5 Mar 2026, 12:06Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Health, Adventist Community Services and Women’s Ministries Director
A Call to Earnest Prayer
“Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God.” – Ellen G White
The General Conference Women’s Ministries Department has designated 7 March 2026 as a Global Call to Prayer. On this Sabbath, the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church will unite in focused, intentional, and instructive prayer as we observe the International Women’s Day of Prayer.
This year’s theme, ‘A Woman, Faith and Prayer’, provides a full day’s programme that includes sermon and workshop materials prepared by Ardis Stenbakken, former Director of the General Conference Women’s Ministries Department.
Corporate prayer has a powerful unifying effect, encouraging believers around the world to stand together in faith as they focus on shared prayer themes and petitions.
This year’s programme centres on the story of the Syrophoenician woman recorded in Matthew 15:21–28 and Mark 7:24–30. The sermon explores the strength of her unwavering faith and highlights the importance of persevering in prayer despite the obstacles we may encounter.
Also referenced is the account of the Roman centurion, found in Matthew 8:5–13 and Luke 7:1–10, whose remarkable faith in Christ’s ability to heal his servant from a distance serves as another powerful example of trust in God’s power.
Together, these stories encourage believers to reflect on activating their faith and maintaining a consistent life of prayer.
The afternoon seminar invites participants to engage in reflection and discussion as they explore the names of God and consider their personal significance and application in everyday life.
Prayer Pointers
· Read the accounts of the Syrophoenician woman and the centurion, reflecting on how their faith speaks to present-day challenges where divine intervention is needed.
· Ask God for sustaining power, courage to persevere in prayer, and faith to trust Him with the outcome.
· Reflect on the various names of God, praying through each one while thanking Him for the ways His character is revealed in our lives.
You can access the prayer package here: Adventist Women’s Ministries | International Women's Day of Prayer
Persisting in Prayer
In his call to prayer, the apostle Paul emphasises the earnest and continual nature of our communion with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, he encourages believers to “pray without ceasing.”
This appeal reminds us not to grow weary in our petitions, but to cultivate a consistent, prayerful life marked by deep connection with God.
“Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.”1
Let Us Pray
Dear Lord
What an assurance we have in Your promise that before we call, You are already answering and making provision for our needs.
Thank you that You are the Burden Bearer and the Restorer of shattered lives.
When human systems fail to provide justice and when people experience unfair treatment, we find comfort in knowing that You watch over us and safeguard our welfare.
We think of the many life challenges, disappointments, and barriers that can threaten to weaken our faith. Yet You invite us to trust in You always and to strengthen our confidence in Your power.
When life seems overwhelming, remind us to lift our eyes above our circumstances and look to You, knowing that our help comes from the Lord.
We rejoice in the transformation You bring when we connect with You in prayer and embrace the promise of Jeremiah 33:3:
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Thank you, God, for this assurance and for the many testimonies that will bring honour and glory to Your name.
Amen.
1 Ellen G White, Signs of the Times Articles – Book II of III, p.140.“
“Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God.” – Ellen G White
The General Conference Women’s Ministries Department has designated 7 March 2026 as a Global Call to Prayer. On this Sabbath, the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church will unite in focused, intentional, and instructive prayer as we observe the International Women’s Day of Prayer.
This year’s theme, ‘A Woman, Faith and Prayer’, provides a full day’s programme that includes sermon and workshop materials prepared by Ardis Stenbakken, former Director of the General Conference Women’s Ministries Department.
Corporate prayer has a powerful unifying effect, encouraging believers around the world to stand together in faith as they focus on shared prayer themes and petitions.
This year’s programme centres on the story of the Syrophoenician woman recorded in Matthew 15:21–28 and Mark 7:24–30. The sermon explores the strength of her unwavering faith and highlights the importance of persevering in prayer despite the obstacles we may encounter.
Also referenced is the account of the Roman centurion, found in Matthew 8:5–13 and Luke 7:1–10, whose remarkable faith in Christ’s ability to heal his servant from a distance serves as another powerful example of trust in God’s power.
Together, these stories encourage believers to reflect on activating their faith and maintaining a consistent life of prayer.
The afternoon seminar invites participants to engage in reflection and discussion as they explore the names of God and consider their personal significance and application in everyday life.
Prayer Pointers
· Read the accounts of the Syrophoenician woman and the centurion, reflecting on how their faith speaks to present-day challenges where divine intervention is needed.
· Ask God for sustaining power, courage to persevere in prayer, and faith to trust Him with the outcome.
· Reflect on the various names of God, praying through each one while thanking Him for the ways His character is revealed in our lives.
You can access the prayer package here: Adventist Women’s Ministries | International Women's Day of Prayer
Persisting in Prayer
In his call to prayer, the apostle Paul emphasises the earnest and continual nature of our communion with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, he encourages believers to “pray without ceasing.”
This appeal reminds us not to grow weary in our petitions, but to cultivate a consistent, prayerful life marked by deep connection with God.
“Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.”1
Let Us Pray
Dear Lord
What an assurance we have in Your promise that before we call, You are already answering and making provision for our needs.
Thank you that You are the Burden Bearer and the Restorer of shattered lives.
When human systems fail to provide justice and when people experience unfair treatment, we find comfort in knowing that You watch over us and safeguard our welfare.
We think of the many life challenges, disappointments, and barriers that can threaten to weaken our faith. Yet You invite us to trust in You always and to strengthen our confidence in Your power.
When life seems overwhelming, remind us to lift our eyes above our circumstances and look to You, knowing that our help comes from the Lord.
We rejoice in the transformation You bring when we connect with You in prayer and embrace the promise of Jeremiah 33:3:
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Thank you, God, for this assurance and for the many testimonies that will bring honour and glory to Your name.
Amen.
1 Ellen G White, Signs of the Times Articles – Book II of III, p.140.“
