Strabane Methodist Church to host World Day of Prayer

STRABANE Methodist Church on John Wesley Street will become a beacon of religious observance tomorrow (Friday) when it hosts the World Day of Prayer for locals.

The day, an international, ecumenical and inter-denominational day of giving thanks and praise to God is a female-led religious initiative which is designed to enable women from all over the world to have their hopes and concerns heard through the power of prayer over a period of 36 hours.

Initially conceived in America and Canada, the World Day of Prayer has spread to over 146 countries and territories throughout the globe. This year’s day has a special significance as the text surrounding it is written by the Christian Women of Palestine, an area of the world which is currently in the midst of war and turmoil.

Ann Fallow, a member of Strabane Methodist Church explained, “The theme for this year’s World Day of Prayer is ‘Bear with one another in love’. It is by pure happenstance that we are using the text chosen by the Christian Women of Palestine, as they come under severe pressure. We will use the time to pray for the people of the country and their needs. It’s about helping each other and realising that we are all part of a bigger picture which is a very cooling sensation to feel. The women of Palestine are sharing a love to remind us that they are there and want to give hope to everyone. They will not give up witnessing the love of Jesus Christ as they ask us to connect with the land from whence Jesus came, ministered and died, a place where our faith began and is firmly rooted.

“Although the World Day of Prayer is a female-led initiative, men are more than welcome to attend and join in prayer. No-one is barred. We have had a World Day in Prayer in Strabane for almost 50 years and our 50th anniversary will see the day go back to where it began in St Mary’s Church in Melmount. Our numbers have dwindled in recent years but we look forward to seeing as many people from all faiths at the Methodist Church on Friday 1st March at 8pm to join in our worship.”