Sing as One: Holden Evening Prayer Around the World Returns April 26–May 2, 2026
April 26–May 2, 2026 | Host a Service in Your Community | 40th Anniversary of Vespers ’86
Congregations and households across the globe are invited to sing and pray together during Holden Evening Prayer Around the World, April 26–May 2, 2026.
This spring marks the 40th Anniversary of Vespers ’86, the beloved Holden Evening Prayer service composed by Marty Haugen during a 1985–1986 residency at Holden Village. Written in the depth of winter, this simple Lutheran vespers service—rooted in traditional form and expressed in contemporary, inclusive language—has become a cherished part of worship in congregations throughout the ELCA and beyond.
A Global Week of Shared Prayer
During the week of April 26, congregations, campus ministries, small groups, and households are encouraged to host a Holden Evening Prayer service on any date or time that works locally. Whether in a sanctuary, living room, community center, senior housing complex, or outdoors at sunset, the invitation is simple: gather, sing, and pray.
Even though geography separates us, by singing the same words in the same week, we are joined in spirit. As Holden reflects on a season of road closures and the cancellation of its 2026 on-site season, this shared worship becomes a powerful reminder that the Church is not confined to one place.
An in-Village service will take place during the week and will be available by livestream, even though the Village remains closed to guests.
How to Participate
If you plan to host a gathering, please:
Choose a date and time between April 26 and May 2, 2026
Register your event using Holden’s public form
Indicate if you will be livestreaming so others may join
Register your event here:
All submitted information will appear on Holden’s interactive map so others in your area can participate. If you need to make changes after registering, email communications@holdenvillage.org.
Why It Matters for Us
For many in the Grand Canyon Synod, Holden Evening Prayer has shaped seasons of Lent, Advent, and summer ministry. Its prayers for peace and justice echo the heart of our Lutheran theology: that worship forms us for the sake of the world.
As we continue to live into our synod theme of being rooted in God’s story, this is an opportunity to embody that story in song—joining voices from Arizona to Nevada, from St. George to the Navajo Nation, and across the globe.
May our prayer rise like incense.
May our song carry hope.
And may we remember that even across distance, we remain one body in Christ.