You’ve probably heard of 6-hour, 10-hour, 12-hour, or even 24-hour prayer stretches.
But an 80-hour praise marathon?
Yes, 80+ hours of continuous worship.
And of course, some people hear something like that and immediately ask:
“Why do people spend so much time doing this?”
But the truth is simple: we spend time with what we love.
And when it comes to worship, no time is too long to give to the God of the universe.
Still, today isn’t about debating the “why.”
Today, we’re looking at the origin story behind the event known as Messiah’s Praise.
So how did it start? And why has it grown into a global worship tradition?
Let’s talk about it.
What Is Messiah’s Praise?
Messiah’s Praise (also known as Marathon Messiah’s Praise) is an annual extended praise and worship programme organised within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) around late February and early March.
The event is widely known for its continuous worship sessions, often stretching into dozens of hours without interruption.
It brings together believers from different parts of the world all with one goal: to praise God continuously in thanksgiving and worship.
Beyond the music, Messiah’s Praise is also a celebration of gratitude particularly thanking God for the life and ministry of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG.
How Did Messiah’s Praise Start?
Messiah’s Praise began in 2012. That year marked Pastor Adeboye’s 70th birthday, and instead of organising a regular birthday celebration filled with speeches, gifts, and parties, the youth arm of RCCG chose something different.
The vision was championed by the RCCG National Young Adults and Youth Affairs. So, the first edition was launched as: 70 Hours Marathon Messiah’s Praise
The concept was symbolic: one hour of praise for every year of Pastor Adeboye’s life.
For 70 hours straight, worship went on without stopping and that was only the beginning.
Read: AfroGospel Events You Cannot Afford To Miss In February
How It Grew Into an 80+ Hour Worship Marathon
From the first 70-hour edition, Messiah’s Praise developed into an annual tradition. And with each passing year, the number of hours increased. From 70 to 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 hours and onward.
As the years passed and Pastor Adeboye’s age increased, the programme expanded as well.
In recent years, the worship marathon has reached 80+ hours, keeping the same pattern.
More Than Hours: The Heart Behind Messiah’s Praise
It’s important to note that Messiah’s Praise was never designed to be a “record attempt” or a show of spiritual endurance. Messiah’s Praise was created to inspire a new culture of praise one that encourages believers to see worship not as something we do occasionally, but as a lifestyle.
The 2026 Marathon Messiah’s Praise is scheduled to take place from Monday, 2nd March to Thursday, 5th March 2026.
