“Come! Bring your burdens.” From Nigeria for World Day of Prayer 2026
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa—diverse, dynamic, and full of contrasts. With over 230 million people, the “African giant” unites over 250 ethnic groups with more than 500 spoken languages. However, wealth and power are very unevenly distributed.
On Friday, March 6, 2026, people in over 150 countries around the world will celebrate the Women’s World Day of Prayer from Nigeria. “Come! Bring your burden” is their hopeful motto.
In Nigeria, burdens are carried on the heads of men, children, but especially women. But there are also invisible burdens, such as poverty and violence. This multifaceted country is marked by social, ethnic, and religious tensions. Islamist terrorist groups such as Boko Haram spread fear and terror.
For many people in this life-threatening situation, their faith gives them hope. Christian women from Nigeria share this hope with us – in prayers, songs, and touching life stories.
For over 100 years, women across national and denominational boundaries have been committed to the World Day of Prayer. Together with Christians around the world, we celebrate this special day. We listen to the voices from Nigeria, draw inspiration from their strength, and bring our own burdens before God.
The ecumenical preparation team from the Anglican, Old Catholic, and Evangelical Reformed congregations, along with other fellow Christians from St. Maria and Leonhard, will once again prepare the service starting in January.
Interested women are welcome to the preparatory meetings.
These will take place on:
February 9; February 23, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. in the Gemeindesaal of St. Catherine’s Church.
On March 6, we will celebrate the service at 7 p.m. in St. Catherine’s Church and digitally via Zoom, and we look forward to welcoming many guests. Afterwards, there will again be a delicious buffet of typical local dishes in the Ecumenical Hall.
Be welcome, just as you are. Come! Bring your burdens.
O Text by Laura Forster, Women’s World Day of Prayer – German Committee e. V.
