Circle of Prayer is a meditation booklet published every two years by the International Committee for the Fellowship of the Least Coin (ICFLC) to “reaffirm prayer as the vital element of the FLC.” It was started in 1962 as a meditation guide by the women of Hong Kong for use as prayer is offered and the least coin is set aside. Since then Circle of Prayer has been an important part of FLC focused on different themes approved by the ICFLC.
The theme of the Circle of Prayer 2009 Vol. XIX is “Joining Our Hearts in Prayer”.
Introduction to the theme:
We are part of God’s community of believers. We are sisters created in a beautiful diversity and tapestry of skin tones, hair and eye colors, size and shapes. But within each of us there is a heart beating, giving life to our bodies.

Community comes as we reach out in love---as we extend ourselves through caring and embracing one another in a common bond of love and acceptance, hope and bearing each others burdens, giving and receiving emotional and spiritual support. This special community connected through the Circle of Prayer brings us together and provides a sense of belonging despite the individual circumstances or the many miles that may separate us.

Jesus calls us into reconciling ministries through his examples of blessing young children. He celebrated their giftedness and upheld their worth. As the child gave the loaves and fishes the gift was acceptable and more than enough. No gift is too small in God’s community. The woman at the well was treated with respect and Jesus recognized her as one capable of giving. He did not require proof of righteousness or worth, he served and he prayed.

We join our hearts in prayer for each other and for all our sisters and brothers around the world. Our circle invites everyone in and no one is excluded. May God bless our loving outreach.

By Gail Mengel
National President, Church Women United-USA 2004 - 2008

Possible Texts: a) Jeremiah 29: 11-13 NRSV
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray for me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.”

b) Philippians 4: 5-7 NRSV
* 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
c. Philippians 1: 3-6 NRSV
3I thank my God every time I remember you, 4constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
d. Matthew 12: 34b
. . . For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Suggested Guidelines for Writers of Meditations:
The typewritten meditation is around 500-700 words.
Deadline for sending the meditation to ICFLC office <icflcph@gmail.com> is November 30, 2008
Please send a scanned copy of photo and a brief profile of the writer along with the article by email
That the meditation materials share women’s stories and biblical reflections from the respective regions
Each ICFLC member may facilitate at least 3-5 contributions coming from different countries.
Suggested Format:
Title
Biblical Text
Meditation
Prayer