He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Over 6-7 June 2026, in churches, networks, ministries and communities around the world, Viva’s World Weekend of Prayer brought hundreds of thousands of adults and children together around one powerful truth: God holds the whole world in His hands. From Tanzania to Nepal, from Albania to Argentina, people united in prayer for children facing poverty, violence, exploitation, and neglect. And, significantly, children themselves became leaders and advocates for at-risk children around the world. We hope you enjoy the summary report below.
One leader from the Philippines Children Ministries Network reflected that, “We want our churches to really put children at the heart of their ministry and engagements” - and the World Weekend of Prayer is a great opportunity to help churches do just that. We are very grateful to everyone who participated and who sent in a report, and we hope you find this summary inspiring and encouraging. We are already looking forward to even more people joining us in prayer at our next World Weekend of Prayer on 5-6 June 2027 - do email us at wwp@viva.org to receive the latest updates.
From Africa …
In Tanzania, the World Weekend of Prayer is a big day on the Mwanza Children Action Network (MCAN)’s calendar, and some reflections on why participants enjoy it so much are available here. This year, MCAN and co-hosts, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, gathered children from various churches, organisations, cultures, and backgrounds to pray for themselves and for others across the globe. Children served as the masters of ceremonies, led worship (including a Swahili version of the familiar chorus ‘He’s got the whole world in His hands’!), and participated in a peace walk alongside community leaders. One child said, “I felt important because I was leading the prayer,” while another, upon reflecting about the needs of at-risk children, said, “I felt sad for other children, but happy that I could pray for them.” In Uganda, One Life International Church incorporated the WWP PowerPoint into a Sunday service, where three children confidently led prayers for children at risk. In Nigeria, at Divine Heritage Children’s Centre, children used a world map to learn about the challenges facing children in different countries before praying for them. Leaders reported that some sick children experienced healing, while many were “happy because they were able to join the prayer and also encouraged that God answers their prayers.” At Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, prayer was emphasised during worship services, creating what one participant described as “a time to call on our Father.” In Zambia, Bethel ECZ hosted a day-long event featuring songs, poems, memory verses, dances, sketches and intercessory prayer. Community partners helped provide food and transport, demonstrating how prayer can unite many stakeholders around a shared concern for children. Again in Zambia, Viva partner network the Samalani Children at Risk Network (SCAR), alongside the Tehila organisation, had involved children in a creative animation and short drama prior to the weekend, and over the weekend itself, children met to pray for the challenges in their lives and communities.
To Latin America …
Red Viva El Salvador mobilised children in the days leading up to the World Weekend of Prayer to record heartwarming prayers, which you can find here, which enabled many others to join in prayer over 6-7 June. Children were also involved in creating banners, cards, and media content as well as participating in radio programmes - all while encouraging year-round prayer for children. In Venezuela, children participated enthusiastically, “showing great interest and faith that God hears the prayers of his children. They prayed for the needs of children around the world and in their immediate surroundings, expressing their hope that their petitions would be heard and answered soon by God, as there are many needs affecting children worldwide.” (Maritza Sibila, leader of RENACSENIV, Venezuela). This is particularly heartwarming - and challenging - when we consider the recent disaster that occurred when two earthquakes shook Venezuela, which has led to great loss of property and life. In Argentina, participants celebrated a testimony of a child who had been in therapy and was later moved into a regular hospital ward following prayer: “God is great and good.”
Up to Central and North America and the Caribbean …
In the United States, Marl Grove Church of Christ shared flyers and emails, and was particularly creative in one outreach initiative: “We had people praying for drivers as they passed our church. Many drivers shouted back, "Thank you." One driver told me that he appreciated what the sisters were doing. Prayer is very much needed in this day and time.” Similarly, in the Dominican Republic, Ministerio Manos de Amor took prayer beyond church walls into homes and public spaces: “Families of the children involved in this day of prayer were deeply moved as they witnessed their children praying and connecting with other children through their drawings, highlighting the importance of cognitive development in children. The ministry even welcomed a new group of children into ongoing Bible classes as a result of the World Weekend of Prayer. There was also lovely artwork and prayers created by children in Guatemala.
And Across to Europe …
At St Mary’s Church in the UK, a five-year-old girl made a craft depicting her family around the world and prayed that all children would have food; her simple faith beautifully captured the message that everyone belongs in God’s family. Another UK congregation, Dunvant Christian Fellowship, involved children in reading prayers during worship. In Dublin, Ireland, a 16-year-old prayed thoughtfully for children at risk, greatly encouraging the congregation, and we know that various communities in Slovakia were involved in organising prayer events. In Albania, children discovered the global nature of God’s love through activities organised by Alo!Mik, supported by more than 30 churches and organisations. Children prayed, wrote, painted and drew prayers for children they had never met. They were deeply moved by learning about children at risk around the world and were “encouraged by the thought that children in other countries might also be praying for them.”
… And Landing in Asia
A very creative and engaging celebration took place in Nepal as CarNetNepal brought together hundreds of children and adults for a colourful event featuring worship, puppet shows, quizzes, creative prayer activities and continent-focused prayer groups. Children helped plan the event, led worship, produced promotional materials and served as hosts. Participants described making new friends, learning about global issues and discovering fresh ways to pray. “At the end of the programme, children were given snacks, keychains with this year's theme, and storybooks as gifts. Children also placed their thumbprints around the globe to show unity in the prayers.”
Across the Philippines, multiple networks under the Philippines Children Ministries Network (PCMN) incorporated the World Weekend of Prayer into Sunday schools, children’s programmes and community initiatives. “Some said that it is good to pray even for children in another country, and some adults said it was beautiful seeing not only children but also adults who come together, with one heart for the next generation.” (Alliance of Children's Ministry in Negros). One eight-year-old prayed that children everywhere would have clean water, while another proudly shared, “I now know how to pray.” The event was so engaging that one child said, "Ate, lagi pong may ganito dito? Babalik po kami sa susunod,” meaning, “Elder sister, are there always activities like this? We will return [to this Church] again.” Peace Team Cambodia witnessed children truly calling out to God in prayer in beautiful and sincere ways, while these lovely prayers below right from a church in Hong Kong, demonstrate the outward-facing nature of our World Weekend of Prayer.
These stories remind us that the World Weekend of Prayer is more than just a prayer event; it also empowers children to lead, helps churches unite, and strengthens communities in their commitment to children’s wellbeing. As a leader from Eastern Samar Child's Rights Advocates Net (ESCRAN) notes, “this programme enables agencies and faith-based organisations to appreciate and recognise the importance of children in communities through messages and prayer.”
As we look ahead to future World Weekend of Prayer gatherings - noting that our next one will be on 5-6 June, 2027! - these testimonies tell us that whether in a large-city church, a rural community, a children’s home, or a family living room, prayer matters. Together, we can continue to raise our voices for children at risk because we know that God cares for every child and is interested in seeing them grow and flourish, because He holds the whole world in His hands.
Note: All photographs are used with the participants' permission, with details of children’s names and exact locations deliberately left out. More photographs can be found here.
