NEW YORK – Amid turmoil and horrific death tolls in the previous century, also known as the "bloodiest century," and this decade's unprecedented number of disasters such as 9/11, the Tsunami, and Katrina, there are a growing number of prayer movements.
This week people worldwide celebrated the International Day of Prayer for Peace for a second year in a row, following a number of prayer movements in recent weeks and international prayer movements in recent years.
The International Day of Prayer for Peace observed on Sept. 21 follows the first-ever Global Day of Prayer on Pentecost held Sunday, May 15, and ahead of the Oct. 2 International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, also just in its second year.
"I am so encouraged to see a sense of growing commitment to prayer in all different forms amongst Christians around the world,” said World Evangelical Alliance CEO, Geoff Tunnicliffe. “The rise in prayer movement is particularly evident on the Global Day of Prayer this past May where 200 million people gathered in stadiums around the world to pray."
The World Council of Churches (WCC), which was among the numerous groups that took part in yesterday’s prayer, called on its member churches to observe the day "on which an ever-growing number of people worldwide are praying for peace and observing vigils in their communities."
In 1981, the United Nations set aside Sept. 21 as an International Day of Peace, which was later strengthened in 2001 to be a day of non-violence and cease-fire. This year, the United Nations was involved in heavy negotiations over peace and other issues when government leaders convened for the 2005 World Summit last week.
During the course of the summit, religious and civic leaders were upset that they had a lack of voice in the discussion on security, human rights, and poverty issues which affect a vast portion of the population they serve. At times when believers are not able to be directly involved with government decisions, the WCC said prayer can serve as a method for intervention.I am so encouraged to see a sense of growing commitment to prayer in all different forms amongst Christians around the world.
Geoff Tunnicliffe, World Evangelical Alliance CEO
In an open letter, the fellowship of churches stated, "We believe that for Christians, it is appropriate to join the concern and desire of humanity for peace and non-violence by applying their most consistent way of intervening in world affairs, that is, by prayer."
WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said, "Christian spirituality is not a call to retreat from social action and public life. As injustice and violence grow ... we have all the more reason to pray with and for one another and for our world."
Similarly, WEA CEO Tunnicliffe stated, "As God's transforming instruments in this world, Christians should be involved in all levels of engagement in society and pray for all those in power and authority. The role of the church is to be a prophetic voice in providing the moral conscience for the world."
In the WCC letter, Kobia supported the prayer day, stating, "Authentic prayer is not only effective, it is beautiful. It shows us the beauty of peaceful community. Prayer increases our inclination to work together in peace and justice."
Tunnicliffe also noted, "Any initiative that promotes prayer and peace is to be applauded and encouraged to all Christians.”
“We want to join hands with Christian brothers and sisters around the world on this day to pray for peace for all nations."
On the same day as the International Day of Prayer for Peace, hundreds of thousands of students in the United States gathered at their schools in the morning for the 16th annual “See You at the Pole” (SYATP) event to pray for their campuses, school faculty, and the nation.
This year's theme was "PRAY: call 2 me" based on Jeremiah 33:3, where God says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (NASB).
Rhoda Tse
Christian Today Correspondent
