O God  we have come together in prayer,

   knowing that you are present in our midst.

We wish to know you better and worship you with you.

We offer ourselves to be your servants

   and to be good neighbors to one another.

We trust in you with all our heart.

We praise you for all you have done for us.

We are happy that we are together in this worship service.

We believe in the power of prayer

   and its power to call everyone to fullness of life.

Jesus, fill us with your love.

We belong to you today, tomorrow and for ever.

Women’s World Day of Prayer, 1988, women of Madagascar

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At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate.

The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top of the wall, together with half the people—past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall.

And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.