Unity’s 15th Annual World Day of Prayer
to be Observed September 11 in Greenfield
Throughout Unity’s World Day of Prayer, which this year falls on September 11, members of Unity in the Pioneer Valley will read aloud the names of persons, communities, states, countries, and continents around the world. Hundreds of thousands of people across the globe will join together on that day to hold one another, and everyone in the world, in prayers of oneness and healing of every aspect of their lives.
Greenfield, Ma - On a gentle Thursday in September, beginning in early morning, a voice from a table in the corner of the sanctuary on Arch Street reads aloud quietly: AJohn and Susan, Mom, Grandma Ann, the Jones family. Soft light illuminates the room, and gentle music fills the air as the list of submitted names is read. The voice continues: Everyone in Greenfield, Heath, Leverett . . . .
Throughout the day, people of all faiths are invited to stop in to sit quietly, to take private time for individual prayer and meditation. Meanwhile the voice, barely audible, intones: . . . Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, followed by Afghanistan, Algeria . . . Zimbabwe, all people in North and South America, Asia, enfolding the world, and every person in the world, in prayer. The day ends with a public service of readings and song at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome, regardless of faith or tradition.
On Thursday, September 11, Greenfield's Unity in the Pioneer Valley will join hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, for Unity's 15th World Day of Prayer. The purpose of this annual observation is to unite as many people as possible in prayer for one another.
Most spiritual traditions recognize that when one person holds another in prayer, both are filled with a deep sense of well-being, peace and joy. When two or more hold a similar prayer consciousness, the effect intensifies. Unity believes World Day of Prayer is an opportunity to transform the world through prayer.
Joining together to pray for one another increases our sense of oneness with all persons, notes Rev. Carol Kelshaw of Unity in the Pioneer Valley. Prayer brings peace within. That inner peace soon manifests in outer ways from one person to another, bridging cultural and religious differences and instilling peace in people's hearts.
The universal yearning for peace and well-being often finds its major voice in protest songs and in outer efforts to settle differences and end conflict. Unity's efforts focus instead on a sense of oneness with all persons in all cultures, and on universal healing through that same sense of oneness. Unity respects all faith traditions, Rev. Kelshaw adds. To heal the world, we have to accept our uniqueness.
This year, Unity's special prayer or affirmation is: Rejoicing in our oneness with God and one another, we celebrate healing in every aspect of our lives and in the world. Prayer itself comes in many forms, Rev. Kelshaw reminds people. AIt can be expressed through music, through readings, or merely through holding an image of oneness and healing. Our World Day of prayer service will include a variety of forms of prayer focused on oneness
Unity was founded in 1889 and applies positive spiritual principles to our daily lives. Based at Unity Village, near Kansas City, Missouri, Unity held its first World Day of Prayer in 1994. Millions of people around the world have participated in its observation since that first year.
This year, Unity's worldwide activities are being co-sponsored by the Association for Global New Thought, Unity School of Christianity, and the Association of Unity Churches International. World Day of Prayer events on September 11 will be linked with September 21, the United Nations World Day of Peace, for A11 Days of Global Unity. Gatherings and events around the world will mark this observation.
Locally, Unity in the Pioneer Valley will observe World Day of Prayer at its 6 Arch Street location with an all-day vigil on September 11, followed by the 7 p.m. service of song, readings, and prayers. The sanctuary will be open to the public for individual prayer and meditation from 9 a.m. until the evening's service. Persons of all faiths are welcome.
This beautiful event gives us a sacred opportunity to make a difference in the world and to foster healing and wholeness through prayer, said Rev. Kelshaw. It also gives us a chance to recognize and celebrate our oneness with Spirit, each other and our world.
Unity publishes Daily Word, a monthly magazine of inspirational messages that is read by people of many religions. Its transdenominational prayer ministry, Silent Unity, maintains a 24-hour prayer vigil and receives two million letters, telephone calls, and Internet requests for prayer annually. It serves everyone regardless of religion. Anyone in need of prayer support may call (800) NOW-PRAY (669-7729) or may submit a prayer request on line at www.silentunity.org.
For further information about Unity in the Pioneer Valley's World Day of Prayer, and for travel directions, see the website:
www.unityinthepioneervalley.org
or call Rev. Carol Kelshaw at (413) 774-5552.