Think and act on peace

Today we conclude 34 consecutive days of prayer for the 10/40 Window, especially for nations in conflict. If you’ve been praying with us, thank you, and for continuing to uphold this region before God. We know that, uniting in prayer, we can make a difference.

On September 21 each year the world observes the International Day of Peace. It’s a day for ceasefire – personal or political. People mark it by joining events, lighting a candle, releasing a caged animal or planting a tree. Lockdown restrictions may affect what you do, but we can all observe the Minute of Silence at noon local time. This ‘peace wave’ rolls across the globe for 1436 consecutive minutes, as peoples of the world contemplate living in harmony.

Political ceasefire

It’s a UN ideal that nations in conflict will cease hostilities for at least this day, and take the opportunity to negotiate peace. It’s hard to say how often such truce is observed – but as we know from Christmas 1914, miracles do happen. We can ask God to intervene, and bring a resolution for suffering populations.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. Ephesians 2: 14-15

Personal ceasefire

This special day is also a great opportunity to lay down arms in our personal lives. We are reminded that we are not each other’s enemy. That we must make peace with one another. And that we must unite against acts of hate by spreading compassion, kindness and hope. As a UN Secretary General once said, “Peace requires work – long, hard, difficult work.”

Today, could you take a step towards making peace, in your own situation? Perhaps you could start by praying about it, as you observe the Minute of Silence at noon.

Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor 13: 11