Churches across Hampshire are joining a global wave of prayer in the coming weeks in response to a call from the Archbishop of Canterbury to get together to pray.

More than1,000 prayer events are expected to take place across the Diocese of Winchester as part of the wave of prayer.

Inspired by the words of the Lord’s Prayer, the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ the wave of prayer will culminate at a service in Winchester Cathedral on May 20.

Christians from all denominations will be getting involved in the prayer marathon.

As well as Anglican congregations, Catholic, Methodist, United Reformed, Baptist, Pentecostal and other church groups will be among more than 400 churches participating in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ across the county.

Bishop of Winchester Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, said:

“Now in its third year, Thy Kingdom Come is continuing to have a huge impact and it is inspiring to see the way people across our region have embraced the spirit and passion of this global call to prayer.

"There are over a 1000 prayer events taking place in villages, towns and cities throughout the region, and I would encourage everyone to find out what’s happening near them and take part.”

Some of the prayer events taking place as part of the wave of prayer include:

A Prayer in the Square event in Fair Oak Square from Monday to Friday from 3-5pm.

Prayer and a Pint - In The Worthys and Upper Dever church communities will be hosting prayer meetings each day in local pubs throughout the period of prayer.

In a number of parishes, congregations will be coming together to hold a week of continuous prayer in collaboration with 24/7 Prayer. At Ascension Church, Bitterne Park Parish, Christians will be holding continuous prayer in the church throughout the week leading up to Pentecost on May 20.