World Day of Prayer is an international, ecumenical event that began almost a century ago, bridging social, geographic, and political barriers. Over the decades, it has been an important ministry for women in Canada as they faithfully lead ecumenical services within their communities year after year.
In 1895, the Anglican Women’s Auxiliary of Canada began a day of “corporate intercessions for mission.” By 1916, the Dominion Board of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church of Canada was calling for a meeting for “united prayer for missions.”
On October 19, 1918, Bessie McMurchy invited representatives of five women’s missionary boards – Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian – to meet together to “promote the spread of Christ’s kingdom by united prayer, united action, and a stronger voice in national questions.” Her letter led to the formation of the Inter-Board Committee of the Women’s Missionary Societies.
Imagine this small group of resilient women getting together near the end of WW1, and then …
1918-19 The Spanish Influenza epidemic puts the plans of the newly formed inter-board committee on hold.
1919 – On February 15, a planning meeting resulting in the drafting approval of a brief constitution.
1920 – On January 9, the first national interdenominational Women’s Day of Prayer is held in Lindsay, Ontario.
1920 – On February 20, the first interdenominational Day of Prayer in the US is held.
1922: On Friday, March 3, millions of church women in Canada and the United States celebrated a common day of prayer. The Canadian and US committees continued to prepare their own services but used the same theme.
1927: The World Day of Prayer for Missions is instituted.
Preparation for the day is vast. The international committee is based in New York and there are national committees and organizations in 146 countries. In Canada, the World Day of Prayer (WDP) is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC), one of the original founders of this prayer movement.
| World Day of Prayer events/services have four parts: 1. Prayer for the women of Cook Islands 2. Invitations for others to join your event 3. An opportunity to donate 4. Use of the WDP service provided by WICC – available in print, PowerPoint, and video formats |
Offerings received through the World Day of Prayer transform our prayers into action in the form of project grants, empowering women and children in Canada and throughout the world. Over the past 40 years, through WDP offerings, WICC has distributed almost 3 million dollars for small projects. The vision is to restore hope to women and children touched by injustice. Grants must be approved by the WICC board, which includes ten ecumenical partners.
The invitation is out to be part of World Day of Prayer 2025! The service is based on Psalm 139 – verses 1-18, “I made you wonderful” – and was written by Christian women of Cook Islands who primarily connected initially via the internet during the heights of COVID isolation.
WDP in-person or Zoom services will take place in over 500 Canadian communities on or near Friday, March 7, 2025. As well, individuals and families are welcome to watch the 55-minute WDP service video prepared by WICC which features participants from across Canada.
For WDP 2025, we are encouraged to reflect on the history and challenges faced by the Cook Islands in terms of continued independence, environmental and health concerns, and the efforts that women have strived for in terms of socio-economic equity.
Please help keep this opportunity for Christian connection intact as we pursue justice, peace, and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action. Go to https://wdpcanada.ca/world-day-of-prayer/ to learn more about World Day of Prayer, including how to coordinate a service.
