A month-long, round-the-clock prayer vigil has been launched this week, calling Christians across the UK to begin 2026 with spiritual renewal, unity and direction for the nation.

The initiative, led by the National Day of Prayer and Worship, began on Monday and aims to unite churches and individuals across denominations and regions. Its founder and convenor, pastor Jonathan Oloyede, said the vision was for “every hour, every day” believers to pray together, trusting the Holy Spirit for renewal, peace and healing across the UK and Ireland.

Participants were invited to join daily online prayer rooms, attend local gatherings and connect with co-ordinated intercessory networks focused on communities, national life and global concerns.

Pastor Oloyede said the timing reflected a growing hunger for spiritual depth and cooperation among churches. He said the vigil was “not about one ministry or movement, but the whole Body of Christ”, intentionally connected in prayer.

The National Day of Prayer and Worship has organised national prayer initiatives since 2006, beginning with a large gathering at Wembley Stadium.

Since then, the movement had developed a year-round rhythm of online prayer, including daily sessions at 7am and 7pm, monthly virtual prayer nights and extended prayer vigils.

Organisers said the New Year vigil built on momentum from the Shine Your Light Christmas outreach, which mobilised thousands of churches and reached more than three million people through over 2,000 public events across the UK and Ireland.

Pastor Oloyede said the January vigil was intended as a moment to pause, listen and pray intentionally for transformation in communities, government and hearts across the nation.