Rest for the Weary by Gift Amarachi Ottah

Our sisters in Nigeria welcome us and lead us with a Day of Prayer this March.

The material for this year’s celebration draws on the invitation in Matthew 11, verses 28-30: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

At a time when people worldwide are carrying heavy burdens, the service prepared by the Nigerian Committee will offer us insights into finding rest in God. Their exploration of different kinds of burdens - shame, systemic oppression, religious persecution, poverty and despair – will hopefully help us understand both the weight of human suffering and the depths of divine rest and show us that true rest isn't just about physical relief, but about transformation through God's grace, community support, faith and hope.

The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 120 countries: prayer in native languages travels throughout the world through Asia, Africa, Middle East. Europe and the Americas. Our service here in Maidenhead will feature members of various churches in the local area: please encourage friends to come to find their burdens lightened.