Hong Kong, home to around 300,000 Protestant Christians, will celebrate the 119th World Day of Prayer, as part of the world to knit the global prayer blanket.
March 3 marks the 119th World Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is "Signs of the Times" and the prayer is written by Christian women in South Africa. Hong Kong Christians will observe the day under the organization of the Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC). HKCC calls on all Christian individuals, churches, organizations to join the World Day of Prayer Worship Service on March 11 at the Sheung Kung Hui (Anglican) Calvary Church.
Originated from the worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer, the World Day of Prayer enables women around the world to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ, share their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows, their opportunities and needs.
It has already been 60 years since Hong Kong celebrates the World Day of Prayer. It has gradually transformed from a women-orientated movement to a campaign that gains support from men also. In 1940, Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has first adopted the global campaign by mobilizing female Christians in Hong Kong. Since then, a World Day of Prayer Worship Service is held every year.
Until 1961, World Day of Prayer in Hong Kong started to be promoted by the ecumenical committee of HKCC. An annual day of celebration is set on the first Friday of March.
In 2005, two government-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) churches in Shanghai, China, have celebrated the World Day of Prayer. A total of approximately 500 women Christians have joined a worship services. This year, the celebration is expected to be carried out as well.
