European evangelical churches are invited to a special weeklong time of prayer from January 8-15, 2023. The Week of Prayer (WOP) is a long-established tradition tracing its roots since the foundation of the European Evangelical Alliance in 1846, reports Evangelical Focus.
“Going into the Week of Prayer 2023 Christmas lays just behind us. We have celebrated and rejoiced in Jesus Christ, the Bringer of Joy,” said Thomas Bucher, former EEA General Secretary.
The 2023 WOP focuses on joy. Europe faces many challenges, including the Ukraine-Russia war, environmental issues, and increasing unemployment and poverty rates. Amid these difficulties, Bucher reminded that humans are created for joy. “Joy as the core characteristic of a fulfilled life. Not only a life that feels right, but a life which is set right by the triune God and in the company of His people.”
A project team developed this year’s material that contains a biblical devotion as well as questions for reflection, prayer topics, and a suggested prayer for each day.
“During the 2023 WOP, we look at a different facet of the Christian message of joy each day,” explained Daniela Baumann and Stéphane Klopfenstein, coordinators of this year’s WOP material. For the seven days of prayer, each day will concentrate on: the joy in creation, the joy in Jesus Christ, the joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, to be created for joy, the joy in being together, the joy over redemption, the joy in suffering and eternal joy.
“If we allow ourselves to be caught up in God’s act of love and redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, joy will inevitably enter our lives,” said the Swiss evangelicals.
The WOP 2023 material can be downloaded for free at the European Evangelical Alliance website.
