“United in Prayer for Justice and Peace”

As we approach the World Day of Prayer Centennial in 2027, we stand at a remarkable threshold. For one hundred years, women have led the world in prayer, transcending boundaries of nation, culture, and denomination. The 2027 materials invite us to celebrate this milestone by listening to two voices from scripture whose songs still resonate today—Hannah and Mary.

Through an exploration of Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:1-10) and Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:39-55), the World Day of Prayer International Committee illuminates how these women’s bold prayers proclaimed God’s justice and called for concrete change. Their stories remind us that prayer takes on special meaning in times of suffering or crisis, and that informed prayer combined with prayerful action can lead to transformation.

This centennial year marks a significant milestone in a much larger stream of faithful witness. Our prayers join a timeless chorus that transcends boundaries, singing of a God who transforms the world. When we gather in prayer, we experience the joy of Elizabeth and Mary—a recognition that something new is growing within our movement, bringing life and hope.

Additional information be accessed and downloaded on our Resources page.

In 1927, a small committee of women sent out a call to pray, and women around the world answered. One hundred years later, that circle has grown to encompass women in more than 135 countries, praying together on the first Friday of March in countless languages, traditions, and contexts. The centennial is not only a moment to look back with gratitude — it is an invitation to widen the circle once more, to pass the light to the next generation, and to trust that the seeds planted now will bear fruit for another hundred years.

As World Day of Prayer approaches the centennial of the first worldwide day of prayer in March 1927, the movement is preparing to mark this milestone with celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the future.

• Root, Reflect, Rise: A special call is going out to the worldwide movement. Root — Plant a special Centennial tree in your community. Reflect — Write the history of World Day of Prayer in your country. Rise — Support the newly established WDPIC Young Women’s Fund.
• Centennial Projects: Music Book – a musical treasury of the movement’s voice across cultures and generations. Prayer Book – One hundred prayers from the hundred years of World Day of Prayer. Conversation Circles on the Guiding Principles – A series of recorded dialogues, one for each of the 9 Guiding Principles.
• WDPIC Young Women’s Leadership Institute: A special opportunity for young women ages 21-35 from all regions of the WDP movement. Selected participants from across the worldwide network will gather together in the Fall of 2026, deepening their leadership and their connection to the global ecumenical movement they are being invited to help carry forward.
• Centennial SNC Grants: Each National Committee in the movement may apply for up to $750 USD to support their work in building up World Day of Prayer during the Centennial year.
• 15th International Meeting – Accra, Ghana, June 21-28, 2027: The fifteenth International Meeting will gather in Accra, Ghana from June 21-28, 2027 – and because of the special significance of the Centennial year, the meeting is opening several new categories of participation – Stewards Program, WDPIC Choir, Observers.

Artist: Shams Saad

Shams Saad is a Lebanese artist, worship leader, and proud mother of three. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Lebanese University and is the founder of Shams w Fann, a unique creative space where fun meets skill, and people of all ages explore their artistic potential through guided art experiences.

With a passion for both visual and musical arts, Shams has been active in the local art scene, winning several prestigious awards such as Fabriano, L’Enfant des Cèdres, and L’Orient-Le Jour competitions, and many more. Deeply connected to the mission and vision of World Day of Prayer, she is honored to contribute her artistry to this global movement.

Description of the artwork

River of Prayer

The painting, River of Prayer, was created for the World Day of Prayer’s Centennial in response to the team’s beautiful vision and guidelines. It portrays women from around the globe, each representing different cultures and regions, united in worship and prayer, standing together in strength and humility.

At the heart of the artwork flows a river, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, peace, and the continuous movement of God’s presence. The river gently surrounds the women, connecting them in one body and one spirit. Their posture is lifted in prayer, and their faces reflect faith, hope, and resilience.

The colors are vibrant and diverse, echoing the richness of every nation and the beauty of unity in diversity — a visual call for justice, peace, and spiritual togetherness.