International (MNN) — Christians will join hands from the United States to South Korea;
from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Switzerland.
The World Council of Churches invites churches everywhere to take part in their International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21. The WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence has named Europe as their prayer focus this year. The theme? "Make me an instrument of Your peace."
As the church comes together, the United Nations has its annual International Day of Peace on the same day. This tradition began in 2001. During a meeting in 2004 between a DOV and UN representative over concerns about Iraq and Palestine, they agreed to accompany the UN peace day with prayer.
Some churches have planned fasting and prayer meetings for the day. The WCC says recognizing the prayer day on the Sunday preceding or following the 21st is also okay for those who cannot participate on that specific day.
The prayer day is a chance for people to promote and nurture peace within families, communities and society.
