Uniting people of faith in common prayer

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5.9)
We live in an increasingly violent world.

Every day, there abound new wars and new rumors of wars. Scarcely can one turn on the television or pick up a newspaper without encountering the latest tragedies of violence and slaughter. In the Middle East, in Africa, in hundreds of places around the globe, millions of people live in constant fear of the threat of war.

And yet, in the midst of the chaos of the world, Christians are called to be a witness to peace and a force for its realization. Some embrace pacifism and others use Just War theory, while many do not think in these terms at all, merely recognizing the fact that war is counter to the principles of the Gospel and should be avoided wherever possible. Regardless of our differing approaches to the question, all can agree that as the Body of Christ we are to join with people of all faiths in a common calling to reduce violence and end injustice. Indeed, every major religion shares with Christianity a call to peace, and Christians should not hesitate to join with members of other faiths in pursuit of this goal.

The War, Peace, and Nonviolence Group of the SGPI exists to collect and disseminate information on incidences of violence around the world so that the voices of people of faith may be raised in prayer for God's guidance as we seek to advance the causes of peace and justice. We shall pray for God's wisdom; we shall pray for creativity in responding to violence nonviolently; we shall pray for those working for peace; and, following the call of Matthew 5:44, we shall pray for the enemies of peace, that they might be transformed by God's love and come face-to-face with the peace that surpasses all understanding.

"The War, Peace, and Nonviolence" group is coordinated by Matt Shafer. If you are interested in being involved with this group, please fill out the general SGPI sign-up form, or email Matt at matt.shafer@strategicglobalprayer.org