On September 21, faith communities across the world participate in the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The World Council of Churches (WCC) encourages its partners to pause for prayer today or remember the event in services on Sunday, September 23.
The day was first proposed in 2004 at a meeting between Rev. Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the WCC, and Kofi Annan, general secretary of the UN. The day of prayer coincides with the UN’s International Day of Peace, which is usually celebrated with day-long vigils.
The WCC has prepared resources to help member churches mark the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The program is coordinated by the Decade to Overcome Violence office as part of their current focus on Europe and their theme, “make me an instrument of your peace.”
These words from St. Augustine are among the suggested prayers:
O Lord, my God, grant us your peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things! Give us that peace of being at rest, that Sabbath peace, the peace which knows no end.
Interested in keeping up-to-date on news, opinion, events and resources from the Anglican Church of Canada? Sign up for our email alerts .