A Prayer for International Women's Day: Eternal God, who created us all in your image, and who desires justice and mercy for all your people, hear our prayers for women around the world. We thank you for all the cherished women in our lives and in our histories. May women continue to exercise their gifts and be empowered through your Holy Spirit. May their stories be told, and their voices heard. May women of the future sing a song of justice and peace. We pray for women whose lives are filled with yearning and struggle; · For opportunities for education, access to health care, and the right to vote, · For economic, political, social, religious, and environmental equality, · For freedom from violence of all kinds, · For shelter and a safe place to call home. May we commit to working for peace as we stand with all women. May we be faithful advocates with decision makers working on all levels of society, including religious institutions. May we bear with one another in love until God’s justice and peace reign throughout the whole world. Amen (Image: Halima Aziz)