Mothers Day may be on the horizon, but prayer will be occupying the minds of several Sydney mums today.
These women form part of a core group of Mothers Union members - which also include men, single women, and married women without children - who will meet today to pray in detail for regions, organisations and groups of the Sydney Diocese at the annual Diocesan Day of Prayer.
At least 200 visitors " including Archbishop Peter Jensen and regional bishops " are expected to trickle through the doors of St Andrew's Cathedral's Chapter House between 9:30am and 3pm.
Many others will pray from afar in parishes around the diocese, using a common booklet filled with prayer points gathered from Sydney Anglican organisations and ministries.
Mothers Union president Christine Jensen (pictured) says the focus of the event " which is the official day of prayer for the Sydney Diocese " has been strengthened with the Connect09 call to prayer for Sydney.
"MU sees itself at the heart of the Connect09 initiative," Mrs Jensen says.
"The Archbishop's video encouraging us to pray for our unbelieving neighbours has made us more committed to keep praying for Sydney."
Archbishop Jensen has encouraged the prayer-based organisation to continue to pray that hearts would be opened to the message of the gospel as Connect09 moves forward in Sydney.
"I am sure that MU is going to be one of the mighty instruments raised up by God to bless this city and its region," Archbishop Jensen wrote in his article for Mothers Union's annual report.
"Will you be at the forefront of persistent and fervent prayer for the many Lydias (and Leons as well) of our city, that when they hear the word of God they will believe it and entrust themselves to it?" Dr Jensen challenged, referring to the "marvellous little story" of Acts 16.
A brief history
Mothers Union’s prayer day actually began when a centenary celebration for the Deaconess Institute 1991 drew a smaller crowd than expected, according to MU Sydney’s June Hickey.
“The turnout was not good, so a group of women decided to get together and pray for the diocese and its organisations. It grew from there,” she says.
The main aim of the day is to motivate people to stop and pray for Sydney systematically through the day, with participants coming and going as they are able, says Ms Hickey.
Daily prayer is a part of life for each of MU Sydney’s 1100 members - drawn from 62 parishes around the diocese - who commit to praying each day at midday, using a three-monthly prayer diary.
While many mothers and grandmothers belong to Mothers Union, membership is open to all who are baptised, Ms Hickey adds.
A recognition of the importance and power of prayer for individuals, families and communities forms a significant part of the vision of MU Sydney.
“MU’s goal is to win the families of the nation for Christ through strengthening and encouraging Christian family life,” says Mrs Jensen.
What’s on the agenda?
Some of the prayer points for the regions include churches in new growth areas such as Rouse Hill Anglican Church and its plant in Stanhope Gardens, the Northern Region’s new multicultural ministry coordinator, Trish Bell, ministry to ethnic groups in the Georges River Region, wisdom in the rebuilding of St Barnabas’, Broadway and ministry needs including school Scripture and vacant parishes.
The work of training and educational institutions such as Mary Andrews College, Moore Theological College and Youthworks College around the world and in the Diocese is also included on the prayer list.
Other organisations to be prayed for include the Womens Ministry Team, Moore Theological College, Anglicare, ABM, BCA, Bible Society of NSW, CMS, Evangelism Ministries, Mission to Seafarers, Kidzlink, Youthworks, Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, and Anglican Retirement Villages, as well as MU Sydney Diocese.
The program for the day will also include open prayer in groups.
Photos: Ramon Williams
