Day of Peace

We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.
– William E. Gladstone

In 1981 The United Nations passed a declaration to promote peace through a shared day of unity known as the International Day of Peace, a date for all nations to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace. The day is now honored every year on September 21st. Whether one attends a large festival honoring diversity or a solitary reflective act of lighting a candle, anyone can participate in the plea, “May peace prevail on earth.” There is also a call for 24 hours of cessation in violence and hostilities to allow those living in conflict zones to realize peace is possible and allows relief workers to bring in needed supplies. Judging from the video coverage on the nightly news, I don’t think that all factions bought into the idea. We can’t control other authorities, yet this call for ceasefire is not just for the warring powers to stand down, but that individuals may take this opportunity to make peace in their own relationships.

If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends.
You talk to your enemies.
- Moshe Dyan

My prayer for the congregation?

God of Peace, We long for freedom of fear and anger. We long for a time when the lion and lamb will lay side by side. We long for a time when we care more about our neighbor, and our enemy, than ourselves. We long for a time when injustices are stifled and love prevails. We long for a time when our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers are stationed at home and not at a post far from home. Give us a day when we can set aside our anger and hatred, and those things which separate us from you. As we celebrate one day in your kingdom of peace, may we grow homesick to return again and again. Shalom.

Numbers 6: 24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."