Mothers’ Union Devotion – Wednesday 3rd March 2021

Because of the way Easter falls this year, three of the great days when we pray for women and motherhood come in relatively quick succession. In less than three weeks, we have Women’s World Day of Prayer (5^th March), Mothering Sunday (14^th March) and Lady Day (25^th March). Each of these days call us to contemplate different aspects of our call as Mothers’ Union members, such as mothering, families, trust and obedience. Women’s World Day of Prayer is slightly different, in that it draws us to gain deeper insight into the lives of the women in whichever country has prepared that years’ service.

This year the service comes from Vanuatu, a South Pacific Island nation. For those of you who are fans of Pointless this used to be a guaranteed pointless answer but no longer. Vanuatu has become a household name. I suspect that despite this new knowledge of the name, many of us have little idea about life in Vanuatu. Which is why the format of the day of prayer in so important, helping us to learn about the lives and daily struggles of women around the world.

I have learnt some positive things about Vanuatu. There are no poisonous snakes or spiders, they have had only one case of Covid-19 (who recovered) and 83% of the population is Christian. However, 60% of women and girls are subject to physical and/or sexual abuse. Mothers’ Union has around 1139 members who are highly active in community outreach. Prayer is a major feature of the MU members life in Vanuatu. So much so they have a special day of prayer on the first day of each month.

One of the sad consequences of the past year is that we have become more isolated as a country. The news is very UK-centric, and we have missed out on many of our projects and speakers, which would bring the international world of Mothers’ Union to the forefront of our attention. So, it is really important that we take a lead from our sisters and brothers in Vanuatu and become strong in our prayer lives. Praying not just for our local communities but holding up to God in prayer our whole Mothers’ Union family throughout the world. A call so beautifully expressed in our Mothers’ Union Prayer:

Loving Lord

We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.

We pray for families around the world.

Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.

Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.

In Jesus’ name.  Amen

With all my love and prayers

Revd Sandra