Posted on: 11th June 2025

On Sunday 8th June, people from across Leeds gathered at Bridge Community Church to mark the 21st Global Day of Prayer—an annual event organised by Hope for the Nations, a project of the Leeds Christian Community Trust.

This milestone occasion was a vibrant expression of faith and togetherness, bringing Christians from many nations and backgrounds under one roof to pray for peace, justice, and unity in a world facing ongoing challenges.

The service featured heartfelt prayers led by young people, including seven-year-old Albert, whose call for peace resonated deeply with the congregation. Around the space, prayer stations invited attendees to lift up nations in crisis—including Israel / Palestine, Congo DRC, India / Pakistan, Iraq and Ukraine—fostering a global awareness rooted in compassion and solidarity.

Worship filled the air in a chorus of languages—English, Hindi, Chinese, and others—reflecting the multicultural fabric of the city and the Church’s global heart. Attendees also united in prayer against racial injustice, standing together in the spirit of John 17, where Jesus prays “that they may be one.”

Reflecting on the journey, Paul Lancaster shared memories of the very first Global Day of Prayer in Leeds, marking two decades of annual gatherings that have consistently drawn people together to seek God’s guidance for the city and the world.

As voices rose in harmony and hands were lifted in prayer, Leeds' 21st Global Day of Prayer stood as a moving reminder of the power of unity and the enduring hope that comes from praying together.