by Sharon Ely Pearson
Today, September 21st, is the annual International Day of Prayer for Peace. It is also the United Nations-sponsored International Day of Peace, and the World Council of Churches calls churches (and individuals) to pray for peace in the world.
Leading up to this day, people from around the world have been invited to post their prayers on a special Facebook page. This year, you are invited to share prayers of hope for a just peace and post images symbolizing peace for you on this Facebook page. Perhaps there is a hope you have experienced or a hope you received or a hope you wish to give?
The United Nations International Day of Peace Vigil
An ever-expanding number of people worldwide, representing a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions, have committed to the task of working with other like-minded individuals and groups for an International Day of Peace Vigil.
The objective of the International Day of Peace Vigil is “to encourage worldwide, 24-hour spiritual observations for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, 21 September in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world.”
You can register your commitment on the International Day of Peace Vigil website and make it thus known to others who would like to join in.
This Prayer for Peace was written by representatives from the Caribbean, who hosted the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in May 2011:
God of peace and possibility, make us instruments of your peace
at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation and in all places
so that we may fulfill your will, and so that we may give peace a chance.
In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
God of peace and possibility, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier:
We approach you to ask once again for your mercy, forgiveness and a fresh start.
We ask you to help us give peace a chance, in this world.
We want to give peace a chance, yet we have already missed so many opportunities.
We have sabotaged so many initiatives; instead of overcoming evil with good,
we have stood by while good was overpowered.
Forgive us, Lord.
Dona nobis pacem: Give us peace, we pray.
Just as we claim your forgiveness, we also claim this moment in the name of peace.
We accept anew our responsibility as peacemakers and creators of justice.
We give thanks for the Decade to Overcome Violence, for its work in raising our awareness and our yearning for peace. And yet, we admit that there is much more required if we are truly to give peace a chance.
Dona nobis pacem: Give us peace, we pray.
By the moving of your Spirit, commit our hearts and minds to peace, and help us dedicate our lives to becoming the starting-points of peace. “Let this be the moment, now.”
Help us cooperate with you, giving peace a chance, creating a world where peace may be our ethos and our essence.
Give us peace, we pray. Grant us wisdom and courage to seize the initiative: wisdom to discern the things that make for peace, and courage to be faithful and obedient to you.
Dona nobis pacem: Give us peace, we pray.
God of peace and possibility, make us instruments of your peace
at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation and in all places
so that we may fulfill your will, and so that we may give peace a chance.
In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.