At Messy Church we love to introduce people of all ages to engage in informed prayer and prayerful action. A good way to start is by joining in with the World Day of Prayer.
The World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a worldwide movement led by Christian women of many traditions, who call the faithful together to observe a common day of prayer on the first Friday in March. More than 120 countries participate in an annual day of celebration, which brings together people of various races, cultures and traditions, sharing God’s word and worship.
The 2026 World Day of Prayer service was prepared by an ecumenical group of Christian women from Nigeria, with a focus on the invitation of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28–30, as they call us to come closer and find rest in God.
The World Day of Prayer England Wales and Northern Ireland Committee, collaborated with the Messy Church Team to create a service based on the 2026 WDP material, written by Christian women in Nigeria.
You’ll find the scripture and activities to unpack the theme ‘I will give you rest, come’ in thoughtful and creative ways. The food suggestions even include a fabulous Nigerian stew or some lovely Nigerian Butter Biscuits.
And don’t worry, this Messy Church gathering does not need to happen on the first Friday in March, it can happen any time over the next year, adding to the wave of prayer.
Click here to find out more about WDP in England, Wales and N. Ireland.
Click here to find out more about WDP in Scotland.
