Make Peace With?

The United Nations first recognized an annual day of peace in 1981, which was fixed to September 21 in 2001. The World Council of Churches began recognizing September 21 as an International Day of Prayers for Peace in 2004. This day has continued to rise in prominence as a day of prayer and action for peace, reaching 280 million people in 2012. This year’s theme follows the lead of Peace One Day and asks,

“Who will you

make peace with?”

This September 21, you are invited to think about the ways in which violence affects the world, your community, your congregation, and your home. Challenge yourself to find ways you might be able to step across the divide and make peace with someone this year. Spend the day alone in prayer, or plan a community-wide event to engage others in prayer and action for peace.

www.PeaceDayPray.org

www.facebook.com/PeaceDayPray

twitter: @PeaceDayPray

The United Nations first recognized an annual day of peace in 1981, which was fixed to September 21 in 2001. The World Council of Churches began recognizing September 21 as an International Day of Prayers for Peace in 2004. This day has continued to rise in prominence as a day of prayer and action for peace, reaching 280 million people in 2012. This year’s theme follows the lead of Peace One Day and asks,

“Who will you

make peace with?”

This September 21, you are invited to think about the ways in which violence affects the world, your community, your congregation, and your home. Challenge yourself to find ways you might be able to step across the divide and make peace with someone this year. Spend the day alone in prayer, or plan a community-wide event to engage others in prayer and action for peace.

www.PeaceDayPray.org

www.facebook.com/PeaceDayPray

twitter: @PeaceDayPray

A Responsive Prayer for Peace*

Leader: God of Peace and Mercy, God of Abounding Love and Compassion, we ask that you guide our hearts and minds this day as we seek to move beyond the violence and brokenness of our world. As we pray for those who remain committed to ending violence in all its forms,

People: We pray harder for those who are indifferent.

Leader: As we pray for the voices crying out for peace,

People: We pray harder for those who try to silence others’ voices.

Leader: As we pray for the millions who flee violent conflict,

People: We pray harder for those who perpetrate acts which displace others.

Leader: As we pray for the victims of gun violence,

People: We pray harder for those who have used weapons.

Leader: As we pray for those wounded by war or abuse,

People: We pray harder for those whose hands have inflicted wounds.

Unison: God, while we know there is violence in our midst, we also know that you promise a future of peace. We ask for the patience to see your transformative power in our world and the courage to take our own actions. Help us reach across divides and make bold moves in the way of peace. Amen.

*Inspired by A Responsive Prayer for Justice, written by Rebecca Sutton, Program Coordinator of Global Women’s Exchange, for NY State Labor-Religion Coalition’s 7th annual 40-hour fast.

A Responsive Prayer for Peace*

Leader: God of Peace and Mercy, God of Abounding Love and Compassion, we ask that you guide our hearts and minds this day as we seek to move beyond the violence and brokenness of our world. As we pray for those who remain committed to ending violence in all its forms,

People: We pray harder for those who are indifferent.

Leader: As we pray for the voices crying out for peace,

People: We pray harder for those who try to silence others’ voices.

Leader: As we pray for the millions who flee violent conflict,

People: We pray harder for those who perpetrate acts which displace others.

Leader: As we pray for the victims of gun violence,

People: We pray harder for those who have used weapons.

Leader: As we pray for those wounded by war or abuse,

People: We pray harder for those whose hands have inflicted wounds.

Unison: God, while we know there is violence in our midst, we also know that you promise a future of peace. We ask for the patience to see your transformative power in our world and the courage to take our own actions. Help us reach across divides and make bold moves in the way of peace. Amen.

*Inspired by A Responsive Prayer for Justice, written by Rebecca Sutton, Program Coordinator of Global Women’s Exchange, for NY State Labor-Religion Coalition’s 7th annual 40-hour fast.