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HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Today is the International Day of Peace. Let us come together in reflection, hope and prayer for a world with less violence, conflict and injustice and one where peace, justice and kindness rule.

Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God’ - Matthew 5:9.

Dear God,
In a world so full of conflict and division and in a world where hope can often feel distant, we come together, as members of the body of Christ to pray for those that find themselves in situations of violence, conflict and injustice, they they may find peace and rest in you. We pray for the rulers of the world, that they may work to end war and conflict and work for the good of all. We pray that the church may be a beacon of hope, light and justice for all the world. We pray for the protection and safety of those who work for peace and the elimination of violence often placing their own lives at risk to save those of others. We pray that you can give us the wisdom, strength and guidance to follow Jesus’ words and actions to be peacemakers in the world. We pray that as a region we can be an example of this teaching through creating peace within our region, serving as an example to others and furthering the cause of peace in NationStates. God we pray that your will for peace may be done on earth as it is in heaven and for the soon return of your son, Jesus Christ, where we will see an end to suffering and the flourishing peace. We say this prayer in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

I would also like to share an incredible campaigner for peace and justice. Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933-1946, served as the US Representative to the United Nations, oversaw the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was a prominent campaigner for youth, women and racial minorities in the United States. She was a woman far ahead of her time whose resolve and influence has fundamentally changed the world for the better.

This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt has been a favourite of mine for many years. I hope it inspires you, as it does me, on this important day.

‘It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.’

Blessings to you all on this important day.