Lent is upon us and many have made the conscious effort to sacrifice certain pleasures or luxuries during this season of deliberate denial. The Lenten season is a period repentance, prayer and meditation before the advent of Easter. As we make our way through this season, it is important that we remember our nation during our time of supplication, thereby displaying the essence of our faith and substance of our religion. The nature of individual prayer as a means of communication demands a frequency that is not confined in any shape or form, but rather ongoing dialogue. Nevertheless, corporate gatherings for fellowship and prayer in unison of mind and spirit should not be despised.

The Bahamas is the host nation in 2015 for a global initiative called the World Day of Prayer (WDP); indeed the words from our national anthem come to life in a few days as the world marks the manner of our bearing. Many will agree that our opportunity to host this event during these critical times in our nation is indeed timely and necessary, as the world will join us in prayers of intercession.

The origin and essence of the WDP
The origin of the Women's World Day of Prayer can be traced back to 1887 with a call for a day of prayer by Mary Ellen Fairchild James of the United States of America. This was followed by similar calls and initiatives by Methodist women, Baptists and Catholic women. The movements eventually gave birth to what we now call the World Day of Prayer (WDP), which is described on the WDP website as a global, ecumenical movement of Christian women joined together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday of March.

The WDP's motto is "Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action" which emphasizes the importance of supporting prayers with positive and deliberate action to achieve the intended results in line with the scripture, that faith without works is dead. One of the objectives of the WDP is to bring women of diverse cultures, races and backgrounds together to achieve a common noble purpose.

WDP 2015 and The Bahamas
The women of a nation are often described as the custodians of its conscience and nurturers of its destiny. The pivotal role we play in nation building and our professional advancement should not disengage us from our duty as intercessors for our beloved country. It is therefore fitting that while we are debating the subject of gender equality, we are also hosting the WDP in 2015 to remind us of our obligation to pray in conjunction with our brothers.

The theme for WDP 2015 as selected by Bahamian women is "Jesus said to them 'Do you know what I have done to you?'" and is taken from the gospel of John 13: 1-17 which recounts an event that occurred in the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. More specifically, the passage recalls the Master's washing of the feet of his disciples. The artwork selected for the event is a painting by Chantal E. Y. Bethel and is displayed on several websites dedicated to this movement.

As participants from several Christian denominations gather in over 170 countries across the globe on Friday, March 6, 2015, they will experience services written by Bahamians. This is in line with the WDP principles which state that "Taking turns in writing the service emphasizes that all are able to give and receive. In sharing prayers, music, art and culture, we discover commonalities and differences that can be celebrated and can be enriching."

Hence, our history, traditions, culture and the beauty of our islands, along with our challenges, will take center stage before a global audience during a time of prayer. Locally, services are expected to be held on all the main islands across our archipelago and it is anticipated that the prime minister as well as community leaders will attend the services.

A lesson from the selected text
The text that provides the context for the theme of WDP 2015 holds several key lessons for The Bahamas and Bahamians as we journey through life. While emphasis is placed on love that is unconditional and unfailing even in the midst of betrayal, the display of humility and service is evident and should be adopted by us all. The instruction that followed the question which requires persons that subscribe to the Christian faith to do likewise is worthy of consideration by leaders and followers alike.

Do we forgive ourselves and our neighbors for treating us unjustly or unfairly? Can we put our pride aside to serve our brothers and sisters regardless of their background, title, social status, race or gender? After all, we do not know when we may be entertaining angels. Is the ideology of our leaders and aspiring leaders one that promotes being waited upon and served rather than a spirit that longs to serve mankind? As we prepare to pray, we will do well to reflect on these things.

A people that pray and not prey
The deterioration of our moral values and breakdown of the family structure in our country over the years have made us enemies of our own selves. We have made predators and prey of ourselves in pursuing selfish ambitions to the detriment of our commonwealth. Self-promotion in some cases has taken priority over nation building and political tribalism threatens our loyalty to our country.

We now prey on one another in various ways using tools such as intellectual dishonesty, political manipulation, commercial exploitation, emotional infidelity and physical abuse. At the extreme of the predatory practices of some of our people are serious crimes against our very own brothers and sisters. It is time to stop preying and focus on praying for our people and our land.  Additionally, being mindful of the fact that we as a nation will recognize the WDP, we must be mindful to pray for world peace, the alleviation of poverty and racial, tribal, religious and gender discrimination among other things.

Political, religious, community and business leaders have an important role to play as their followers look up to them. That being said, we the people should consider the wisdom of 2 Chronicles 7:14 which reads: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Is this not the true spirit of Lent?

o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

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