Speaker's Notes

‘IN CHRIST THERE ARE MANY MEMBERS YET ONE BODY'

Introduction

On behalf of the National Committee of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, thank you for accepting an invitation to speak at one of this year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer services. The service has been prepared for us by the women of Papua New Guinea and on 6th March 2009, men, women and young people in over 170 different countries will be united in prayer as they bring the needs of the people of Papua New Guinea before the Lord.

The theme ‘In Christ there are many members, yet one body’ reflects the multicultural nature of PNG. It is an independent state of more than 600 islands, rich in flora and fauna and natural resources yet described by the United Nations as poor, possibly due to exploitation by foreign developers.

The historical influence of navigator explorers from Portugal, The Netherlands, France and later Britain, Germany and Australia has played a part in creating a diverse and multicultural society. There are over 800 distinct languages and a population of 5.8 million of which approximately 50% are under 18 years. 85% live in rural areas and are mainly subsistence farmers but increasing city populations are creating squatter settlements, unemployment and crime.

Papua New Guineans are known for their kindness and hospitality and it is a society well rooted in cultural values and beliefs. 96% of the population are Christian and the churches have realised that working together is the most beneficial way to influence society and have a greater spiritual impact.

Our service gives us the opportunity to pray with and for the people of PNG and to reflect on their theme ‘In Christ there are many members yet one body’. These notes try to explain how the women who wrote the service interpreted this theme. We hope that you will find them useful in your preparation.

Bible passages

The service invites us to come before God in recognition of our oneness in Christ, encouraging us to work together regardless of diversity. The three Bible readings have been chosen to support and develop the theme.

Exodus 2 v: 1-10

In this passage we see women from different backgrounds who took risks and responsibilities to save Moses’ life. They displayed their fear of God by their courage, kindness, compassion and love. By their actions Moses was spared to be later used by God as a means of delivering the Hebrew people from slavery. The women acted cooperatively and collaboratively and were non-violent in a violent situation. We are encouraged to work together that God may use us to strengthen and encourage in the face of evil and to carry out the work of salvation.

Acts 4 v: 32-37

These verses speak of the beginnings of the infant church, made up of believers from diverse countries, cultures, languages and backgrounds who became one body. The Early Church was a vibrant and generous Christian community, loving and caring for each other, bonded together by the Holy Spirit into one heart and mind, enabling the apostles powerfully to fulfil their mission to preach the gospel of love, peace and reconciliation with God and with each other, beginning in Jerusalem and spreading throughout the world.

Romans 12: 3-12

This is Paul’s letter to the Romans, written at the end of his 3rd missionary journey in 57-58 AD. Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach the Jewish and Gentile Christians how they should live and work together. Just as the different parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together as one body under the direction and authority of Jesus Christ. God in his grace has given us each differing gifts and differing functions to build up his church, the body of Christ. Paul urges us to put aside our differences so as to strengthen the communal life of the body of Christ, living in love, peace and harmony with an ‘agape’ love, pure and sincere and able to overcome negative attitudes. When Christians stand in unity they reflect Christ’s love. In Christ there are many members, yet one body.

Prayers

At the heart of every service lie the prayers. The first prayer is one of adoration, praising God for his wonderful works and praying for a strengthened spirit of unity, love and peace and giving thanks for the beautiful land of Papua New Guinea.

In the prayers of thanksgiving the women are expressing gratitude for the unity and wholeness of the human body; gratitude for the gift of life and for the gift of Jesus. They also want to thank God for the people who hold fast to what is good and for those who advocate justice for the marginalised and oppressed; for leaders who are diligent and dedicated and for the recognition of the value of women in PNG.

The prayers of confession and forgiveness ask for open minds and hearts, for mercy and healing for the violence of a troubled society; forgiveness for the divisions within our society and the fear of those with HIV and AIDS; for the selfish use of talents and gifts; and for freedom from the things that blind us to God’s gift of unity.

In the prayers of intercession we pray for those in government especially where there is political turmoil, economic instability and exploitation. We pray too for freedom from greed and for help to be good servants of God’s creation.

The challenge then is that we might be many parts yet one body in Christ.