Let Justice Prevail

World Day of Prayer, March 2, 2012

According to the World Day of Prayer Program 2012, "World Day of Prayer is a world wide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday of March." This year, the women of Malaysia developed the program.  Next year, the women of France will present their Order of Worship.

I had the opportunity to attend this event in my town, along with numerous women from other churches in the area. Outside, the weather was a gray, late winter day. But inside the church, the light was soft and beautiful, and I felt at peace.

I present here an edited version of the World Day of Prayer 2012 Program:

Theme: Let Justice Prevail

Processional Hymn:  "Let Justice Prevail", written by Pearl Nirmala Richards, especially for this day.

Procession: Several women led the procession up the aisle, carrying the Crucifix, and the flag of Malaysia. Many of the women wore red, displaying a colorful entry.

Greeting: "Selamat datang", meaning "peace and welcome."

"The women of Malaysia extend greeting of peace and a warm wlecome to sisters and brothers all over the world, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Introduction and Call to Worship: "In Malaysia, we cherish peace. We are a diverse population. Welcome is important to us. Historic migrations of people from other parts of Asia and beyond have created an environment that challenges Malaysians to integrate."

Prayer of Thanksgiving: "Almighty and gracious God,we proclaim your great and marvelous deeds among all peoples."

Opening Hymn: "For the Healing of All Nations"

Monologue: The story of Irene Fernandez, Malaysian social activist and advocate for justice: "My name is Irene Fernandez. I was arrested after writing an article about the torture and killing of migrant workers in government detention camps in Malaysia, who were being sent to detention camps as undocumented immigrants. They were being. . . abused. As director of Tenaganita ("Women's Force"), I heard the cries of the migrant workers. I could not keep silent. For 13 years, I appealed to the courts to overturn my conviction. But we did not give up. I am grateful that the voices of migrant workers were finally heard."

Voices Seeking Justice:
"As Malaysians, we are very concerned about the state of the nation, and as Christians, we ask ourselves, 'Do we engage or stay neutral?' "
"Political affairs [have] become a moral responsibility for Christians."
"We are called to speak out in conscience".
"We are tested when there are restrictions imposed on how Christians use our common language to name God."
"We are tested when conflicts between religious law and civil law pull families apart. Are we to watch in silence?
"We believe that a clear, honest and caring attitude in matters that concern all of society is a part of the witness we owe one another.  "

Old Testament Reading: Habakkuk 1:2-4; 3:2, 17-19

Hymn: "How Can We Keep From Singing?"


New Testament Reading: Luke 18: 1-8: The Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Judge


Prayer: for the courage to stand up for justice, in the words of Alan Paton.

Intercessory Prayers:
"Lord, we pray for the leaders of our countries. Grant them the wisdom  to know and do what is right and just."
"O Lord, there are many of us who are oppressed and abused, isolated and silenced. We pray for those who are victims of inequalities, oppression, exploitation, violence and abuse."
"Gracious Lord, we pray for migrant workers, and for the weak, the poor, and the marginalized, that their cries for help may be heard."
"O God, may Christ dwell in our hearts through faith. Let us be rooted and established in love."
"O God, you have called us to be instruments of justice in a world of strife and false justice. We pray that you will make strong our hands and make clear our voices."

The Lord's Prayer: Sung in Malaysian, "Bapa Kami". [very moving]. Recited in English as well.

Closing Hymns: "Let There Be Peace on Earth", and "We Shall Overcome".

Worship Service (c)  2012 World Day of Prayer USA

Profound gratitude to the women of Malaysia who developed this program and who led us all in prayer this year! Blessings, peace and justice to all who prayed together today, all over the world!

Love to All,

The Spiritual Devotional