Today, United Bible Societies will take part in a worldwide Day of Prayer, aligning Bible Societies across the globe as part of an annual celebration. This time of unity and sharing will provide an opportunity for Bible Society staff members, supporters and friends to lift up God’s work around the world as they strive to share the Bible with all people.

Although each Bible Society spends time in independent prayer, May 9 serves as a designated day of communal prayer for all Bible Societies—from Brazil to Sweden and beyond. This date recognizes United Bible Societies’ founding in 1946, when 13 Bible Societies approved the idea of forming a global fellowship during a meeting in Haywards Heath, England. Today, Bible Societies operate in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Will you join United Bible Societies in prayer? Thank God for his provision and for the many ways he has used Bible translation projects to offer hope for the hopeless. Pray for Bible-based Trauma Healing for those living in at-risk areas, providing comfort for the suffering and the afflicted. And lift up those without access to Scripture, asking God for the resources to share his Word with all people.

As you connect with the Lord today, meditate on this reminder about the importance of continual prayer: Be joyful always,pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 15:16-18, GNTD).

The Swedish Bible Society has provided a special prayer for this year’s Day of Prayer event, which may guide you as you as you seek the Lord today:

Our Lord and Savior,

We come to you full of gratitude and joy because we belong to you, our sins are forgiven and the promise of eternal life is planted in our hearts.

We thank you for the Church, your body here on earth, united through the atonement of Jesus Christ and full of diversity through the gifts and abilities you have granted to us.

Lord, we want to surrender anew to the common mission to make you and your gospel known. Let your kingdom come and your will be done. Renew us with your Holy Spirit and let your Word always shape us.

We bow in prayer before you and recognize that you alone are God. Together with our brothers and sisters throughout the world, we put our hope in you. We trust that you are the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.

In Jesus Christ we pray,

Amen

United Bible Societies, of which American Bible Society is a part, is an alliance of Bible Societies operating in more than 200 countries and territories. Together, they are the world’s biggest translator, publisher and distributor of the Bible. Bible Societies are also active in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention, trauma healing and literacy, working with all Christian Churches and many international non-governmental organizations. For more information visit http://www.unitedbiblesocieties.org/