Women are part of shaping the world and even our lives. God gave the first man, Adam, a woman named Eve, to walk beside him as his equal. From the beginning of our lives, it is a woman who carries us in the womb for months and then spends decades of her life taking care of us. Many of us grow up with older sisters who set a good example for us to follow and advice to help us in life, as well as younger sisters who remind us that there are people who look up to us.
We grow up meeting all kinds of women: aunts who care for us, teachers who guide us, doctors who heal us, friends who are there for us, classmates who learn with us, a wife who loves us, and more. We encounter them every day, yet there is only one international holiday set to express our gratitude for all the women in the world who have been strong, loving, caring, and hardworking: International Women’s Day.
In this prayer, we hope to seek God’s protection and blessings for the women who have stood up to become role models, providers, caregivers, mentors, and miracles to the people around them.
International Women’s Day prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
Your love for every living thing that has walked upon this planet is overwhelming. When You were still on Earth, you regarded women with great respect, especially those who have loved you, cared for you, and stood up for you and what was right.
I have not always thanked my mother for the great acts of love she has done for me. I have not always thanked my wife for her sacrifices, and I often forget to acknowledge how the women around me have shaped me as a person and have been Your vessels to make Your presence known in my life.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all the women in my life who have cared for me, protected me and taught me to love You. Thank you for all the women in the world, strong and wonderful in so many ways, whom You guide to bring more sunshine into people’s lives.
I pray that You will continue to give them strength and soften their heart and grant them the desires of their heart so that they may continue to bless others with their kindness.
This I lovingly pray in Your Holy name. Amen
Short prayer for women’s day
Dear Lord, please protect all women and give them the strength to carry on doing good works and lifting others to You. I pray for their safety, guidance, provision, inspiration and happiness. This I pray in Your Holy Name, Amen.
The Word of God
A woman of strength who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Proverbs 31:10-11 ,15-20, 25-29
She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband, too, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Prayer to Mary for the protection and happiness of all women
Mother Mary, you have cared for your son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and have worked diligently to raise Him to be not only our Savior, but also a remarkable man of great kindness and love.
I have not always seen how my mother did her best to nurture me, how my sisters guided me, or how every woman in my life has given me kindness and support.
Your prayers are always heard fondly by Jesus. I know in my heart that with you delivering my prayers, I grow closer to God and further strengthen my faith.
Please, Mother Mary, mother of Jesus. I seek help for my wish for protection for women so that they may be given strength. Help them grow in the presence of the Lord so that He blesses them and so that, in turn, they may bless others.
Mother Mary, pray for us!
Amen.
Further reflection
We go about our daily lives without contemplating how we got there. We feel happy about our achievements and praise ourselves, barely remembering to honor the women who have silently but selflessly supported us.
There are countless times wherein we forget to honor or acknowledge women for their hard work and perseverance. They are often silent, but their love speaks loud. It is important for us to thank them accordingly and to pray for their safety and joy after all their sacrifices.
Even something such as a few hours to sit down with our mother and sisters, a simple date night with our wife, or meaningful conversations with our female friends can go a long way in making them feel appreciated and loved.
Finally, remember to pray for all women, especially when we are reminded of their presence and positive influence.
