World Day of Prayer 2026 in Vancouver

By E. Maestro

Vancouver, March 28, 2026.– St. Mary the Virgin South Hill church provided the venue for the 2026 annual World Day of Prayer (WDP) in Vancouver. 

The annual 2026 WDP focused on Nigeria and carried the theme  “I will give you rest: Come” based on Matthew 11:28-30. The WDP movement in Nigeria prepared the service and offered stories and insights that emphasized that people everywhere are carrying both the weight of human suffering and the depths of divine rest. 

The WDP was observed in services all over the world, with  Nigeria as the focus of prayer and understanding. Women worldwide learned how the women in Nigeria understand and put into action the biblical passages in the  context of their concerns and needs.

The annual WDP is a global prayer movement of informed prayer and prayerful action for peace and justice. The WDP in Canada is coordinated by The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC). Each year, a different country is highlighted; for this year, it was Nigeria.

The WDP has an International Committee which was formed in 1968. In 2027, the WDP is marking its 100^th year. Rev. Gneid Lackey with the United Church of Canada in New Brunswick declared, “Imagine over 1.5 million Christians speaking 90 different languages in 150 countries gathering in spirit; uniting in prayer for relevant issues affecting women and children.”

Twenty-five people, mostly women, from the Mothers Union of St. Mary the Virgin church and from the St. Andrews Church, came for the WDP and stayed for the reception after. 

The theme of this year’s WDP is particularly relevant today. One of the members of the Mothers Union said that “we all carry heavy burdens; we all have the common and universal need for rest,  and God’s grace.” ​

The St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church is located at 808 East 50^th Avenue, Vancouver and the rector is Rev. Expedito Farinas.  (By E. Maestro and Felly Farinas)