The World Day of Prayer (WDP) movement is an international, ecumenical, women-led organisation which will celebrate its centenary in 2027.

On the first Friday in March each year (Friday 6 March in 2026), a great wave of Christian prayer and worship circles the globe. Beginning at dawn in Samoa, the service travels through 146 countries over 24 hours before concluding in American Samoa. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 services were held in 83 countries.

Each year a different country prepares the worship materials. In 2026 the focus was on Nigeria, with the theme drawn from Matthew’s Gospel: “Come, I will give you rest.” The service included the moving testimonies of four Nigerian women, reflecting on the challenges of insecurity, marginalisation, religious persecution, poverty and despair.

The Stratford-upon-Avon WDP branch has a dedicated ecumenical team who meet to plan the annual service, which takes place in a different church in the town each year. They greatly value both the fellowship they share and the opportunity to learn more about the country in focus.

This year the branch also marked with gratitude the retirement of Clodagh Mallison from St Andrew’s Church, Shottery, and Eithne Mulryne from Holy Trinity Church. Both women have served the movement for around 40 years, and their commitment has been deeply appreciated.

The wider ministry of WDP continues throughout the year, providing support and training for women worldwide. Grants are awarded to an impressive range of charitable projects both in the UK and overseas.

The Stratford upon Avon Service

This year’s service was held at St Gregory’s Church, which was almost full as representatives from churches across Stratford came together in prayer and fellowship. Members of the parish steering committee worked hard to organise the event, including arranging a display of Nigerian goods and artwork in front of the altar, bringing a touch of the country’s culture into the church.

A highlight of the service was the contribution from Year 5 pupils from St Gregory’s School, who sang three songs. Their final piece, sung unaccompanied and including African words, was particularly moving.

After the service, refreshments were served in the parish meeting room while the children returned to school.

Parish organisers Maureen Thompson, Caroline Wilks, Jane Thomas and Marion Welborne  expressed their thanks to all those who helped make the event such a success.

Reflecting afterwards, the parish priest Fr Oliver spoke about a prayer from the service that touched him deeply:

“This is our testimony: that even in our struggles, we see evidence of God’s faithfulness. We may be burdened, but we are not broken. We continue to work, to hope, and to pray for the world we know is possible.”

Photo Gallery by Con McHugh

Livestream Recording

Further Information

Radio 4 Prayer for Today - World Day of Prayer 

World Day of Prayer website

St Gregory the Great website