movement is a Christian—more specifically ecumenical—movement of symbolic solidarity, held annually. If this raises more questions than it answers, the ecumenical movement recognises and aims to unite Christian churches worldwide. The term itself refers to something global, worldwide or universal, which describes the Women’s World Day of Prayer fairly well.
This years event will be held on the first of March, and you don’t technically need to be a woman to celebrate. On this day, Christians around the world—over 170 countries, in fact—will come together to participate in a common ‘Day of Prayer’. Topics of informed prayer on this particular day include issues that impact on women, as well as children.
Each year, women from a different country write an order of service on a theme which their nation has chosen. Past themes have included “All God’s Creation is Very Good!”, with a service prepared by women of Suriname, and “Receive Children. Receive Me”, organised by women in Cuba.
About Slovenia
The annual theme of the 2019 Women’s World Day of Prayer is prepared by women of Slovenia: “Come, Everything Is Ready”. It’s a welcoming invitation to praise, thank, and unite. One of Europe’s smallest countries, the Slovenian flag is a beautiful red, white, and blue, emblazoned on the top hoist end with the Slovenian coat of arms. You may spot the vibrant Women’s World Day of Prayer bunting around churches of many denominations, as well as around community halls and locations where people gather to pray.
Why Is It Held?
Originally, separate initiatives in the States, led by women, were held to pray for foreign and World Missions. These spread into Canada and across the Atlantic as the reconciliatory ecumenical movement gained popularity. After the disunities of the Second World War, the underpinning objectives became more widely recognised. Christians began uniting in greater numbers to raise awareness and sympathise with the hardships endured by different cultures and countries, and to pray for them.
At the heart of it, prayer is seen as a means of uniting people despite geopolitical boundaries, demographics, and lifestyles. In recognising and celebrating the event, we appreciate that this unity and sympathy can guide our actions to bring good to the world.
How Can I Participate?
One of the lovely things about this global celebration is you aren’t required to be anywhere specific to celebrate. While you might see the Women’s World Day of Prayer flag fluttering nearby, or people waving Slovenia hand flags–you can take part anywhere. A quick online search will allow you to register to host, organise, and promote your own service, focused around celebrating solidarity with the women of Slovenia. These can also include discussions and learning about the issues on which you choose to reflect. At The Flag Shop, of course, we’ll be flying our own Slovenia flags.
Of course, March is full of other reasons to commemorate and celebrate, in addition to Women’s World Day of Prayer. We’ve got our fingers crossed that Spring will be coming our way soon and March is just when the daffodils sprout out after a long winter!
If you’re running a seasonal business, maybe it’s time to order your custom flags and make sure all your clients know you’re open! Not just standard flags, either—at The Flag Shop, we can print your company logo on teardrop flags, custom printed feather flags and even make you portrait flags using a High Resolution photo quality finish. Or are you headed to one of the several music festivals being held in the UK this March? If so, check out our range of fun festival flags that will make you stand out at the event.
Whatever you’re doing this March, we at The Flag Shop can make sure you do it in style!