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Churchgoers gathered at St Mary’s Church in Peterborough for two special “Come and Pray” days, held on Tuesday 19 May and Wednesday 20 May, as part of Thy Kingdom Come.
The event encouraged participants to deepen their faith while supporting others through prayer, with a particular focus on praying for five people in their lives to come to know Jesus.
The church was transformed into an immersive prayer space, offering an interactive “Prayer Walk” designed to engage all five senses. Visitors moved through eleven thoughtfully prepared prayer stations, each providing unique opportunities for reflection, worship, and spiritual connection.
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Participants were able to explore a wide range of activities, including moments to praise God, reflect on scripture, light candles, and hold crosses while praying for others. Interactive elements allowed visitors to reflect on their faith journeys, and engage creatively through art, writing, and tactile experiences.
The environment itself played a key role in fostering a sense of peace. Attendees admired the church’s Resurrection Sculpture (the centre point of St Mary’s) and the vibrant colours in the stained-glass windows, whilst the scent of flowers and candles and the quiet atmosphere helped create a calming and reflective space. At times, the building was filled with gentle conversation and creative expression; at others, a profound stillness invited quiet contemplation.
More playful elements also featured each representing a prayer to God, including blowing bubbles, eating Jelly Babies and pray according to its colour, and interacting with a world map to pray for different countries. Visitors could also write or draw prayers and peg them onto a “Prayer Line” stretching across the front of the church. These prayers were later shared during Sunday services.
Many who attended spoke of the impact the experience had on them. One visitor said,
“Thank you for this chance to be still and tranquil, and for the guidance in prayer.”
Another shared, “From the moment I entered the church, I felt God’s love and presence… What a wonderful gift to be able to enjoy this space.”
This year’s theme, “God with us,” was keenly felt throughout the event with many describing a sense of transformation during their time in the church.
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A notable highlight was the involvement of new Christians, who having done an Alpha or the 321 course, came to lead prayers.
The event also brought together Christians from across Peterborough. Members of Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and free churches joined together, contributing to a continuous rhythm of prayer offered twice an hour.
Sue Moore, Licensed Lay Minister at St Mary’s expressed gratitude for the strong sense of community and collaboration seen throughout the two days. “Thank you to everyone who participated... It was a wonderful feeling to pray together, united with millions of Christians worldwide. Prayer does make a difference. Together, we can transform the world, not just during TKC, but every day.”