The World Day of Prayer (WDP) is an international, ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative celebrated annually on the first Friday in March in over 170 countries. While initiated by women, the event is open to everyone, including men and children, with special resources often prepared for youth. Operating under the motto "Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action," it brings together people of various races, cultures, and traditions to join in prayerful solidarity and action on the global peace and justice issues, particularly those affecting women and children. It is a significant opportunity for Christians to connect, share their faith, and support one another in a global community.
Each year, a different country's national committee writes the service materials, highlighting their local culture, struggles, and hopes. In 2026, the materials focused on Nigeria, featuring Nigerian women’s struggles, hopes, faith and resilience amidst challenges. The theme is drawn from The Bible (Matthew 11:28-30) – I Will Give You Rest: Come
Men and women from different Christian denominations led the WDP service at The Salvation Army, Dunstable. At a time when people worldwide are carrying heavy burdens, the WDP service highlighted the profound insights shared by the Nigerian women about finding rest and assurance in God.
The service shared the stories of four Nigerian women which inspired and called upon everyone to work towards a world without injustice, insecurity, marginalisation, religious persecution, poverty and despair.
The prayers acknowledged that our hurtful words and selfish actions can undermine people’s confidence and lead to insecurity, injustice and hatred, and that we must all take inspiration from the resilience and faithfulness of those Nigerian women who have remained faithful amidst difficult circumstances and join them in building a better world for everyone.
There were prayers for the world leaders that they may govern with fairness and compassion, and bring an end to the extremism that breeds fear, the hatred that fuels violence and the indifference that allows injustice to persist. Everyone was invited to take up the responsibility to stand tall and strong in the face of adversity, work towards love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our hurting world, and create societies that respect and care for all. The service concluded with everyone committing to be God’s light in the world, with faith, hope and love.
The World Day of Prayer (WDP) 2026 Service was held at the Salvation Army, Dunstable.