Christians are being called to be part of prayer for peace in the Holy Land, on UN World Peace Day, Sunday 21 September. The ecumenical initiative is supported by the Church of England as part of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI).
A CTBI spokesperson said: “We are calling on churches across Britain to pray for peace on Sunday 21 September, coinciding with UN World Peace Day and the global call to prayer from the World Council of Churches.” Resouces for churches are available from the CTBI website.
Suggestions churches may wish to consider:
- Holding a minute’s silence in the service
- Using the prayer below from Archbishop Hosam of Jerusalem
A prayer for peace
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world:
In your mercy, provide for all those in Gaza and beyond who suffer from hunger and starvation, that they may be given both physical bread to nourish their bodies and heavenly bread to sustain their souls.
By the power of your Spirit, bring a speedy end to this cruel war, the release of all captives, care for the sick and wounded, comfort for those who have lost loved-ones, and the opening of a pathway for a just and lasting peace here in the very homeland where your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ministered during his earthly life;
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen
The Most Reverend Dr. Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, August 2025