World Day of Prayer in Australia

History in Australia

Holy Spirit, Fill Us Lebanon 2003)

In 1927 Queensland and New South Wales led the way to the introduction and establishing of Women's World Day of Prayer in Australia.   The Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union was responsible for the service in both States. These two States were followed by Victoria in 1931. Programs were sent to South Australia,
Western Australia and Tasmania in 1936, where the day was observed.   These States went on and formed their own committees shortly thereafter.

Australia was given the privilege of preparing the Order of Service in 1958 with the theme 'Bread of Life’ and again in 1986 with ‘Choose Life’.

A National Committee was formed in 1968 and a National Liaison Officer (NLO) appointed. The Committee meets once in every four years in a different state on a rotating basis and a NLO is appointed from that State. She visits local committees and each State during her term of office at their invitation.

Small quantities of Orders of Service are supplied by some States to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Thursday Island, Republic of Nauru, Ocean Island, Western Samoa, American Samoa and Korea.

In February 1986, Australia, in line with most countries, changed its name from "Women's World Day of Prayer" to "World Day of Prayer, Australia".

The number of Orders of Service printed for the 2006 Service totalled 93,570 and 1333 Services were held (cf 1318 in 2005) in 6 States.

World Day of Prayer goes from strength to strength, recognising God's goodness.