The International Day of Peace (on September 21 since 2004) was established in 1981 by the United Nations and is being observed by churches around the world through a Day of Prayer for Peace. This global event offers an opportunity for faith communities in all places to pray, vigil, and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies. The day witnesses to the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace, energizing peacemakers, raising public awareness and preventing violent conflict. It is also a day to lift up and encourage support for all people who are working together for a peaceful world. Let us witness for peace, encourage our own peacemaking, and walk in solidarity with peacemakers. The following resources are available online to help you plan your own vigil and day of prayer for peace on September 21, and discussions and forums in the weeks after:
Litany for Peace from LPF
http://lutheran_peace.tripod.com/DOV_worship_resource_ELCA.pdf
A litany, prayer, and other resources ready to use in your observance of this important day.
Observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace - ELCA
http://archive.elca.org/nonviolence/prayerforpeace.html
There are many ways in which church communities and individuals can support the International Day of Prayer for Peace.
Check out this site to get ideas for action!
Decade to Overcome Violence: An Invitation for Prayers for Peace
http://overcomingviolence.org/about-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for-peace.html
We believe in the power of prayer, the unity and justice it promises, and the peace that springs from it. Submit your prayers to be translated, published and distributed.
Church of the Brethren
http://www.brethren.org/oepa/prayforpeace/
On September 21, On Earth Peace will join in support of hundreds of congregations and community groups who wish to lift their voices across the US and around the world to say: Violence will not have the final word. God has a different dream for the world. We know that a new thing is possible.
Join the worldwide movement to create a Culture Of Peace
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
Resources and archives for more than 3500 events in 200 countries.
An Invitation from the World Council of Churches
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/resources/world-council-of-churches.pdf
The WCC office for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) has made available prayer and liturgical resources.
International Day of Peace Vigil
http://www.idpvigil.com/
The "International Day of Peace Vigil" is an idea of a growing number of individuals and groups bound only by a common belief that the power of prayer, meditation, or other sacred spiritual practice serves as a powerful means of encouraging peace and promoting a global ceasefire.
