“I Will Give You Rest: Come”
Matthew 11:28-30
March 6, 2026
March 6, 2026
Rest for the Weary by Gift Amarachi Ottah
The 2026 World Day of Prayer materials from Nigeria bring us a powerful invitation drawn from Matthew 11:28-30. At a time when people worldwide are carrying heavy burdens, our Nigerian sisters offer profound insights into finding rest in God.
Through their exploration of different kinds of burdens - shame, systemic oppression, religious persecution, poverty and despair - the writers help us understand both the weight of human suffering and the depths of divine rest. Their work shows us that true rest isn't just about physical relief, but about transformation through God's grace and community support.
The Nigerian committee has woven together their cultural wisdom with the universal need for rest. Through symbols like the calabash bowl, which represents both daily sustenance and divine provision, they remind us how God meets us in our weariness.
Through their exploration of different kinds of burdens - shame, systemic oppression, religious persecution, poverty and despair - the writers help us understand both the weight of human suffering and the depths of divine rest. Their work shows us that true rest isn't just about physical relief, but about transformation through God's grace and community support.
The Nigerian committee has woven together their cultural wisdom with the universal need for rest. Through symbols like the calabash bowl, which represents both daily sustenance and divine provision, they remind us how God meets us in our weariness.
History & Culture
Nigeria Map ©Public Domain
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Nigeria is located on the western coast of Africa, boasting a diverse geography that spans 910,770 km² of land and 853 km of coastline. The nation's landscape is abundant, offering ample space for agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities. Nigeria's natural resources are vast and varied, including oil, natural gas, and a wealth of solid minerals.
Nigeria's population of over 211 million makes it the most populous country in Africa and the 7th most populous in the world. This rich demographic tapestry is woven from over 250 ethnic groups, each contributing unique cultural threads to the nation's identity. The three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. The Hausa-Fulani predominantly reside in the northern region, the Yoruba are concentrated in the southwestern region, and the Igbo occupy the southeastern part of Nigeria. |
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Beyond these major ethnic groups, Nigeria is a mosaic of various other ethnic communities spread across different regions. These include the Ijaw, Tiv, Kanuri, Nupe, Itsekiri, Efik, and many more, each with its own distinct cultural practices, languages, and social structures.
Nigeria's history is a rich tapestry woven from ancient civilizations, diverse migrations, and colonial influences. Long before the country's modern boundaries were drawn, the region was home to sophisticated societies that left indelible marks on its cultural landscape. Religion plays a significant role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Nigeria. The country is known for its religious diversity, with various religions coexisting and influencing the lives of its people. Today, Nigeria stands in a cycle of continuous renewal and hope. The country faces ongoing challenges such as climate change, economic diversification, and social inequality. However, it also boasts a young, dynamic population driving innovation in technology, arts, and business. The revival of the original national anthem in 2024 symbolizes a reconnection with the foundational values of unity in diversity. Through each season of its journey, Nigeria demonstrates an enduring capacity for renewal, adapting to new realities while holding onto the dream of a united, prosperous, and peaceful nation. |
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Bible Study
"Come to me, |
These words of Jesus come after a series of teachings and miracles in Galilee. Despite facing questions and doubts from various groups, Jesus continues to invite people to understand God's kingdom in a new way. His call to "come" and find rest is not just a momentary relief but an invitation to a new way of living in relationship with God.
The concept of a 'yoke' might seem strange to us today, but it was a common image in Jewish teachings. Often, it symbolized the law or religious obligations. However, Jesus offers a different kind of yoke - one that brings rest rather than burden. |
WDP in Nigeria
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The World Day of Prayer (WDP) movement in Nigeria stands as a powerful testament to the unity and strength of Nigerian women. Introduced in 1961, the movement has grown to encompass women from various Christian denominations across the country, fostering ecumenical cooperation and spiritual solidarity. Since its inception, WDP has provided a platform for addressing social, political, religious, and economic issues affecting families and communities.
In August 2017, at the WDPIC International Meeting in Brazil, WDP Nigeria was selected to be the Writer Committee for 2026, with the theme, I Will Give You Rest: Come (Matthew 11:28). Truly, grace found us in 2017, as WDP Nigeria was still in its early stages of national organization. Despite our fledgling status and organizational challenges, we were honored with the invitation to become a Writer Committee. WDP Nigeria has continued to grow as an organization by establishing zonal structures across the country. The movement has gained significant ground, with celebrations now occurring at national, state, and local church levels across Nigeria. |
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About the Art & Artist
"My artwork depicts the daily reality of rural Nigerian women, whose lives are marked by endless labor from sunrise to sunset. These women traverse treacherous paths to their farms, often carrying both their harvest and their children - a toddler strapped to their back, a heavy load balanced on their head, while guiding other children along unmaintained roads through thick bush.
The artwork also shows three women sitting together, their different traditional attire representing Nigeria's diverse cultures. Though they come from different ethnic groups, their shared experiences unite them. To meet their basic survival needs, these women carry burdens and traumas that are physical, emotional and spiritual.
Yet there is hope for the many burdens these people are carrying. These burdens become bearable when we respond to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” When we bring our weariness to Christ and support one another in community, we find rest and strength to continue our journey."
The artwork also shows three women sitting together, their different traditional attire representing Nigeria's diverse cultures. Though they come from different ethnic groups, their shared experiences unite them. To meet their basic survival needs, these women carry burdens and traumas that are physical, emotional and spiritual.
Yet there is hope for the many burdens these people are carrying. These burdens become bearable when we respond to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” When we bring our weariness to Christ and support one another in community, we find rest and strength to continue our journey."
Gift Amarachi Ottah, a final-year Mass Communication student at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike in Ebonyi State, draws inspiration from her home state of Abia in Nigeria. Following her family's tradition in creative arts and printing, Gift has developed a unique artistic voice that speaks to the struggles and strength of Nigerian women. She was motivated to design this artwork for the 2026 World Day of Prayer program because of the burdens that Nigerian women are facing. She hopes that her art will help to amplify their voices.
Additional Materials
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Come Unto Me, by Chisom R. Chukwumerije
Chisom R. Chukwumerije singing the theme song she wrote especially for the 2026 World Day of Prayer Nigeria program. |
Keleya - Traditional Igbo Song
Recorded with leaders from WDP Nigeria on Sept 27, 2024, at the WDP Africa Regional Meeting in Zambia. |