Week of Guided Prayer
The Week of Guided Prayer 2027 offers a unique opportunity to journey through Holy Week in prayer and reflection.
Centered on this year’s theme, “We Are Not Alone,” the experience is intentionally woven into the rhythms of Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, inviting participants into a deeper encounter with Scripture, daily prayer, and God’s presence during one of the most sacred weeks of the church year.
Whether you are new to Week of Guided Prayer, or returning once again, we invite you to join us for this sacred journey of listening, reflection, and renewal as we walk together toward the hope of Easter.
Overview of the Week
Your questions, answered
What is Week of Guided Prayer?
This year, Week of Guided Prayer is a six-day guided prayer retreat experience designed to fit into your daily life. You can participate when and where it works best for you according to your daily schedule.
To pray the scriptures is to listen with an open heart, as you read, reflect and pray upon recommended Bible passages and a short reflection, during your daily retreat time. Then with the help of guiding questions, your prayer conversation with God is deepened through conversations with a friend or a trained prayer companion. Companions are trained to keep all conversations confidential.
Week of Guided Prayer is coordinated by Joanne Stenerson and Dale Kucharczyk, under the leadership of Rev. Maya Landell.
Why should I participate?
Week of Guided Prayer is an opportunity for you to grow closer to God through scripture reading and prayer. It is an open invitation to learn to listen to God’s calling in each of our own lives. I wonder what God might be saying to you at this time.
This year’s daily readings will help you pay attention to the threads of love that God has woven into the tapestry of our lives.
What does it mean to participate as a retreatant?
Participating as a retreatant involves three things:
1. Attending an opening session following worship on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 12 – 1:30 pm in the Reception Room at Islington United Church. The session will include instruction on praying scripture.
2. For each day of the retreat week, from Monday to Friday, spending 30 minutes praying scripture at home, and then meeting for another 30 minutes with an assigned prayer companion in person, online or by phone.
3. Attending a closing session on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 9:00 to 10:15 am in the Chapel.
Do I have to pray out loud?
No. You can pray however you wish. You may choose to participate in the week with an assigned companion, with a friend or on your own. You can choose to participate in the experience in the way that suits you best.
Do I have to be familiar with "praying scripture"?
There is absolutely no experience required and all are encouraged to participate. The week begins with a Sunday service (in person and online) where everyone will learn together what it means to pray scripture. There will be suggestions offered on different ways to engage during the week.
Do I have to register to take part?
No. There are three different ways to participate:
1. As a retreatant. You will register online and be paired with a trained companion, receive a package of materials and be invited to a closing session for retreatants. Retreat fee is $25 (please don’t let cost be a barrier to attending, financial support available).
2. With a friend of your choice. You will set times to meet with your friend (in person, by phone or online) and share the experience together. No need to register.
3. On your own. You can fully engage in the experience on your own, if that is your preference. No need to register.
I'm pretty busy. How much time will it take?
There is a general guideline to spend an hour each day (30 minutes on your own, plus 30 minutes with a companion or friend). If this feels like more time than you can spare, consider ways you can fit reflective time into your existing schedule: during your commute to work, while taking a shower or bath, by turning off the TV a bit earlier in the evening, during your lunch break.
How do I register?
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Daily Reflections, Podcasts, Scriptures, and Family Pages
Preparing to Pray
Prayer Practices
Daily reflection materials provided by the Week of Guided Prayer Network, Hamilton Conference, United Church of Canada, 2016.
Family pages created by Brianna Coutlee