DAY OF PRAYER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 February 1942, Page 2

DAY OF PRAYER

* WORLD-WIDE '.CELEBRATION. OBSERVANCE IN MASTERTON. The observance of the women’s world-wide day of prayer was celebrated in St. Matthew’s Parish Hall on Friday. A brief historic sketch of the origin of the day of prayer was given, when the unique position ol the women of New Zealand was noted, because it is on New Zealand shores that the rising sun’s rays first touch British soil. The day begins with a service at dawn, and the last place to hold a meeting is on St. Lawrence Island, in the Arctic circle. The order of service followed was drawn up by Dr. Emily Werner, of the Biblical Seminary of New York. She was helped by some refugees, outstanding women from France and Germany, one of whom had been in concentration camps in three countries. The theme running through the. order of service was based on Christ's words, “I am the Way.” It was taken under the following headings:—The Way men have lost. The Way back to God. The Way of Self-surrender. The Way of Peace. The Way of Love. The Way of Light. The Way of Power. These were divided into different periods, presided over by representatives of the Anglican; Methodist, Baptist-Church of Christ, Salvation Army and Presbyterian churches. Hymns, scripture readings, prayers, and a brief address comprised each period. A fine devotional atmosphere characterised the whole, and all the talks were of a very high I order. . I The freewill offering taken for imperilled missions resulted in £5 Is being realised. This sum will be forwarded to the International Missionary Council.