Slideshow image
'I will give you rest, come'

 

The World Day of Prayer 2026:
Let Us Pray with
the Women of Nigeria
'I will give you rest,
come'

 

Friday Focus, 6 March 2026, The World Day of Prayer

Today is the World Day of Prayer, an international ecumenical Christian laywomen's initiative observed each year in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March.  

The first Women’s Day of Prayer was held in the United States in 1887.  The observance spread to Canada in 1922, and to Britain in the 1930s. Roman Catholic women joined the movement after the Second Vatican Council, in 1967.

Through the World Day of Prayer, Christian women around the world affirm their faith in Jesus and share their hopes, fears, joys, sorrows, opportunities and needs. 

Through this initiative, women are encouraged to be enriched by the faith of Christians of other cultures, share the burdens of other people and pray for the, become aware of the whole world and live in solidarity with rather than isolation from one another.

The World Day of Prayer aims to demonstrate that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world.

Each year, a different country and a specific theme are chosen as a focus. 

This year’s theme, “I Will Give You Rest”: Come” (Matthew 11. 8-30) was selected by the women of Nigeria.   The theme reminds us of Jeus’ invitation to all who are burdened and heavy-laden to come to him so that they may find rest.

Let us take some time to pray in solidarity with women around the world, the prayer below, written by the women of Nigeria.

Let us pray:

God, you are the Great Burden Bearer.
We come before you as your children, from all corners of the world.
We lift up our voices, joining with all our siblings who carry the heavy loads of systemic oppression.

God of Compassion, we know that you see us.
You see the discrimination faced by so many - women, widows, minorities, the poor.
Some are overworked, breaking their backs in factories, fields, and homes, while others cannot find work to feed their families.

Gracious God, intervene for us all!

Thank you, Gracious God,
for the resiliency and resourcefulness of all who remain faithful amidst difficult circumstances. Inspire us by their example and move us to build a better world.

Most powerful God, we have seen your hand move before.
You parted the Red Sea for your people.
Now, part the sea of injustice that drowns so many around the world.
Speak to the hearts of leaders everywhere, that they may govern with fairness and compassion. Move the hearts of communities to change attitudes and actions towards all who are marginalized.

Loving Jesus, you welcomed the oppressed and lifted up the downtrodden.
Do the same for all who suffer today under oppressive systems.
Give us strength to keep trusting you, even when the burdens seem too heavy to bear.

Holy Spirit, fill us anew.
Let your power overflow in our communities across the globe.
Use us to be a blessing to others.
Inspire us by all who use their own struggles to bless those around them.

Thank you, Loving God, for hearing our cries and bearing our burdens.
We trust in your unfailing love and your mighty power to transform situations. Amen

Norman+

Image:
from World Day of Prayer 2026 Bulletin