September 21: International Day of Prayer for Peace

On 21 September, churches and communities throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) through prayer, meditation and other forms of spiritual observance.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies. The idea was proposed in 2004 during a meeting between WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (press release), and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace. The Day of Prayer is one of the initiatives of the WCC’s Decade to Overcome Violence.

There are many great organizations that are sponsoring activities and events around this date.

Some examples include:

• The General Board of Global Ministries produces resources to help churches celebrate the IDPP.
• The Church of The Brethren’s On Earth Peace is coordinating hundreds of congregations around the country to pray for peace as part of their A Future and a Hope campaign.
• The United Religions Initiative (URI)is partnering with Odyssey Networks in the “Million Minutes for Peace Campaign.” Together we’re working to collect one million pledges to pray for peace, for one minute, at noon on Sept 21.  Watch the video below:

Is your congregation participating in International Day of Prayer for Peace?   If so, send us an email and let us know:  justpeace@justpeaceumc.org