Loving God, as we come together as Methodist Women in Britain, we give thanks for those who have gone before us, shaping our organisation and guiding our way. We pray that you will continue to bless us in the work we do in your name. Strengthen our fellowship and guide our path as we seek to further your kingdom.
Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love:
We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us to see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.
Where there is injury, pardon:
Comfort all women who suffers from the pain of war, violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.
Where there is division, unity:
Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.
Where there is darkness, light; where there is untruth, truth:
Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.
Where there is doubt, true faith:
We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.
Where there is despair, hope:
We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery, and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope.
Where there is sadness, new joy:
We pray for young girls and women denied access to education, denied freedom of movement, denied the ability to grow and flourish and be their authentic selves.
Where there is disparity, equality.
Transform the hearts, minds and will of those in power to bring about a world where all are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion.
Where there is prejudice and discrimination, acceptance, and openness.
To the God who sees,
To the God who hears,
To the God who cares, Be blessings and honour, now and always. Amen
Leonora Wassell – CoChair
