Rise! Take Your Mat And Walk: World Day Of Prayer 2020
World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.
Information about International World Day Of Prayer USA can be found here.
World Day of Prayer takes place internationally on the first Friday of March every year. For 2020, that’s March 6.
WDP 2020 – March 6, 2020
According to the International World Day Of Prayer website, the host country for WDP 2020 is Zimbabwe.
The WDP 2020 program is based on Jesus’ encounter with a person who, although positioned for healing, had not acted upon the opportunities given (John 5:2-9a). Jesus asked –“Do you want to be made well?”with the theme “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk”. You are faced with this life-changing question. What are you going to do? Use this opportunity to reflect with your WDP group, community and ecumenical partners. Prayer and action are what link us together around the globe.
“Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk,” said Jesus. Our sisters from Zimbabwe are taking Jesus’ encounter to be a call to act in love for peace and reconciliation. “The action verbs suggest that we should not be afraid to act on the word of God. God is offering us the steps for personal and social transformation.” This is the time for change!
Visit the website for more information about the program as well as materials to download. WDP2020 can be held on alternate days.
PAGA: Rise! Take Your Mat And Walk
As we Pray America Great Again, certainly we should never be fearful to act on the Word of God. The greatest hope for peace and justice throughout the world, and in the United States, is the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In American Founding Father Thomas Jefferson’s November 1779 Proclamation appointing a day of thanksgiving and prayer, he made these references to the Gospel:
Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise, for the wonders which His goodness has wrought… …and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory.
…a day of public and solemn THANKSGIVING to Almighty God, for his mercies, and of PRAYER, for the continuance of his favour and protection to these United States; …that he would grant to his church, the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour out his holy spirit on all Ministers of the gospel; that he would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of Christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth… -Thomas Jefferson
Wow.
Jesus’ Call To The Entire World
Looking at the main image of this post, it is easy to imagine the poignant theme of CDP 2020 being Jesus’ call to the entire world: “Do you want to be healed? Rise! take your mat and walk.” The world will respond to Jesus with one loud voice only once, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess” (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:11), but for some it will sadly be too late.
Therefore, let us pray that God will diffuse “the glorious light of the gospel” in the “remotest corners of the earth.” Ask God for boldness and courage to share the Gospel, for certainly Jesus is Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23), until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7, NLT
Is this not the ultimate fulfillment of peace and justice for all of humanity and the world? Jesus is God’s ultimate “YES!” Therefore, we confidently pray knowing that we are praying according to God’s will.
Opportunities For Prayer
Indeed, God has provided ample opportunities for prayer. As we join WDP 2020 and act on these opportunities, let us also ask God for occasions to do justice, love kindness (and love invokes action, 1 Corinthians 13), as we walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).
Among the many things justice, kindness, and humility entail, living and sharing the Gospel is at the top of the list.
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:11-15
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Rise! Take your mat and walk!
