Through World Day of Prayer, women are encouraged to

• become aware of the whole world and no longer live in isolation
• be enriched by the faith experience of Christians of other countries and cultures
• take up the burdens of other people and pray with and for them, and
• become aware of their talents and use them in the service of society.

The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study provides information regarding World Day of Prayer as well as numerous liturgical, ecumenical, and programmatic special days and seasons.

World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women who covenant together for prayer and service. Friday, March 4, marks World Day of Prayer 2005 with its theme “Let Our Light Shine.” As early as 1887 Presbyterian Women called for a day of prayer for world mission. Joined by women from other traditions the World Day of Prayer (WDP) was formally established in 1926. The prayer materials are developed annually under the guidance of a WDP International Committee. This year’s materials were developed by women in Poland and are circulated in the United States through Church Women United. (2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study #70-612-05-450, page 64)

Discover more information and materials for observing World Day of Prayer at www.worlddayofprayer.net

The Rev. Eileen W. Lindner, deputy general secretary for research and planning, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, provided the information about World Day of Prayer for this year’s Mission Yearbook. The editor of the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is Deborah Haines. To order the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study #70-612-05-450 ($8.50) or the Children’s Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study #70-612-05-451 ($5.50), call (800) 524-2612.