Dear Peter, The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 with the purpose of promoting peace worldwide. Often, that seems like a distant dream, doesn’t it? But we have to remember that peace is not a passive thing. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said (Matthew 5:9). Peace is an action and a calling. It’s a practice we have to live consciously every day as we seek understanding, love those we disagree with, pursue reconciliation and call for our government leaders to put an end to violence. At this moment, I believe that being peacemakers is more crucial than ever. So on this International Day of Peace, take a step by joining me in this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer: | | Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 815, #1, “For Peace.” 1979. Public domain. |
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