As we mark the International Day of Peace, Chris Thompson, Tearfund’s Northern Ireland Director, leads us in prayer for an end to violence in our broken world. Our Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and we know he calls us to be peacemakers. This week, pray for places in our world where peace is desperately needed.
Sunday 21 September
Father God, on this International Day of Peace, we grieve with you for the lack of peace this world experiences. We lament war, conflict and division. We’re often at a loss for words when we see the destruction and devastation that war brings, so we simply say, Come, Lord Jesus. Bring your peace to our world. Amen.
Monday 22 September
Pray for local churches in places experiencing conflict, for our brothers and sisters who are living in fear. Lift up churches that are well-placed to show love and compassion to those worst affected, even amid their fear. Pray that they may be a shining light, even peacemakers, amid such hurt.
Tuesday 23 September
Pray for the regions of our world experiencing entrenched conflict. Lord, we ask you to break down barriers and sow seeds of peace which might replace the harvest of bitterness. Bring healing to the generational trauma on all sides. Give wisdom to leaders, that they may be known as men and women of peace. Amen.
Wednesday 24 September
Today, we pray for nations and regions at risk of future conflict. Lord, we petition you. We know the devastation that conflict brings. We long for the day when nation will no longer make war against nation, and when swords may be beaten into ploughshares (Isaiah 2:4). Until that day, turn aside the hand of those who mean evil. Amen.
Thursday 25 September
Today, we leave space to pray for any conflict or division that is on our hearts. Perhaps we are experiencing a broken relationship, or we live within a divided and troubled community. Perhaps there is a nation or region especially on our mind. We pray for peace in these situations in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Friday 26 September
Today, we pray for those caught in conflict. Father God, we know you hold a special place in your heart for the most vulnerable: those who are widowed, orphaned or living in poverty. Protect the most vulnerable, who often pay the heaviest price. We especially pray for those living in fear today, and we ask that your perfect love might cast out all fear. Amen.
Saturday 27 September
Lord, we know that true peace is not just an absence of conflict but a restoration of our broken relationship with you. May your Holy Spirit work in the hearts of all who do not know you, so that they may turn to you and experience your peace. Amen.
