PRAYER

We are in a period of enormous upheaval as corps recover from the period of lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. In many places we have reduced numbers, a different attitude towards commitment and sometimes a wholesale shift in our capacity to operate and serve in ways we used to. I would like to see women be listened to, involved and given a voice to help us navigate this new period in our history with flexibility and empathy for a changed world.

JL

Creator God,

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we bring before you all the women in leadership in this territory.

We thank you that in The Salvation Army, there have been women leaders in every generation. We pray that gender equity will flourish in every part of our movement.

We thank you today for all those women who have said yes to your call and dedicated their gifts and skills to your service.

Jm

I would like to see a far more proactive intention to appoint women to leadership roles so that it becomes much more the norm. We also need to give women wider experiences, so they feel capable to accept a leadership role when offered.

We pray that your voice will be heard in the hearts of leaders who may be afraid, lonely, feeling vulnerable, or exhausted by the demands of their role.

Bm

I would love to see more visible discussions and content that show the breadth and depth of women in The Salvation Army, both those serving God through the Army, but also those in other areas. We need to stand with all women, highlighting the challenges and praying into change for today and for tomorrow.

We thank you for the officers, local officers, employees and volunteers who serve in a myriad of ways. We ask for your Holy Spirit to fill them, refreshing and energising them as they lead and direct others.

As they preach and teach, we pray for holy wisdom.

As they plan and make decisions, we pray for holy discernment. As they listen and care, we pray for holy compassion.

As they work in challenging situations, we pray for strength and holy protection.

Ny

I want to see leaders placed in key positions because of their notable abilities and talents, not because of their gender. As Mordecai did for Esther, we need people to encourage and motivate female leaders to see that they, too, have been placed here ‘for such a time as this’ (Esther 4:14).

We thank you for the example we see in Jesus, for the dignity and respect he showed to women in every encounter that we read about in the gospels.

May all your people who are leaders exemplify the kind of servant leadership we see in Jesus Christ.

Amen