We see in scripture that God creates both men and women in His image, sharing equal value and worth in His eyes. But in many places around the world, gender inequality leaves women and girls disproportionately vulnerable to discrimination, poverty, and violence.  

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local churches around the world to support women and their families through self-help groups and small business creation, vocational training, small-scale farming, literacy education, child development centers, and other programs that help them see themselves as people who are valuable, capable, and equal because they are made in God’s image. When girls are able to continue their education and women are equipped to learn and pursue productive work, they lift the well-being of their entire families and eventually their communities. 

This week, take time each day to pray for women and girls. 

Day 1

In many societies where sons are preferred, unborn girls are aborted at higher rates than boys. Girls who survive until birth may be neglected, abandoned, or even killed. Pray for girls to be protected from all who fail to see their value. 

Psalm 139:13–14, CEB You are the one who created my innermost parts; you knit me together while I was still in my mother’s womb. I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart. Your works are wonderful—I know that very well.

Day 2

Economic challenges and disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic can lead children, especially girls, to drop out of school. In some places, girls who lack a complete education are at higher risk for early marriage and pregnancy. Pray for girls worldwide to have equal access to education. Thank God for the opportunities that child sponsorship affords girls who might otherwise struggle to stay in school. 

Proverbs 3:13, CEB Happy are those who find wisdom and those who gain understanding.

 

 

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Day 3

In many places, women and girls often spend more than twice as much time as men and boys gathering water for their families. When they have to spend so much time gathering water, they aren’t able to go to school or work as often. Pray for clean water sources to be built in communities that lack easy access to water, and for protection for women and girls who spend hours every day on this task.

Isaiah 49:10, CEB They won’t hunger or thirst; the burning heat and sun won’t strike them, because one who has compassion for them will lead them and will guide them by springs of water.

 

 

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Day 4

An estimated 71 percent of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. Pray for the safety of women and girls who are vulnerable to trafficking and for the healing of those who are survivors. Pray for their perpetrators to be brought to justice and repentance.  

Proverbs 31:8, CEB Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.

 

 

Day 5

The World Bank estimates that the pandemic pushed up to 124 million people into extreme poverty during 2020. Pray for women and girls struggling to support themselves and their families to have access to job skill training, like the Liberia Empowering Women With Dignity Program, which is empowering women to find hope for a better future.

Proverbs 16:3, CEB Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

 

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Day 7

For many women around the world, when their husbands die, they must cope with both their grief as well as losing a social safety net. Of the approximately 245 million widows globally, more than 115 million live in extreme poverty. Pray for the needs of widows to be met and for them to know they are valuable in God’s sight. 

Deuteronomy 10: 17-18, CEB ...because the Lord your God is the God of all gods and Lord of all lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who doesn’t play favorites and doesn’t take bribes. He enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing.