RUMFORD — The voices of dozens of local women were joined by millions of others around the world Friday afternoon when the local World Day of Prayer service took place the United Methodist Church.

Judy Sanborn of Rumford, a parishioner at St. Rose Catholic Church in Jay, called the service “a unification of women everywhere.”

Florence Whynot, a member of the Rumford Baptist Church, said she enjoyed seeing people from other area churches.

“It’s very inspirational to know there are people around the world at these services,” she said.

And Bev Glover, a Dixfield Congregational Church member, said attending World Day of Prayer services gives her a chance to learn the customs of other cultures.

This year’s theme was “Let Justice Prevail.” The service was written by the women of Malaysia.

Speakers from many local churches placed written messages on a colorful poster in front of the altar, giving ideas on how to let justice prevail.

“Peace,” “welcome,” “compassion,” “harmony,” “persistence,” “toleration and acceptance,” and “patience,” all figure into making the world a better place for everyone of every color and religion.

The Malaysian women, through their written service, revealed that their country is one of multiple identities and religions that sometimes result in abuse and violence.

Nancy Demmings of the Dixfield Congregational Church told a story of a Malaysian social activist who is fighting against the torture and killing of migrant workers in government detention camps.

In Irene Fernandez’ words, “I heard the cries of these migrant workers. I could not keep silent.”

She is the director of Tenaganita (Women’s Force), a human rights organization that fights for the rights of marginalized people in Malaysia’s diverse society.

The World Day of Prayer booklet provided many ways people who feel called to take action against injustice anywhere in the world can do so. Some women said they would take that list back to their churches to try to take action on such things as the effects of multinational corporations on indigenous peoples and biodiversity, or on a more local level, to pray for and help those in the community who may be experiencing injustice.

Dee Holman, lay leader for the local Methodist Church, led the service. Pastors taking part were the Rev. Jane Rich from the Andover Congregational Church, the Rev. Carol Stevens from the Rumford Methodist Church and the Rev. Izzie Radford-Nash from the Mexico Congregational Church.

Next year’s World Day of Prayer service will be written by the women of France. The local service will be held at the Rumford Baptist Church on March 1, 2013.