Women’s Prayers Show Concern For Humanity

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30366, 15 February 1964, Page 2

Women’s Prayers Show Concern For Humanity

Prayers were offered yesterday by an incalcuable number of Christians of all races in more than 140 lands as they observed the World Day of Prayer. They used the same order of service, prepared by a Frenchwoman (Miss Madeleine Barot); they prayed for each other and for the needs of the world.

Out of tlie prayers of intercession arose, in sharp contrast, an awareness of the needs of those with nothing and the pitfalls of those with too much. They were prayers submitted by women of many races, who wanted to share their concern for localised problems as well as for threats to the human race. From the women of Asia came the request for prayers for refugees, particularly those in Hong Kong, that they might find new purpose in life as well as secure the material things they need. The women of the United States and Canada asked for strength to be given to those who live in prosperous and affluent societies, that they might be able to resist the temptations of complacency and materialism, to grow in love, concern and compassion for the whole world. Other prayers sought better

relations between people of all races, with true equality and freedom for them; international peace and understanding; closer co-operation among Christian denominations; agreement that atomic energy would be used for the welfare of humanity; and a proper balance of nationalism in countries gaining independence. Reflecting the hopes and fears of an insecure world, they were the heartfelt prayers of the women who live closest to national and international trouble spots—in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the United States—women who have faith in the power of prayer. Christchurch Link Though international strife and threats of danger seem remote to most New Zealand women preoccupied with Friday housekeeping, hundreds of Christchurch women —and men—joined in these petitions yesterday, and pondered on them. Services, organised by the Christchurch women’s committee of the National Council of Churches in New Zealand, were held throughout the day in the Christchurch Cathedral, and in suburban

churches of the nine demominations within the council, organised by local “Day of Prayer” sub-committees. Services were held in the Cathedral from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., including two at lunch time, to give as many workers and shoppers as possible the opportunity to taking half-an-hour off whatever they were doing to link up in the chain of prayer. At 2.30 p.m. the one full service of the day was attended by 115 men and women in the Cathedral. It was conducted by the chairman of the Christchurch women’s committee (Mrs M. R. Tunnicliffe) assisted by Mrs R. J. Robertson and Miss R. Opie, members of the committee. The important thing was that there was prayer going on all day, said the Dean of Christchurch (the Rev. W- A Pyatt) commenting on the World Day of Prayer observed in the Cathedral yesterday. More than 500 persons attended services or visited the Cathedral for private prayer during the day.