The World Day of Prayer traces its roots to the 19th century when Christian women of Canada and the United States became involved in missions at home and worldwide. Since 1812, women have encouraged one another to engage in personal prayer and lead communal prayer within their mission groups. Presbyterian women in the United States then called for a national day of prayer in 1887, and Anglican women in Canada established a national day of corporate intercessions for mission in 1895.
In 1922, the Canadian and U.S. committees agreed to use the same theme and day for the Day of Prayer as U.S. women. This annual event became the Women’s World Day of Prayer in 1927. The Canadian committee changed its name to become the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and now includes representatives from 11 church partners. This council continues to coordinate the World Day of Prayer in Canada and to speak to issues that concern women of faith across the country.
This year’s theme is: “I will give you rest: come.”
The World Day of Prayer is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of March, though communities can choose other dates. A different participating country writes the service each year, and we look forward to that prepared by the WDP Committee of Nigeria 2026.
Read more about the World Day of Prayer at the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada’s website: https://wdpcanada.ca/world-day-of-prayer/what-is-wdp/#wdpcan