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100DAYS OF PEACE + HOPE

O n 4 August 1918 KingGeorge V, the Queen’sgrandfather, met to pray

with members of the Houses ofParliament as part of a National Dayof Prayer. One hundred days later, the war ended.

We have compiled these 100thoughts and prayers for peace,together with ideas to promote peaceand reconciliation, to encouragechurches, schools and communities to reflect on the past and bring hopefor the future.

These thoughts, prayers and peace-making actions can be used by individuals and groups at any time, but especially in the 100 daysleading up to Armistice Day on 11th November.

We are grateful to the Archbishop of Canterbury and to the manyChristian denominations, ministriesand chaplaincies who havecontributed these readings andprayers for peace as we continue to pray for peace in our time.

Roy CrowneExecutive director, HOPE

REMEMBRANCE &RECONCILIATION

W hen we remember 1918, we reflect on atime of great hope and great sadness forour country. We recall our part in the horrors

of war and the darkness that drives humanity toviolence. But we also remember the promise of peace.On 4 August 1918, many in this country came togetherwith King George V to pray for peace: 100 days later the Great War ended.

Our God is one who brings peace to hearts and calls us not only to stop violence, but to seek reconciliation.His reconciliation asks that we disempower memories ofdestruction and their hold over individuals and societies.Through this we can learn to approach difference withcuriosity and compassion, rather than fear – and beginto flourish together in previously unthinkable ways.

This kind of reconciliation is incredibly rare. Sadly, wesee conflicts and fragile coexistence all around ourworld. That is why in the 100 days before thisRemembrance Sunday, we think especially of thosecaught up in conflict, and those who pray for peaceagainst all odds and act with hope when there is littlelight to be seen.

We know that the God who gave his Son to bring usreconciliation hears their prayers; we ask him to stir ourhearts to join them in being peacemakers who cross the borders and barriers, radical in our generosity and welcome.

From 4 August let us mark 100 days with prayers for peace, hope and reconciliation.

Justin WelbyArchbishop of Canterbury

Introduction


O n 4 August 2018 churches across the country, across the spectrum ofdenominations, are starting 100 days of prayer, peace and reconciliation. We arecalling this Remembrance 100. There are many ways in which you, your

community, church or school can get involved. Here are a few key dates for your diary.

Saturday 4 August 2018One hundred years on from a National Day of Prayer called by George V is the first day of100 days of prayer across the country, running until Armistice Day in November. Every daythere are prayers, reflections and Bible readings to download a week at a time fromwww.Remembrance100.co.uk

Friday 21 & Saturday 22 September 2018Hold a peace festival linked to the United Nations' International Day of Peace and launch a Peace Awards competition.

Monday 5 November to Saturday 10 NovemberSchools are marking the centenary of the end of the First World War with a week of action for peace. School assembly ideas and lesson plans are available fromwww.Remembrance100.co.uk

Sunday 11 November 2018Many Remembrance Services around the country will be followed by Peace Parties.

4AUGUST100 DAYS

You will keep in perfect peace all who trustin you... all whose thoughts are fixed onyou! Trust in the Lord always, for the LordGod is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)

PERFECT PEACE

Rachel Ross Russell served with the ArmedForces for 20 years andis now a secondaryschool chaplain.

P eace is not dependant on what isgoing on around us, but on what is going on within. I have often

struggled with times of fear or anxiety. For 20 years being in the army or married to someone in the army, meant I was oftencalled to face my fears. One of my hardesttimes was when my husband was fighting inthe Iraq war, and our baby son was born inhis absence. It was hard to find that place offaith where I truly believed all would be well,where I was truly able to put my trust in God.

But, God always remains constant, faithfuland in control. As I learned to look to him I could start to see the world from hisperspective, and find his perfect peace.

PRAYERFather, thank you that you are my rock, my resting place, that in all situations youare all that I need. I pray that I might always know that ‘peace that passes allunderstanding’ as I find my rest in you.Amen


5AUGUST99 DAYS

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will bemade alive.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV)

SACRIFICE AND HOPE

Steve Clifford is general director ofthe Evangelical Alliancein the UK and chairmanof HOPE.

M y grandfather had the sad task of collecting bodies during theGreat War,, one of which was

chosen for burial in the tomb of theUnknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey.There are four Bible verses inscribed aroundedges of the tomb, which speak to us aboutsacrifice and hope.

‘Greater love hath no man than this’(John 15:13) is often quoted atRemembrance services. These are Jesus’words to his followers: ‘My command is this:love each other as I have loved you. Greaterlove has no one than this: to lay down one’slife for one’s friends.’ Jesus showed theextent of his love by dying on a Romancross.

‘In Christ shall all be made alive (1Corinthians 15:22) reminds us that death isnot the end. Jesus died and rose again, sowe too can have life beyond the grave.

‘The Lord knoweth them that are his’ (2Timothy 2:19) helps us to understand whyJesus died. His death means we can knowGod personally, a fact reinforced by thefourth verse: ‘Unknown and yet well known,dying and behold we live’ (2 Corinthians 6:9).

These words, literally set in stone, remindus that we are known by a loving God whogave his Son so whoever believes in him willhave eternal life with him.

May we also live sacrificially with thatsame resurrection hope.

PRAYERHeavenly Father, as we grieve for those whohave sacrificed their lives in so many wars,we thank you for the greatest sacrifice of all - your Son Jesus. Help us to live in thepower of the resurrection today and everyday, Amen

ACTIONWe may not be required to give up our livesfor our country, but how can we show God’slove to our community? Giving our time, our money or our hospitality can be asacrificial action. What will you give today?

Prayers and readings for Monday 6 August to Sunday 11 November can be downloadedin weekly sections from www.Remembrance100.co.uk


6AUGUST98 DAYS

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were faraway have been brought near by the blood ofChrist. For he himself is our peace, who hasmade the two groups one and has destroyedthe barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.

Ephesians 2:13-14 (NIV)

BUILDING BRIDGES

Rev Richard Church serves as Deputy GeneralSecretary (Discipleship)within the UnitedReformed Church.

‘I n the social and civil context as well,I appeal not to create walls but tobuild bridges. To not respond to evil

with evil. To defeat evil with good, theoffence with forgiveness. A Christian wouldnever say “You will pay for that.” Never. Thatis not a Christian gesture. An offence youovercome with forgiveness. To live in peacewith everyone.’ Pope Francis speaking aboutattitudes to migrants in February 2017.

PRAYERLord Jesus, When we find it so easy toremember the faults of others and sodifficult to understand our own, give us thewill to build understanding between peopleand so dismantle the walls of hostility, inpursuit of your gift to the world of peace.

7AUGUST97 DAYS

‘The Lord said, ‘I will go with you and give you peace’.

Exodus 33:14 (CEV)

REST IN PEACE

Matt Summerfield served as Chief Executive andPresident of Urban Saints for18 years and is now SeniorPastor of Zeo Church, Hitchin.

‘R est in peace.’ It’s a phrasecommonly spoken over a lovedone who has passed away. Often

we say it because the person may haveexperienced many battles during theirearthly life. A huge part of our Christianhope is that when we step into eternity withJesus, all suffering will end. But we don’thave to wait until eternity to experiencesomething of God’s precious peace. InExodus 33, Moses is looking for someassurance from God as he leads the Israelites

from slavery to freedom. In this moment Godmakes a beautiful promise – I will go withyou, giving you peace and rest. It’s theamazing promise he makes to all of us.

PRAYERJesus you are the Prince of Peace who haspromised to be with us always. Help usevery day to be more tuned in to the realityof your presence and, as we do, may weexperience your peace and rest, here andnow – even on this side of heaven.


8AUGUST96 DAYS

Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace forall you’re worth.

1 Peter 3:11 (MSG)

RUNNING AFTER PEACE

Warren Evans is Chief Executive forSports Chaplaincy UK.

B lessed are the peacemakers, and onesure way of peace-making is to letthe fire of contention alone. Neither

fan it, nor stir it, nor add fuel to it, but let it go out by itself. Begin your ministry withone blind eye and one deaf ear. Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892.

PRAYERGod of Peace, in calling us to be people ofpeace, your Word reminds us of the need toreject evil and run after good. We pray thatyou would give us strength when we arefeeling unable to run. Amen

9AUGUST95 DAYS

What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (NIV)

FROM TRAGEDY TO HOPE

Rev Mike Long is minister at NottingHill Methodist Church,close to Grenfell Towerin West London.

I n the face of tragedy, neglect anddisaster - whether through war, terror orevents such as the Grenfell Tower fire - it

is right to lament the destruction of lives andcommunities. In doing so we can be broughtfrom a realm dominated by individual pain to a shared resolve for a better world. Inreading the scriptures (especially psalms oflament) we can become more sensitive tothe sufferings of others whose experiencesmay be very different, and begin to hope.Our increased understanding helps us to see what justice, peace and reconciliationmight look like, and how they might beaccomplished. This will take not only

courage and vision, but also the humility tolisten and be changed.

PRAYERGod of infinite compassion, give us thestrength to seek healing, justice and peacefor all; the humility to listen to the voices of the marginalised and those who feelexcluded; the ability to pursue toleranceamid difference, yet be intolerant towardsevil and injustice; for the sake of yourkingdom, demonstrated in Christ. Amen


10AUGUST94 DAYS

I have told you these things, so that in me you mayhave peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (NIV)

BLESSED PEACEMAKERS

Jon Stockley is Christian Vision forMen’s National Directorfor Wales.

W hen Jesus preached the Sermonon the Mount, he declared:‘Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God!’ I lovethat God is so committed to bringing peaceinto our world, communities, families andlives. Yet, we see from the life of Christ thatpeace always comes at great, personal cost. The purpose of Christ’s life was to bring peace and reconciliation between God and humanity, yet his life here on earthculminated in the most brutal death. For thiseverlasting peace to be won, Christ had to

go to war with the enemy of our souls. Hedid that, then he came back from the deadand now we can all have peace with God.

PRAYERFather God, we thank you that when yourKingdom comes, it always brings peace andreconciliation. We ask you to use yourpeople to be true peacemakers, by bearingwitness to your love and sharing the greatnews of Jesus Christ with everyone wemeet. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

11AUGUST93 DAYS

My command is this: love each other as I haveloved you. Greater love has no one than this:to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:12-13 (NIV)

LIVING FOR OTHERS

Rev Liz Clutterbuck is a curate at ChristChurch Highbury, northLondon and is also partof the Matryoshka Hausmissional community.

I n 1918, this quote from John’s Gospelbegan appearing upon war memorialsacross Europe, commemorating those

who had died. Many had indeed given theirlives in battle in the hope that others might besaved. A century on, these are verses to bereclaimed in the hope that we might be ableto live out Jesus’ words in peace, rather thanwar. That instead of dying in battle for others,we might live our lives in service that emulatesChrist’s life. Our call is to live a life of love,

loving one another as Jesus first loved us andwalking in the way of justice and of peace.

PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, you have commanded usto love one another as you first loved us. Fillus today with your Father’s love, so that ourlives might be lived serving others. We praythis too for those who lead our nations, thatpeace and love might prevail over conflictand military action. Amen


12AUGUST92 DAYS

Jesus said: ‘I have said these things toyou, that in me you may have peace. Inthe world you will have tribulation. Buttake heart; I have overcome the world.’

John 16:33 (ESV)

PEACE AMIDST TURMOIL

Bishop Ben Kwashi is Bishop of the AnglicanDiocese of Jos in NorthernNigeria.

J os was known as a peaceful,welcoming city, but it all changed inSeptember 2001 when fighting, killing

and destruction began. Since then hundredshave been killed, homes destroyed andlivelihoods lost. Outwardly there is relativepeace in the city now, but recently more than40 surrounding villages have been totallydestroyed.

It is not spectacular programmes whichbring peace; moves for peace do not makemedia headlines. Important factors are:• Prayer – by thousands of people all

over the world; this is what has held the church.

• The building of relationships, on apersonal basis as well as on acommunity level. For example themembers of a church and of a mosqueacknowledged each other’s festivals;Christians reached out to non-Christianswith programmes teaching handicraftskills, or offering free education toMuslim as well as to Christian children.

• A determination that life must continuein as ‘normal’ a way as possible.Families must be built; patterns of workmust be maintained; sports mustcontinue. Christians gather for worship,even when the church is a high risktarget, and to get there may meanwalking for several kilometres.

Through crises, faith can be built as thepower and the presence of God is seen. Jesusdid not promise to save us from trouble but hedid promise to be with us in the trouble.

PRAYERAlmighty God, you sent into the world yourSon, the Prince of Peace, to save us from thepower of sin and evil. May we know hispresence even in the midst of suffering; mayviolence cease, and may his justice and peaceprevail. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

ACTIONPray for those who have lost families,homes, possessions and whose lives havebeen shattered. Go and talk to five churchmembers and five non-church goers whomyou do not know.


13AUGUST91 DAYS

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest ofrighteousness.

James 3:18 (NIV)

HARD WORK OF MAKING PEACE

Stuart Noble is Bible Society’sDirector of StrategicPartnerships.

I f peace comes easily, if peace comeswithout hard work, is it truly peace? Sow,reap, harvest. The agricultural metaphor

at the heart of this verse on peace implieshard work, faithfulness, a toiling in and out of season. All peace-making is hard work.Whether this is the peace we make in ourfamilies and communities or peace-buildingbetween nations. It requires time, energy,attentiveness and patience, but James’promise is that those who do the hard workwill reap a harvest of righteousness. In thewords of the Iona community, true peace is:

not an easy peace; not an insignificantpeace; not a half-hearted peace... but thepeace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYERGod of Peace, grant us the energy, passionand determination to do the work of peace.May we be those who sow in peace andreap a harvest of righteousness. Not an easypeace, not an insignificant peace, not a half-hearted peace, but the peace of our LordJesus Christ.

14AUGUST90 DAYS

As he approached Jerusalem and saw thecity, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, evenyou, had only known on this day whatwould bring you peace...’

Luke 19:41-42 (NIV)

HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE

Joel Goodlet lives in Birmingham with his wifeand three children, seeking thewelfare of local neighbourhoodsfrom a foundation of prayer.

I f you’ve ever sat with a human being asthey grieve desperate loss, you may findthat words fail as you try to bring peace.

But if a deeply trusted friend comes close,then very often peace begins to return withoutthe need for words. When the depth of pain in a fresh wound is met by a greater depth oflove, peace becomes possible. When Godwanted to bring peace to the most troubledcity in the history of our planet, he didn’t sendwords or ideas. He stepped through its gates

with tears in his eyes. The Bible tells us that‘he himself is our peace’. His desire is to comeclose enough to touch our troubled lives.

PRAYERLord Jesus, Prince of Peace, where there ispain, please come close. Where I need you,please come close. Where my people needyou, please come close. Where my worldneeds you, please come close. Please openour eyes to ‘the things which make for peace’.


15AUGUST89 DAYS

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoeverabides in me and I in him, he it is that bearsmuch fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (ESV)

PRACTISING PEACE

Rob Hare is a Project Manager forBible Society.

J esus, the Prince of Peace, invites us tostay close and connected to him. Beforehis death, he spoke to his followers in

the Upper Room. Using the metaphor of a vineand branches, Jesus explains that we canreceive his life of love, joy and peace, just likebranches that bear fruit because they receivesap from the vine. Without the sap, they willdry up and die. Even in the midst of life’schallenges, pressures, anxieties and fears, it is possible to know confidence and security.

If we abide in Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit we can experience what theapostle Paul calls the ‘fruit’ of peace, joy and love (Galatians 5:22-24).

PRAYERLord Jesus, amongst the many distractionschallenges and fears in our lives, help us todraw near and stay connected to you so thatwe may receive your peace, joy and love.May these fruits grow and increase in our life.

16AUGUST88 DAYS

Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn fromme, because I am gentle and humble in spirit;and you will find rest.

Matthew 11:29 (GNT)

LET PEACE START WITH ME

Liz Kam is a Church RelatedCommunity Worker atLevenshulme InspireManchester.

E ver been overwhelmed by images ofviolence and war on TV, and prayedfor peace, not knowing what else to

do? Jesus calls us to find rest in him fromsuch sorrows and take up his yoke. Followingthe bombing of Manchester arena, wewitnessed people of all faiths and nonestanding together arm in arm, refusing to bemanipulated into hate. Manchester’s richtradition of people reaching out, smashingboundaries and building community, createda platform for peace. When we take up theyoke Jesus offered, we participate in the

often mysterious work of the kingdom. Jesusteaches us to do what we can, where we are,and suddenly small acts of communitybecome a peace imperative.

PRAYERGod of community, let peace start with me.As I pick up your yoke, clothe me ingentleness and humility, tempered with alittle righteous anger. Give me rest fromfeeling inadequate, so that your peace flowsthrough me, infecting all of my relationships,and building a platform for hope.


17AUGUST87 DAYS

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will becalled children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

PEACEMAKERS

Andy Frost is the Director of ShareJesus International.

I notice more and more how my twoyoung kids imitate what I do. Theyimitate some of my facial expressions

and my mannerisms but more importantlythey imitate some of my values. The goodnews of the gospel is that Jesus entered intothe mess of human history to make peacebetween humanity and our heavenly Father.His life and death and resurrection enable usto know our true identity as children of God.And as we discover our true identity, wediscover that we are invited to continue themission of Jesus, bringing peace to theworld - between warring family members,colleagues and communities. Ultimately,

discovering our true identity meansdiscovering we are entrusted with the gospelmessage to invite others to know God’speace in their lives. As I watch my kidsimitate me, let’s look to how we can imitatethe love and the grace of our Father inheaven.

PRAYERFather, remind me of my true identity asyour child. Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank youfor the peace you freely give me throughyour life, death and resurrection. Spirit ofGod, empower me to be a peacemaker inthe world today. Amen

18AUGUST86 DAYS

For I know the thoughts that I thinktoward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

THOUGHTS OF PEACE

Latifah Forrest works for the Peace Alliance, a charitythat works in partnership with thepolice, government agencies, thecorporate sector, and faith andvoluntary organisations.

T he Kingdom of God is righteousnessand peace. True wisdom is neverargumentative or quarrelsome.

It does not strive. It maintains harmoniousrelationships with everyone, as far aspossible. It is impossible to quarrel with man who is filled with divine wisdom, forsuch a man is peaceable man. Zac Poonen

PRAYERThank you Lord for what I am going throughin life; the ups and the downs. I trust thatyour Word will prevail in my life, as you havesaid that the thoughts you have for me areof peace and not evil, so I will abide in yourabundant mercy all the days of my lifethrough Christ Jesus.


19AUGUST85 DAYS

I remain confident of this: I willsee the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

THERE IS STILL GOOD OUT THERE

Khushbakht Peters is a doctor in Peshawar, Pakistan. Twiceselected as a delegate to the UnitedNations Commission on the Status ofWomen, she writes blogs for the AnglicanCommunion News Service.

A s Pakistani Christians we have facedpersecution a number of times.One such example is the double

suicide attack that took place at All SaintsChurch in Peshawar in September 2013killing around 100 and injuring around 150. It is a lesser known fact that when the blaststook place, Muslim women living around thechurch, and shopkeepers from thesurrounding cloth market, rushed to the siteto help the injured taking them in cars, taxis… whatever they could find, to the hospital.

Others took the mutilated bodies tograveyards, helping to dig the graves, andbury them. If the world has terrorists, it alsohas a greater number of good and noblepeople. The ordinary people of Pakistan arepeace loving. During the past two decadesthey have also lost loved ones in the terroristattacks, and most of them feel our painwhen we as Christians go throughpersecution.

1 Corinthians 13:13 says, ‘And now thesethree remain: faith, hope and love. But thegreatest of these is love.’ Even though webelong to different beliefs or communities,we can work harmoniously for a better andpeaceful world. And when hatred tries toblind us, let the gift of love that God hasplaced in our hearts help us see more clearly.

PRAYERLord God, our heavenly Father, bless us aswe come before you and hear our prayer.We pray to you for peace in our country, fortolerance in our hearts, and for wisdom tosee the good in others. All this we ask inyour Son’s Name. Amen

ACTIONReach out to the people from other faiths inyour community, especially the youth.Arrange an interfaith sports event or aweekend camp, make groups consisting ofpeople from different faiths and give thegroups tasks to perform together.


20AUGUST84 DAYS

[Pray] ... for kings and all who are in authorityso that we can live peaceful and quiet livesmarked by godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)

PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

Dave Hearn, a veteran of theIraq war, is the founder of thecharity Global Adventure andworks with young men fromdisadvantaged backgrounds.

‘T he soldier above all others praysfor peace, for it is the soldier whomust suffer and bear the deepest

wounds and scars of war,’ said U.S. ArmyGeneral Douglas MacArthur. Tasked withoverseeing the occupation of Japan afterWorld War II, General MacArthur understoodthat the fledgling peace had a spiritualelement as well as a political element – thatthere was a ‘spiritual vacuum’ that only Christcould fill. He realised that in war, there weredeep wounds that must be healed on both

sides. In the midst of any war in our lives, wemust go to the cross. Christ’s sacrifice givesus hope that no matter the conflict – we canbe rescued; we can find salvation.

PRAYERHeavenly Father, bless our leaders and givethem a spirit of peace. Protect our soldiers,physically and mentally, and give themstrength to carry out their duties. Heal thosewho carry the ‘deepest wounds and scars ofwar’ and bring them closer to you. Amen

21AUGUST83 DAYS

Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for hisfriends.

John 15:13 (AKJV)

GREATER LOVE

Dr John Hargreaves is a Methodist Local Preacher,General Secretary of the WesleyHistorical Society and Chairmanof Halifax Civic Trust.

H orace Sykes sang in the choir ofSalterhebble United Methodist Free Church, Halifax. He enlisted

and served as a private in France. He sang to his fellow soldiers and the townspeoplewhere he was stationed. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal forconspicuous gallantry during a German gas attack for standing by a man who hadbecome incapacitated under heavy fire andcarrying him to a place of safety, and forhelping carry the wounded from the trenches

under shellfire. After returning from the warto Halifax, he died one week later aged 27from Spanish Flu.

PRAYERGracious Father we thank you for thesacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ for allhumanity and for all who have selflesslyfollowed his example. Help each one of usto know his peace in our hearts and in ourworld today for his sacrifice is entirelysufficient. Amen


22AUGUST82 DAYS

...and it was a river that I could not passthrough, for the water had risen. It was deepenough to swim in, a river that could not bepassed through

Ezekiel 47:5 (ESV)

WALES RELEASING BLESSING

Roy and Daphne Godwinlead the work of Ffald yBrenin, a retreat, conferenceand missions base insouthwest Wales.

E zekiel paints a picture of a supernaturalriver of blessing flowing from theTemple which grows deeper as it

travels. Similarly, a stream of blessing hasbeen flowing from Ffald y Brenin in Waleswhich has resulted in hope, healing andpeace for many. What started as a small localministry has turned into a movement whichnow embraces the world. Networks areforming across the nations to pronounceblessings in the name of Jesus, and to be ablessing. As a result, we have seen feudsend; broken relationships healed;

communities transformed; those who despairfinding hope; the sick healed, and captivesreleased. Blessing breaks curses, healshistory (with repentance) and exalts Jesus.

PRAYERFather, your heart and purpose is that peacemay come. You have revealed Jesus as thePrince of Peace. We offer to you the areas ofconflict in the world and ask you to raise upthe peacemakers in the nations. We blessyour purposes on the earth. In Jesus' name.Amen

23AUGUST81 DAYS

And the peace of God, which transcends allunderstanding, will guard your hearts and yourminds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

PEACE THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE

Annika Mathews is a young adultexploring Christianvocation.

A lthough life inevitably has its ups anddowns, we can rest assured thatGod is always there, journeying

alongside us. I find it helpful when I have areally busy schedule to spend some time eachday reading God’s Word, as well as constantlytalking to Jesus throughout my day. Wheneverthings seem a bit overwhelming, I look to the‘things above’, away from earthly concerns(Colossians 3:2), in order to give me a bettersense of perspective of God’s great plans for

us. I take heart from the fact that he freelygives us his peace, which is incomparable toanything we can experience here on earth.

PRAYERDear Lord, amidst the troubles of this world,we pray that your inner peace will be presentin all those who believe in you. We pray thatthose currently living in strife will experiencepeace and seek comfort in the confidenthope you inspire for the future. Amen


24AUGUST80 DAYS

One of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach usto pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said tothem, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed beyour name...

Luke 11:1-4 (NIV)

ABBA FATHER

Phil Mason is Bolton Wanderers’chaplain and heads thecharity arm of the ClubBolton WanderersCommunity Trust.

H arry Goslin was the Bolton WanderersFC Captain in 1939 at outbreak ofWorld War II. Influenced by those

who sacrificed in the Great War he made apassionate speech to the players and crowd atthe end of a game calling on them to join himin serving his country. Every player signed upto the Bolton Royal Artillery. Serving in Italy,Harry was the only one who didn’t return. Billhis son, now in his 80s, lost his dad at an earlyage. Two years ago I went out to Italy with theBolton Royal Artillery as we re-traced the stepsof the Wanderers at War. I conducted a serviceat the war grave of Harry Goslin. Bill was

present, seeing his father’s grave for the firsttime. Bill, full of emotion, told me that now re-united with his own dad he could pray ‘Our Father’ for the first time and know what itmeant. Out of the pain of loss had come a newhope and peace as he knew the Father’s love.

PRAYERAbba, Father we thank you for your lovethat surrounds us and supports us evenwhen we are unaware. Help us to recognisewe are your children and that you hold us intimes of trauma, turmoil and tears and wellas times of joy. Amen

25AUGUST79 DAYS

God is love. Whoever lives inlove lives in God, and Godin them.

1 John 4:16 (NIV)

GOD IS LOVE, EVEN IN WAR

Captain Jim Currin is a responsible forEvangelisation, Mission and Media forChurches Together in England and iscommissioned in the Church Army of the Church of England.

A pril 5, 1918. Church Times. ‘TheChurch Army’s place as a hutprovider in the very closest possible

neighbourhood to the front trenches hasbeen proved by the loss of fifty-two of itsrecreation huts, tents, and centres in theGerman advance, and almost certain loss offive more, under heavy shelling at the time ofinformation. The loss includes all the storesand equipment. The staffs of these huts and

tents are all safe as far as known, with theexception of those who stopped behind tohelp the stretcher bearers’. Prominent inChurch Army work was a sign, ‘God is Love’.In the front-line God’s love was shared. It was love from the cross of Jesus, for all.

PRAYERFather, help me to show your love to thosearound me. Amen


26AUGUST78 DAYS

Seek the welfare of the city where Ihave sent you into exile, and pray tothe LORD on its behalf, for in itswelfare you will have welfare.

Jeremiah 29:7 (NRSV)

SEEK PEACE IN YOUR AREA

Dr Rebekah Brettle is a practising GP, the NationalDirector of Neighbourhood PrayerNetwork and the author ofNeighbours, Transform Your Street.

S o many of us have been left shockedas we have seen numerousnewspaper reports of teenagers

stabbed or shot in London since thebeginning of 2018. In the midst of this horrorI am reminded of something that happenedin South America many years ago. AChristian pastor disturbed by the number oflocal killings gathered Christians to pray in astadium in Cali, Colombia. That night therewere no murders - unheard of in many years.What followed was a Christian revival thatremains strong to this day. George Otisproduced the Transformations videos in thelate nineties, detailing this story. If God cantransform a whole community throughprayer in South America, he can do it inLondon or in your local streets as well.

In response to violence, local churchesand individual Christians are prayer-walkingthe streets, bringing God’s light to theshadow being cast as violence spreads. Join in prayer-walking with people from your church. As we walk together, may wesee London, our local streets, and the wholeof the UK changed.

PRAYERLord, we pray that your teaching aboutloving our enemies, will be made famousacross the streets of London, changinghearts and minds away from violence anddespair. Help divided communities findcommon ground and heal divisions. Bringprofound friendships between people fromdifferent cultures and backgrounds, and let love reign! Amen

ACTIONChoose a place in your local area wherethere has been some trouble recently. As agroup, make a plan to prayer-walk this area.Wear a t-shirt with a saying of Jesus on theback. Hand out Christian literature thatshows people how much God loves them.


27AUGUST77 DAYS

I came that they may have life,and have it abundantly.

John 10:10 (ESV)

LOVE IS STRONGER

Rev Dr Michael Jagessar is responsiblefor Global and Intercultural Ministries ofthe United Reformed Church.

‘P eace on earth, good will to allpeople’, were words located inthe context of occupation. People

were desperate for a ‘saviour-liberator’. The‘good news’ offer of full life for all does notmean that our walls and our updated defencecapability will insulate us from the evils of war.The allure of war still inhabits the imaginationof whole nations. The good news, though, is that love is strong enough to come inweakness, neutralising fears and offeringopenings towards greater understanding ofeach other. In offering love as antidote to theculture of death and hate, God gives ratherthan rob or steal. There lies our hope. Thishope is grounded on God’s faithfulness. It isbased on the possibilities of God irrespective

of how things are. It thrives even in situationsthat can elicit utter hopelessness – for it isbased upon God breaking into our midst to transform. Remember well!

PRAYERLover-of-justice-and-peace, shape ourconsciences and hearts according to yourway of just, peaceful and loving lives. Moveus beyond fear to speak with compassionatecourage and to act with both conviction andhumility. Give us ears, eyes, hearts andvoices to discern, respond and embodyhope through our actions, in private and inpublic. Bless us with wholeness, and throughyour Spirit continue to sustain us in the faceof powerful forces bent on denying life.

28AUGUST76 DAYS

Great peace have those who loveyour law, and nothing can makethem stumble.

Psalm 119:165 (NIV)

SOLID FOUNDATION

Jadesola Ayoola works for the Peace Alliance, anational crime reduction charityfounded as a response to the rise inknife crime across London.

H ope is called the anchor of the soul(Hebrews 6:19) because it gives usthe ability and stability as Christians

to ‘wish’ for something ( I wish that such-and-such would take place). It is that whichlatches on the certainty of the promise of thefuture, which God has made for you and me.

PRAYERDear heavenly Father, thank you for anotherday of grace. I humbly ask that my hope inyou remains the foundation of my faith,giving me the ability and capability to askfor anything through your Son Jesus Christ.


29AUGUST75 DAYS

Peace I leave with you... I do not give toyou as the world gives. Do not let yourhearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27 (NIV)

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Sophie Jelley is CanonMissioner at Durham Cathedraland Director of Mission,Discipleship & Ministry for theDiocese of Durham.

S ometimes we need peace fromanother place: a really busy day, atough set of circumstances or some

unexpected news. Maybe this is true for youjust now or perhaps for someone you know.The Bible tells us that God loves to givegood gifts to his children as a kind andloving Father. We may not always recognisehis gift when it comes but he wants us toknow his peace. Peace is ‘shalom’ it meanswholeness, life and wellbeing. Ask God togive you the gift of his peace, his shalomtoday in your home, work, friendships and

among those you meet. Gifts do not alwayscome as we expect but be open to receivehis peace today.

PRAYERLoving God, grant me your peace this day:Speak peace over my home. Speak peaceover my work. Speak peace over all I loveand those who love me. Grant patience intimes of waiting - that the world may knowyour gift of peace, through Jesus, Princeof Peace. Amen

30AUGUST74 DAYS

Happy are those who find wisdom... Her ways are ways of pleasantness,and all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:13-18 (NRSV)

REMEMBER THE ELEPHANT

Rev Dr Barbara Glasson is DeputyChair of the Yorkshire West MethodistDistrict and Team Leader atTouchstone, an interfaith project in Bradford.

O n my first trip to Asia we visitedprojects and schools, hospitals and churches. There was only one

thing left to do: ride an elephant. Althoughsituated in the heart of a vast city anelephant was located, we clambered on hisback. Up there it was possible to look downon the traffic: here a motorbike with a familyof five, mum side-saddle on the backcarrying the baby; there a bicycle with a chest of drawers on the handlebars.

I could see that a police officer on thejunction would soon sort all the hooting and commotion. Then I remembered, it was me that was sitting on the elephant!

PRAYERHelp me, Creator God to climb off themighty elephant of my own opinions. Lethumility transform the way I meet others, so that, through listening and learning theworld will be changed from the inside out.


31AUGUST73 DAYS

But we do not want you to be uninformed,brothers and sisters, about those who have died,so that you may not grieve as others do whohave no hope. For since we believe that Jesusdied and rose again, even so, through Jesus,God will bring with him those who have died.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NRSV)

HOPE IN GRIEF

Frederick Obeng is ex-Army, a Methodistlocal preacher andBible Society supplychain manager.

T he Thessalonian Christians believedin the speedy return of our LordJesus Christ. They appeared to

believe that death was the end, and thatonly those who are alive when Jesus returnswould go to heaven. Paul wrote to let them,and now us, know that there is coming a daywhen even the dead will rise again. Ourloving God who moved in power to createthe world and all that is in it, is the same one who will raise the bodies of the dead.

This should comfort our hearts as it did thehearts of those first followers of Christ.

PRAYEROur God of love and truth, we bring beforeyou on this day those who have gone beforeus and those whose names we will continueto remember. Help us to lift our eyes abovethis world’s troubles and let us find hope inyou alone. Through Jesus Christ our Lordand Redeemer. Amen

1SEPTEMBER

72 DAYS

By wisdom a house is built and throughunderstanding it is established; throughknowledge its rooms are filled with rareand beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV)

A CITY OF PEACE

David King is a director of Kingdom Voice Ltd, an ambassador for Gather and one of the leaders ofMovement Day UK.

T he fullness of peace is not just thecessation of violence and threat, butthe fullness of God’s kingdom and his

presence. As we pray for the peace of Godto be evident in our cities and the places welive, let us not limit the effects of his peaceat work in and through us. Let us see itsfullness as we look to him for the wisdom,understanding and knowledge to build ourcities as he would have them built, where allare loved, cared for and honoured.

PRAYERFather, may your peace be evident in ourcities. We ask that in your peace we mayknow your wisdom, understanding andknowledge. Father, may we be made one inyou through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen


2SEPTEMBER

71 DAYS

At one time you were far away from God. But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Hespilled his blood for you. This has brought you near to God. Christ himself is our peace.


CHRIST OUR PEACE

Brian Mills is a British-based, international prayerleader and author, and helpslead the internationalreconciliation movement.

A round the world God is workingthrough his children who, asadvocates for peace, bring healing

to those whose lives have been damaged bywar. Some wounds are still raw and sensitivesince the conflicts may be recent orcontinuing. In those cultures, without aChristian world-view, the call for revenge hasto be replaced with a desire to forgive. Theprocess begins with those who are willing to take a first step towards forgiveness.

One of my friends conducts ‘Healing thewounds of ethnic conflict’ workshops in war-torn areas. Another is writing reconciliationsongs in culturally-sensitive ways andtraining young people from such areas tosing them. Another has had to be moved out of a war-torn zone for her own safety.Another is bringing aid to refugees andorphans in war-torn Iraq and seeking todisciple them. Some address the historicalnature of continuing antagonism in order to dismantle ongoing prejudice and fosterreconciliation. Others are seeking to followGod’s leading in restorative justice, indealing with past genocides, as in Rwanda.

As we pray today for the victims from the various wars, let us pray particularly forwomen and girls. They are the ones whoface the trauma of losing their fathers,husbands, brothers, sons. They are theinnocent victims. Their grief is seldomrecognised, but God sees, knows, andempathises. Can they learn to forgive also?

PRAYERFather, thank you that forgiveness is alwaysavailable from you. Forgive us our sins as weforgive those who sin against us. Please helpall those who need to forgive their enemiesto do so with grace and love, and toembrace all that is involved, with Christ’shelp. Amen

ACTIONFill a shoe-box with children’s goodies andtake it to a refugee family who have fled a conflict zone. Listen to their story, andrespond with love and understanding.


3SEPTEMBER

70 DAYS

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind andheart. And the peace I give is a gift the worldcannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 (NLT)

A MAN OF PEACE

Kathryn Morgan is a Baptist minister andCompany Secretary ofthe Christian EnquiryAgency which runswww.christianity.org.uk.

A s a young Christian, this promisefrom Jesus of inner peace becameprecious. Recently married, living in

a new area, teaching in secondary school,was not conducive to such peace. But thisgift was transformational. My inner lifechanged from ‘jagged black and white’ intoa blend of beautiful colours. Since then this‘inner peace’ has served me well. When Ihave lost it, it has been time to take stock ofmy life and sort out some issues. If bigdecisions have been required, the peace or

lack of it has guided me. Faced with scarynew challenges, this verse has set me on acalmer path, reminding me that I never facethe future alone. What a gift!

PRAYERHeavenly Father, Thank you that into aturbulent world you sent Jesus, the Prince of Peace, through whom we may havepeace with you. Grant again today to yourservant the gift of peace in mind and heart,through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen

4SEPTEMBER

69 DAYS

This is my command: Love one another the way Iloved you. This is the very best way to love. Putyour life on the line for your friends. You are myfriends when you do the things I command you.

John 15:12-13 (MSG)

LOVE AND HOPE

Richard Longfoot is Chaplain ofPeterborough UnitedFootball Club.

T he flow of love from God the Father,through his Son is as the life givingsap flowing through the vine in

Jesus’ parable. The same love flows throughus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, bringingthe possibility of the fruit of hope and peacein those we meet. For Jesus it showed itselfin sacrificial commitment. We give thanks forthose who have made sacrificialcommitments for us over the years and hopeand pray that we may be channels of thesame love today. May a needy and

desperate world know the same depth ofhealing love.

PRAYERGod of Peace, may the world know more ofyour love. May we all learn to show sacrificiallove to those who we meet each day. Godof Love, may the healing fruits of your HolySpirit bring peace to your world. God ofHope, please use us as fruitful channels ofyour love today. Amen

?


5SEPTEMBER

68 DAYS

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everysituation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,present your requests to God. And the peace ofGod, which transcends all understanding, will guardyour hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

PEACE PRESENCE

Vicky Roberts served as an officerin the British Armyfor 25 years in theUK, continentalEurope, Africa andUSA.

A s a parent, I often think of peace asthe absence of noise, and as asoldier, the absence of fighting. But

as a Christian I have come to realise thatpeace isn’t the absence of anything, ratherthe presence. It comes from a strong innertrust or hope that things will turn out OK;that we need not fear or be anxious. Whilst‘Don’t worry’ is easier said than done, Godhas made it simple for anyone to be filledwith peace: trust in him, pray and ask with athankful heart. I cannot think of anyone

better qualified to handle my problems (oryours) or anyone more worthy of our trust,than the creator of heaven and earth.

PRAYERLord God, thank you that you offer each of us your peace, which surpasses allunderstanding. I am sorry for the timeswhen I have not trusted you. I place myworries, and leave them, at the cross, andreceive your peace. In the power of yourHoly Spirit, Amen

6SEPTEMBER

67 DAYS

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake...Jesus... got up and rebuked the winds and thewaves, and it was completely calm. The menwere amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man isthis? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’

Matthew 8:21-27 (NIV)

JESUS CALMER OF STORMS

Fred Drummond oversees of the work of the Evangelical Alliance inScotland, and serves on the UK EA leadership team.

‘W hat kind of man is this?’ He isthe one whom winds andwaves obey. Jesus, the one

with power to calm every storm. He is theone to calm storms of nature, storms withinus and storms between us. Jesus, the shalomof God, who brings peace and wholenessinto our damaged and fragmented lives.

Lord have mercy upon us and bringpeace and make us peacemakers.

PRAYERLord Jesus, bringer of peace, hope, andreconciliation. We pray for those of us facingstorms in our lives - may you calm them inyour victorious love. We pray for the war tornplaces of our world that you would pour outwords that bring healing and restoration.Through your death and resurrection wehave peace. Through your risen life we havehope. In Jesus name. Amen


7SEPTEMBER

66 DAYS

‘If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivitythey will go. If anyone is to be killed with thesword, with the sword they will be killed.’ Thiscalls for patient endurance and faithfulness.

Revelation 13:10 (NIV)

WAR AND HUMAN CHOICES

Edward Royle is Emeritus Professor ofHistory at the Universityof York and Presidentof the Wesley HistoricalSociety

T he student of international relationsmay be tempted to search throughhistory for the causes of past wars

and then form the impression that at somepoint war became inevitable. In fact nothingis inevitable. Only the One who standsoutside time and space can see the wholepicture. We merely impose patterns onevents and forget that events are shaped bywhat humankind chooses to do or not do.Wars break out when we lose faith in ourability to create our own futures; we convince

ourselves that diplomacy has failed and thatwar is the only way to prevent war; and so wehave wars and we absolve ourselves of blameby saying that they had become inevitable.

PRAYERLord teach us to have faith in your strength,and give us the courage to continue thestruggle for peace and right relations at all times, especially when all seems lost. We believe you have already won for us the victory.

8SEPTEMBER

65 DAYS

Now may God, the inspiration andfountain of hope, fill you to overflowingwith uncontainable joy and perfectpeace as you trust in him.

Romans 15:13 (TPT)

OVERFLOWING JOY

Sue Sinclair has led Community WatchmenMinistries (CWM) since 2002 and isthe author of Extravagant Fire andExtravagant Adventures.

D uring World War I posters declared,‘Your King and country need you,enlist now!’ We honour those who

responded, going to war and sacrificing theirlives in the hope that we would live in peace.Sadly that peace did not last long as WorldWar II followed soon after. Jesus came as thePrince of Peace and said, ‘I leave the gift ofpeace with you—my peace. Not the kind offragile peace given by the world, but myperfect peace.’ When we choose to walkwith Jesus, his peace and hope are there for

us exactly when we need it. He empowers us to live our lives today full of hope,uncontainable joy and perfect peacesometimes despite our circumstances.

PRAYERFather God, help us to walk with Jesus thatwe may be filled to overflowing with yourhope, uncontainable joy and perfect peacetrusting you, no matter our circumstances.Like Jesus let us be vessels of blessing andpeace to all those we meet. Amen


9SEPTEMBER

64 DAYS

…one of them struck the servant ofthe high priest, cutting off his rightear. But Jesus answered, ‘No more ofthis!’ And he touched the man’s earand healed him.

Luke 22:49-51 (NIV)

WHEN FIGHTING STOPS

Rev Dr Peter Howson is aMethodist Minister who served for25 years as an army chaplain whois Secretary of the Society forArmy Historical research and writerof books on army chaplaincy.

T he work of the Religious AffairsBranch of the British Element of theControl Commission Germany

between 1945 and 1950, helped to involvethe German and British churches in theestablishment of a society where humandignity was to be respected. Its work helpedthe German churches to recognise that theyhad something to offer to the new state. Itswork helped the British churches understandthat the light of Christ’s love had never beenfully extinguished during the dreadful yearsof the Nazi era. It helped both to understandthat change was needed to achievereconciliation.

The man of war may raise the swordduring conflict but once it is over there is anew task. The disciples could not havehealed the High Priest’s severed ear, butJesus could and did. In doing so he gave anexample for all those who would follow him.We need to recognise that the need to feedthe hungry, heal the sick, and give freedomto prisoners of war, has a particular urgencyin the aftermath of conflict.

PRAYERO God, when we have destroyedinfrastructure to win a war so that others arehungry and homeless, help us to moveswiftly to ensure that the vulnerable do notcontinue to suffer once the fighting hasfinished, that we may become peacemakers,for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen

ACTIONIn any current conflict think what is the firstthing that will need to be done once thefighting stops and then consider how thatmight be achieved.


10SEPTEMBER

63 DAYS

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord makehis face shine on you and be gracious to you; theLord turn his face toward you and give youpeace.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

BLESS YOUR ENEMIES

Dr Sam Richards isHead of Children’s andYouth Work for theUnited ReformedChurch.

J esus challenges us to love ourenemies. Craftivist Sarah Corbettsuggests how to do this as part of

gentle activism to make the world morepeaceable and beautiful. Identify someonewith influence over an issue you feel stronglyabout, who you see as part of the problem.Find out as much about them as you can(who their heroes are, what they enjoy, evenwhat they wear) and try to understand thepressures they are under. Take time to makea personalised gift or card for them to show

them support, to build them up as they takedifficult decisions, encouraging them toremember the impact they can have forgood. Whilst you are making this, and afteryou have sent it, pray the priestly blessing(Numbers 6:24-26) for them.

PRAYERFather of all, help me to move from hate tolove; from them to us; from against, to with.Give me compassion for my enemies. Inspireme to pray for them and seek to bless them.

11SEPTEMBER

62 DAYS

Peace I leave with you; my peace I giveto you. I do not give to you as the worldgives. Do not let your hearts be troubled,and do not let them be afraid.

John 14:27 (NRSV)

FINDING PEACE

Rev Philip Brooks is the United ReformedChurch’s Secretary forEcumenical andInterfaith Relations.

F ollowing the loss of a serviceman inWorld War I, it was the custom tosend a letter of condolence, written

by the soldier’s commanding officer. Anelderly church member once showed me thenote received on the death of her uncle. Ittestified to his bravery and related that hehad ‘passed away peacefully after smoking a last cigarette’. Her uncle had asthma andhad never been able to smoke. The kindlyintended letter merely increased the painand sense of loss for the family. It disguised

the horror of a more violent death. When the guns of war fall silent, the physical andmental scars remain. The peace of God is a precious gift in our darkest suffering.

PRAYERLoving God, we come to you in our humanfrailty and seek your peace. When all feelslost, encircle us in your loving arms, give usthe strength to carry on. Settle our troubledhearts and help us to trust that, in yourendless love, we need never be afraid. Amen


12SEPTEMBER

61 DAYS

God is our refuge and strength,an ever present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

GOD - THE PLACE OF PEACE

Alison Burgess co-founded theViking Family Support Group in2008, supporting soldiers’families

W e all want to know the peace ofGod in our lives, especially whenlife is hard. In 2010, my two sons

were serving with the Royal AnglianRegiment. As a mother, it was one of thehardest times to feel at peace. Beingalongside families whose loved ones wereserving, and supporting one another throughdifficult times made such a difference. Yetnothing could actually change ourcircumstances or remove our fears. Howimportant it was to remember then and now,that the peace of God isn’t about changingcircumstances, avoiding reality or removing

negative thoughts. The peace of God is thepresence of God himself, triumphing overthe facts and lifting us over and throughthem.

PRAYERThank you, Father God, for your peace thatpasses all understanding and for yourconstant presence with us, holding andsustaining us through difficult times. We askyou to bring comfort and hope to those whomourn the loss of loved ones, and tosurround with your peace the families ofthose currently serving.

13SEPTEMBER

60 DAYS

Behold, how good and pleasant itis when brothers dwell in unity.

Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

PEACE AT HOME

Helen Crawford isdigital contentmanager at BibleSociety.

F riends. Family. Colleagues. Spouses.Kids. Depending on the day you'vehad, the words of the psalm might be

resonating strongly! Because, if we'rehonest, sometimes the hardest places to findpeace are those closest to home. But what adifference it makes to be at peace withpeople, and to know we are right with thosewe see day-in, day-out. The psalmistcelebrates the joy of being in unity. It's not

just the absence of conflict but the joy ofbeing united; the feeling that we are on thesame team. So, what can you do to buildpeace in your life today, not by keepingquiet but by truly being united with oneanother?

PRAYERLord, help us to live in peace with thoseclosest to us today, and all days.


14SEPTEMBER

59 DAYS

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give toyou. Not as the world gives do I give to you.Let not your hearts be troubled, neither letthem be afraid.

John 14:27 (ESV)

PEACE BEYOND UNDERSTANDING

Michael Cooper is CVM’s NationalDirector for England & Scotland.

H istory has recorded manystatements and quotations relatingto peace. As we meditate on the

events of 100 years ago we might recallthose promises and commitments made tobuilding a world that lives in peace. RonaldReagan said, ‘A people free to choose willalways choose peace’ and that is surely so.Each of us who enjoy freedom can choose apeace that passes all understanding. Whenwe accept Jesus into our lives we receiveGod’s Holy Spirit; he brings a deep and

lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, definedas the absence of conflict, this peace isconfident assurance in any circumstance.With Christ’s peace, we need not fear thepresent nor the future. In commemoration,choose that peace.

PRAYERFather, thank you for your gift of peace,freely given. Help us to trust wholly in youand your will for our lives. May our actionsbe rooted in love. Amen

15SEPTEMBER

58 DAYS

Justice will rule in the wilderness andrighteousness in the fertile field. And thisrighteousness will bring peace.

Isaiah 32:16-17 (NLT)

QUIETNESS AND TRUST

Simeon Mitchell isSecretary for Churchand Society for theUnited ReformedChurch.

W hen civil rights leader MartinLuther King was accused of‘disturbing the peace’ by

supporting Rosa Parks and the MontgomeryBus Boycott in 1955, he responded, ‘Truepeace is not merely the absence of tension:it is the presence of justice.’ Later, he added,‘Without justice, there can be no peace.’

His words find echoes in the wisdom ofIsaiah. For society to flourish and be fruitful,peace needs to be built on a foundation ofjustice and righteousness. Injustice is often a

root cause of conflict, both in localcommunities and between nations. Only by listening to the experiences of themarginalised, and addressing injustices suchas discrimination and poverty, will we beable to build a truly peaceful world.

PRAYERWe ask for the honest peace of strugglesacknowledged, the demanding peace offorgiveness, the longed-for peace of justiceestablished. Lord, grant us peace.


16SEPTEMBER

57 DAYS

Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord... how long shall the wickedexult?

Psalm 94:2-4 (ESV)

PERSEVERING PRAYER

Pastor Agu Irukwu leads theRedeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) in the United Kingdom andis senior pastor of Jesus House forAll the Nations, London.

T he psalmist’s cry resonates: ‘O Lord!How long?’ Over the 25 years I havebeen a pastor I have prayed this

prayer with many people crying out to Godfor breakthrough. It must also have been thecry of those who prayed for peace duringthe First World War. Waiting takes its toll. Wehold on to a word or a promise from God,but as time passes, and there is nomanifestation of the promise, we growweary. I am certain the prophet Elijah wasthere too when he prayed for rain after threeyears of drought. Six times his hopes weredashed. Six times he was invited to questionwhether he had indeed heard God. Six timeshe would have had to quell the doubts risingin his heart. He stayed on his knees.

He refused to let hope die. He continuedto pray. He asked the servant to go back andcheck for the seventh time. And the seventhtime was different. There was a change inthe natural circumstances that signalled thatthe answer was on its way. A cloud as smallas a man’s hand was rising out of the sea. I can almost hear the prophet’s voice strongand resolute as he gave his instructions: ‘Go down before the rain stops you’ (1 Kings 18:44).

PRAYERHeavenly Father, as we pray for revival in ournation we cry out to you, ‘O Lord! Howlong?’ Pour out your love on our land, andhelp us to persevere in prayer, we pray inthe mighty name of Jesus. Amen

ACTIONGiving activates spiritual breakthroughs. Be very open to the leading of the HolySpirit. He will lead you to sow your time,talent and treasure..


17SEPTEMBER

56 DAYS

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to showthat this all-surpassing power is from God andnot from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

BIG DREAMS

Kiera Phyo is Directorof the ReconcilingLeaders Network,based at LambethPalace, London.

W hen we think about reconciliation,we’re dreaming of a big picture.We’re imagining how we can be

involved in the renewal of this world, makingthe earth a kinder, fairer, more equal home.We’re galvanising the activist within us, thepursuers of peace and changemakers. Butsometimes life is much more ordinary than thatsounds. The reality of our life is that we’re justhoping the long list of jobs won’t overwhelmus. The risk of talking about changing theworld and being a force for good could makeus end up feeling more guilty and creating an

even longer to-do list. But God is reconcilingthe world to himself, that all of creation mayfind freedom, liberation and peace within him.We are the ordinary people - the jars of clay -that he uses to make it happen. Even in ourmundane every day lives, he is working tomake his big picture our reality.

PRAYERWe pray that God would work powerfullythrough us, showing the treasure of hispeace through our chipped, broken andordinary lives.

18SEPTEMBER

55 DAYS

My hand will be against the prophets who see falsevisions... Because they lead my people astray, saying,‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because, when aflimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash.

Ezekiel 13:9-10 (NIV)

LASTING PEACE

Peter Amos is aretired BaptistMinister who hasserved BarnsleyFC since 1996.

P eace would do wrong to our undyingdead. The sons we offered mightregret they died If we got nothing

lasting in their stead.Written by Wilfred Owen, 23 September

1918, in his poem Smile, Smile, Smile *. Hewas killed in action on 4 November 1918 atthe age of 25, one week before the Armistice.

* Wilfred Owen: The War Poems edited byJon Stallworthy (Chatto & Windus, 1994)

PRAYERGod of peace we thank you for those whosacrificed their lives so that we could live inpeace. We pray for nations where peace is thepolar opposite of their daily reality. We prayalso for those whose peace is shattered withinthe nations that benefit from peace that wasbought at such a high price. Oh that the pricethat was paid would be worth it: that all maylive with peace without and peace within nowand always. Through Jesus Christ. Amen


19SEPTEMBER

54 DAYS

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this:blessed are the dead who die in the Lord fromnow on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest fromtheir labour, for their deeds will follow them.’

Revelation 14:13 (ESV)

WASTED LIVES

Paul Williams is Chief Executive ofBible Society.

T he shocking waste of lives cut short.How can these dead be ‘blessed’?What comfort is it for those barely

begun to ‘rest from their labour’? Who knowswhat fruit might have grown from thesefledgling lives? God seeks not for our faults,but for signs of his life in us. Each act ofkindness, sacrifice, or love – however small –he sees, nurtures, and grows. The smallestdeed of grace is a seed he cultivates. It followsus not just as a memory, but as a gatheringmaturity of God’s nature sowed in others.

What astonishment when we turn and seewhat he has made of our lives. ‘In the Lord,’their labour – and ours – will not be in vain.

PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, who completes everygood work, may we rest from our striving tomake a name for ourselves, for it leads onlyto strife; may we know the peace that comesfrom serving you; and may we hope in thefruitfulness that only you can bring forth.Amen

20SEPTEMBER

53 DAYS

Do not repay evil for evil... but on thecontrary, bless, for to this you werecalled, that you may obtain a blessing...seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:9,11 (ESV)

FORGIVENESS IS NOT EASY

Gavin Dickson served in the ScotsGuards seeing conflict in Iraq andAfghanistan. He came to know thepeace of God in 2009 and is nowan Army Scripture Reader.

D on’t repay evil for evil; that is a hardlesson. I have seen someextraordinary examples of this on

the battlefield where colleagues have beenkilled or injured yet the soldiers hold the line.Or the wife of one of the pilots in the 9/11attacks who publicly forgave the terrorist whokilled so many on that day. The gymnast who,after being abused by her doctor, was able tosay in court that she forgave him so that hemight come to know grace, to ‘find grace

where none should be’. How can thesepeople offer forgiveness? At least in the lasttwo accounts it is because they know thepeace that comes from knowing Jesus; theycan seek peace and pursue it.

PRAYERLord, in a world which often seems so evil,let us hold on to your Word, to seek peaceand pursue it.

?


21SEPTEMBER

52 DAYS

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give toyou. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled, and donot let them be afraid.

John 14:27 (NRSV)

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Gary Hall is a Methodistminister, and tutor in PracticalTheology at the Queen’sFoundation, Birmingham.

F or as long as we manufacture fear, wewill look for warrior heroes. Not onlyheroes, but machinery of war and

order, and the everyday safeguards ofprivatised living, ringfenced land and water,property and fuel stocks, gated homes andborders, nest-eggs and reputations...

But blessed are those who consider birdsand lilies, risk persecution and peace-making,and despite being hurt, refuse (morecourageously than any warrior) the temptation

to harden defences. If you love me you willkeep my commandments, he said. And thenthe strange commandment, unreasonableimperative: Do not let your hearts betroubled, and do not let them be afraid.

PRAYERTeach us, Peaceful Prince, the art of livingwithout harmful defences, so we might bearthe mystery of your passion in resurrectionhope.

22SEPTEMBER

51 DAYS

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,bearing with one another in love. Make everyeffort to keep the unity of the Spirit through thebond of peace.


PEACE IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Jane Holloway isNational PrayerDirector at the WorldPrayer Centre inBirmingham, UK.

I t can often be a challenge to ensureeach person in our church family hasspace both to be heard and cared for.

Having opportunities to meet in smallgroups – for adults, young people andchildren – helps us all to journey togetherwell. But we will all know of other occasions,whether in the leadership team or within ourcongregations, when different stances onissues can cause tensions. Whatever the sizeof our church, misunderstandings do happenand hasty actions/words can result in abreakdown of trust and relationships. How

important it is for us to oil the wheels withour prayers and so ensure that our churchfamily stands firm to be a beacon of light,peace and hope in our communities.

PRAYERLord Jesus, we ask you to help each person inour church family (name those in your smallgroup) to be completely humble and gentlein our life with each other; and to be patient,learning to bear with one another’s faults inlove. Help us Lord, to keep the unity of theSpirit. Bind us together in peace. Amen


23SEPTEMBER

50 DAYS

Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed...

Genesis 18:4-5 (NIV)

RADICAL HOSPITALITY

Canon Sarah Snyder isthe Archbishop ofCanterbury’s Adviserfor Reconciliation.

T his story of Abraham and Sarah’swelcome is a model of hospitality.When he notices three strangers on

the horizon, Abraham is recovering from hisrecent circumcision, resting in the middaysun. Yet he runs to greet these unknowntravellers, welcoming them to stay forrefreshment. He orders the fattest calf to be slaughtered. Sarah bakes cakes, andtogether they prepare a feast for theirguests. Abraham stands by to serve andconverse with them, and before long he andSarah discover they are not the hosts afterall. It is their guests who came to deliver a gift – the message of a long awaited son.

The hosts are now guests – the tablesare turned. And this is a model for our ownhospitality to strangers today. Do wewelcome those who are far off – unknown orunnoticed visitors to our homes andchurches? Are we willing to be their guestsalso – to sit and eat in their places? When wereach across a divide in a moment of radicalhospitality, we can find ourselves welcomingnot only the stranger, but Christ himself.

PRAYERFather God, we know that you are the greatreconciler of all things. We pray that wewould see with your eyes, notice your imagein unlikely people and reach out to themwith your hospitality. Ask God to show you,then take action.

ACTIONWhat does radical hospitality look like inyour context? This week, who could youwelcome to your home or your church?


24SEPTEMBER

49 DAYS

I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I mustbring them also, and they will listen to my voice.So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

John 10:16 (ESV)

WE WILL REMEMBER

Gerry Stacey is aresearcher at ChristianResearch.

W e must always remember. Butremember what? History is notjust written by winners, everyone

has their own history. In John, Jesus says,‘There will be one flock, one shepherd’ andmany feel that was what we were fighting for,allied with Russia, in World War I. Yet,Bulgaria and Romania, on opposite sides inWorld War I fought together in World War II.Ukraine fought Poland for independence in1918, yet in 1945 one of the first people toopen the gate at Auschwitz and free many

Polish prisoners was the Ukrainian, IhorPobirchenko. Jesus calls us to bring all sheepinto his fold, yet we are constantly beingseparated by the corruption of politics,business and lust for power. Canbrotherhood be so cheaply traded?

PRAYERAs I walk with friends Lord, they will hold myhand. As I walk among strangers Lord, helpme hold their hand. As I walk with you Lord,you will hold my hand, Amen

25SEPTEMBER

48 DAYS

‘Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours?’ Jehonadab answered, ‘It is.’... So he gave him his hand.

2 Kings 10:15 (NRSV)

GIVE ME YOUR HAND

Owen Roberts isHeritage Officer for theMethodist Church.

T he key text for John Wesley’s famoussermon on catholic spirit mightappear at first to be a strange choice

for Wesley’s sweeping account of Christianlove, its generosity, and, as he puts it,‘unspeakable tenderness’. He argues thatdiversity of opinion or belief need notprevent our walking together peaceably;‘though we cannot think alike, may we notlove alike?’ The joined hands of Jehu andJehonadab provide a glimpse of‘tenderness’ amidst an otherwise brutal

catalogue of massacre and judgement. In acontext of stark enmity in the house of Israel,Wesley identifies a moment of kinship, andits wider resonance for universal love. A trulycatholic spirit, Wesley writes, is a heart‘enlarged toward’ all humanity.

PRAYERLoving God, you urge us to the way of peaceand kinship. Enlarge our hearts towards thosewe find difficult to love. May your unspeakabletenderness be known in the world.


26SEPTEMBER

47 DAYS

How good and pleasant it is whenGod’s people live together in unity!...For there the LORD bestows hisblessing, even life for evermore.

Psalm 133:1-3 (NIV)

SEA CHANGE

Clive Langmead works with thearmed forces in disaster response.After a career at sea he joined theBBC for 20 years and has writtenseven biographies.

I n 1982 I was First Officer of an 8,000 tonocean liner sailing South Americanwaters: 300 volunteers from 35

nationalities, including 25 Brits and about 30Argentine. The Bos'n was the seniorArgentinian; I the British. In April came theFalklands crisis. Warm fellowship cooled.Familiar friendly greetings turned toembarrassed silence. Departmentalorganisation suffered. I met the Bos'n ondeck. ‘Roberto’ I said. ‘Can we pray for somesolution?’ So all the Argentine and British

volunteers met to pray that afternoon. Andpeace, with some tears, returned to us. Andus to our calling.

PRAYERLord, help me to take a deliberate andprovocative step for peace this week byspeaking caringly to someone I know isoffended by me, and to apologise to themeven if the offence is not real, or meant, ormy fault. I do this in Jesus name. Amen

27SEPTEMBER

46 DAYS

Set free those who arecrushed. Break everyevil chain.

Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIRV)

PEACE AND JUSTICE

Enid Gordon is a Methodist Minister who hasserved as a human rights observer with the WorldCouncil of Churches Ecumenical Accompanierprogramme.

P eace is not the absence of war. Truepeace involves seeing ‘the other’through the eyes of God as someone

loved and cherished, even worth dying for.By standing alongside people who areoppressed, meeting their need for cleanwater to drink, nourishing food to eat andshelter to protect them from freezing cold orscorching heat, we are offering hope in whatappears to be a hopeless situation. Byoffering friendship, we are continuing thework that Jesus began. Spending money on

making or buying weapons that kill andmaim and poison our environment does notcontribute to peace or justice, but causeseven more deprivation and suffering.

PRAYERLoving and generous God, we thank you forall your goodness to us. Strengthen ourresolve to listen to you, to discern how youcan best use us to share in your work ofanswering the prayers of those who long forjustice, peace and reconciliation. Amen


28SEPTEMBER

45 DAYS

Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.

John 18:33-38 (NIV)

WHOSE KINGDOM?

Robert Jackson joined the Navy from school,got kicked out, became a Christian, gotordained, and was a school chaplain for a coupleof decades before returning to the Navy as achaplain.

P ilate, as an agent of Rome, has, in hishands, the ultimate sanction of anyhuman authority - the power over life

and death. Earthly kingdoms, ultimately, relyon their ability to inflict suffering and death inorder to prevail. The Kingdom of Heaven, thatJesus inaugurates, overcomes death andushers in a new age where suffering and deathare no more. I have recently started working atFaslane, where the ability of the BritishGovernment to inflict suffering and death hasits ultimate and most terrible expression.

Whilst I work out my views on the nucleardeterrent with fresh urgency, I minister to thepeople here, and I pray for the day when ourLord Jesus Christ returns in all his glory.

PRAYERLord Jesus, we look forward to your return inglory with keen anticipation, but in thiscurrent age, we pray wisdom and grace forthose who hold the reins of power. May theyrecognise you as the source of all authorityand seek to govern in Truth and in Love.

29SEPTEMBER

44 DAYS

On the evening of that first day of the week, whenthe disciples were together, with the doors lockedfor fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came andstood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’

John 20:19 (NIV)

RESURRECTION PEACE

Tim Lucas is churchliaison officer atSaltbox, a charitybased in Stoke-on-Trent.

T he disciples had witnessed the deathof Christ. Fearful of the land in whichthey lived, what might happen to

them, the authorities that ruled in the city,and the uncertainty of their situation, theyhad locked themselves away. Similar fear cangrip many of us in a number of countries andcommunities: where war grips the land,where safety cannot be ensured, wherecorrupt governments or the mob rule, andwhere the future is certainly unclear. Yet to allChrist says the same: ‘Peace be with you.’

Peace is the message of the risen Christ, andit is for peace that he is now revealed to us,just as he was to those first disciples.

PRAYERRisen Christ, remembering your resurrection,and the message of peace that accompaniesit, we pray for peace to be with us. May thepeace of Christ rule in our hearts, as we hearthe call to live in peace through unity. Maywe see you, and know peace here. Amen


30SEPTEMBER

43 DAYS

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands

Isaiah 49:16a (NRSV)

LETTER TO MY GRANDPA

Revd Dr David Pickering is Moderator ofthe United Reformed Church NationalSynod of Scotland, his friend is PfarrerMartin Henninger, minister of theLutherkirche in Frankenthal, part of theChurch of the Palatinate in Germany.

Dear Grandpa, I’m shortly to set off for the Somme to

meet a German, retracing the journey youtook just over 100 years ago to face theGermans. I’m taking your identity taginscribed with your name and militarynumber, and scanty memories of what youexperienced. My uncle, your youngest son,told me that your service included collectingthose injured and the bodies of those killedfrom no man’s land.

The German I’m meeting is namedMartin, a personal friend from a partnershipbetween the churches we served. Wediscovered that we each had grandfatherswho served at the Somme. Like you, hisgrandfather was a Christian. You shareChristian names too, you being Frederickand he was Friedrich.

As we meet, Martin will remember hisgrandfather and I’ll remember you, and we’llboth reflect on the folly of war.

I wonder if in another 100 years, otherfriends may meet to remember the folly ofconflicts fought in our lifetime, for we havenot yet learned to live in peace.

Yours in love, sorrow and hope, David

PRAYERDear God, Thank you for our names,Frederick or Friedrich, Freda or Frida,engraved on identity tags in conflict,inscribed on the palms of your hands ineternity. Help us to forget ‘sides’, recognisethe child of God in each person, and drawcloser to living as sisters and brothers inpeace.

ACTIONWrite a letter either to someone from theother ‘side’ seeking reconciliation andpeace. What would you say to them? If youcould meet, what gift might you take?


1OCTOBER

42 DAYS

So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord ismy helper, I will not be afraid. What canmere mortals do to me?’

Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

God IS ON YOUR SIDE

Mike Forsyth is a trainee vicarat Ridley Hall in Cambridge.Prior to training he served inthe RAF as a Logistics Officer.

W hen deployed on exercises withthe RAF Mobile CateringSquadron I learnt never to worry

about being fed. Though food ran out onthe servery in the mess tent, freshly cookedfood always appeared. Deploying with thechefs, the creators of food, meant I need notfear going hungry! God is the creator of theuniverse and he is our helper; we have noneed to fear. We have peace because of whowe are with. God is with us whatever thecircumstances; even when life is not going as

intended. (Who hopes for conflict at work, orto see family unwell?) He is our helper whowe can trust. He has not brought us this farto forsake us.

PRAYERHeavenly Father, you are the creator of theworld and your love for us endures forever.Wherever we go and whatever we do, youare there. Help us to know your presencewith us so that we will not be afraid. Makeus messengers of your peace. Amen

2OCTOBER

41 DAYS

Make every effort to live in peace witheveryone and to be holy; withoutholiness no one will see the Lord. See toit that no one falls short of the grace ofGod and that no bitter root grows up tocause trouble and defile many.

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)

INNER PEACE

Latifah Forrest works for thePeace Alliance, a charity thatworks in partnership with thepolice, government agencies, thecorporate sector, and faith andvoluntary organisations.

P eace comes from within; it comeswhen there is no cloud between usand God. Peace is the consequence

of forgiveness and the hope that nothing willobscure his face and break union with him.

PRAYERFather forgive us our sins as we forgivethose who have sinned against us, so thatwe are able to live together in peace andharmony, releasing all our fears, woes andpain to you for your divine healing. Thankyou Lord for your saving grace, throughJesus Christ we pray. Amen


3OCTOBER

40 DAYS

Seek the peace and prosperity of the cityto which I have carried you into exile.Pray to the Lord for it, because if itprospers, you too will prosper.

Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)

FOR THE PEACE OF THE CITY

Matt Baker is PastoralSupport Director in EnglishFootball for SportsChaplaincy UK and chaplainto Charlton Athletic FC.

O n the Sunday after 9/11 I was at aservice in Westminster Central Hallin London and remember being

moved to tears as we cried out for our cityand nation. Since then we have seen terroristattacks in cities around the world includingManchester and London. Jeremiah was callingthe Jewish people to pray for the peace andprosperity of the city where they were to beexiled. As Christians with a heavenly homethat awaits, we are exiles - strangers and alienswherever we live. Whether we face acts of

terrorism, the increase of gun and knife crimeon our streets, or an uncertain politicalclimate, we are called to pray for our city.

PRAYERFather we pray for the peace and prosperityof our cities, whatever situations of enmityand aggression they face. Stir our hearts tobe agents for peace and hope in theknowledge that as our cities, towns andvillages prosper, so we your Church willprosper too.

4OCTOBER

39 DAYS

You must be very careful not to forget thethings you have seen God do for you.Keep reminding yourselves, and tell yourchildren and grandchildren as well.

Deuteronomy 4:9 (CEV)

PAST And pRESENT

Paul Woolley is Deputy ChiefExecutive of Bible Society andwas founding Director of Theos,the public theology think tank.

M y grandfather was 15 when WorldWar I was declared. He lied abouthis age in order to sign up. The first

his mother knew about it was when a friendtold her how smart Bernard looked in hisuniform. He had to wait another year beforehe saw action as a gunner in the RoyalMedical Corps. Unlike so many youngsoldiers, he returned to live a long life. In theOld Testament, there is a constantencouragement to remember the past withoutliving in it. It's important that I remember the

sacrifices of those, like my grandfather, whofought in the war, whilst, at the same time,remembering that I am called to live lifefaithfully with God in my day. Getting thisbalance right should mean I fight evilwherever I encounter it and work for peace.

PRAYERLord, as I remember your action in historyand the actions of those who took part inWorld War I, help me to live my life as Jesuswould live it if he were me - in this day. Amen


5OCTOBER

38 DAYS

‘For the mountains may depart and thehills be removed, but my steadfast loveshall not depart from you, and mycovenant of peace shall not beremoved,’ says the LORD, who hascompassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10 (ESV)

PEACE DURING WAR

Gavin Dickson served for 13years 6 months in the ScotsGuards and saw conflict in Iraqand Afghanistan. He now worksas an Army Scripture Reader withSASRA in Germany. Gavin cameto know the peace of God in2009 as a soldier.

T he world is often troubled and duringwar it is as if the mountains areshaken, the seas roar and all around is

in turmoil. Yet those who know the steadfastlove of God and the promise of his peace canstand firm. As a former soldier, who has seenthe realities of war, I hold fast to God’s peace,knowing that God indeed cares for mycircumstances, and has made a way for me to

have peace with God, through the death andresurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

PRAYERThere is a time for war and time for peaceyet Lord you command all who belong toyou to pursue peace. Lord help us stand inyour peace when trouble comes even war. In your Son’s name. Amen

6OCTOBER

37 DAYS

Therefore we do not lose heart. Thoughoutwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardlywe are being renewed day by day.


A FRAGILE PEACE

Bob Fraser is ChristianVision for Men (CVM)Regional Director forEngland (North West).

I n times of conflict, our choices areequally daunting. Do we stay in enemyoccupied territory and remain a victim of

war? Do we stay close to our roots and allthat is familiar, surviving rather than living?Or, do we leave everything behind and headfor somewhere, anywhere, in the hope of abetter life? Even when a cease-fire isdeclared, it’s a fragile peace and experiencesuggests it will not last, and there will be yetmore suffering. Sometimes, our hearts feellike that enemy occupied land - battle weary,

battered and bruised, desperately wantingpeace. Yet, in our darkest hour, God offers usnew hope and courage to keep going.

PRAYERFather God, we remember with compassionthose caught up in the chaos anddevastation caused by conflict. Help themnot to lose heart. Shine your light into theirdarkness. Bring your peace which passesunderstanding. Give them hope for thefuture as they re-build their broken world.


7OCTOBER

36 DAYS

They must turn from evil and dogood, they must seek peace andpursue it.

1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

PURSUING PEACE

Revd Al Nicoll is a Baptist pastorwho has served as an RAF Chaplainfor 15 years in Iraq, Afghanistan,Libya, the Falkland Islands and theArabian Gulf.

C onflict raged in Mozambique forthree decades, starting with a war ofindependence from Portugal (1962-

1975), immediately followed by a civil war(1975-1992). By the end of the conflicts,millions of weapons remained in the handsof private individuals. To ensure that peacewould last there were several attempts toconvince individuals to surrender theirweapons. One project, started by BishopSengulane, offered instruments ofproduction (building materials, farming tools)in return for the anonymous surrender ofweaponry. The weapons were thendecommissioned and some were turned intoworks of art aimed at encouraging peace.

Speaking to the early church, Peter’swords remind us that peace is never easy toattain. It involves repentance: turn from eviland do good. Peter reminds us that it doesnot happen by accident, we must activelylook for ways of making peace, and once wefind the path to peace, it must be ‘pursued’.The hatreds, suspicions and jealousies whichinspire conflict must not merely be paperedover. For peace to endure we mustdoggedly stay on the pathway to peace,however hard or sacrificial it might be for usindividually. We might worry that there is solittle we can do on our own to bring peaceto those around us, but just as conflict startsin the hearts of individuals and spreads toencompass nations, so can peace.

PRAYERGod of Peace, where evil abounds, may I dogood; when conflict tears us apart, give methe eyes to find your path to peace, andgrant me the endurance to stay on that pathuntil the very end. Amen

ACTIONBuild peace this weekend by endeavouringto stop conflict escalating. Peace beginsbetween individuals, so avoid insulting orsarcastic words; use your words to build uprather than tear down.


8OCTOBER

35 DAYS

God’s peace will watch over your hearts andyour minds. He will do this because youbelong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can neverbe completely understood

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIRV)

HOLD ON TO HOPE

Derek Estill is a UnitedReformed Church Elderand a URC GeneralAssembly Moderator.

P aul’s letter to the Philippians waswritten to the church in Macedonia.In it he urges them not to worry

about anything but to ask God for what theyneed with a thankful heart and God’s peacewill keep them safe. Having recently visitedthe Middle East where in many places thereis conflict and oppression this is a hardmessage. However, the importance ofholding on to hope became really clear tome in conversations with those that arecaught up in such challenging situations. We

must therefore take Paul’s urging seriously byputting our complete trust in God’s peace tosurround and keep us safe in all we do andsay.

PRAYERDear Lord we commit ourselves anew to livein peace and harmony with one another inresponse to your commandment to love oneanother. Help us we pray to find ways of livingout this commitment day by day wherever weare and whatever we are doing. Amen

9OCTOBER

34 DAYS

I leave my peace with you. I give mypeace to you. I do not give it to you asthe world does. Do not let your hearts betroubled. And do not be afraid.

John 14:27 (NIRV)

WHAT DOES PEACE FEEL LIKE?

Rev Beth Rookwood is a pioneer minister workingamongst young adults inMorpeth, Northumberland.

‘W hat makes you feel afraid?’ Iasked a group of sixth-formers. Some answered

‘Exams!’ ‘All the decisions I have to makeabout my future!’ ‘The ways I know I need tochange what I look like’. We then read theBible verse. We pondered what Jesus meantby ‘his peace’ and how that might bereceived as a gift. One person said ‘Maybepeace is like being given a hug by someoneyou really trust; like a long hug where youstay hugged long enough for your shoulders

to relax.’ This image captured something ofJesus’ gift of peace to the world. Whatimages come to your mind as you reflect onChrist’s gift of peace to you? How might youcarry that image with you today?

PRAYERLord Jesus, thank you that your presencebrings us peace. Help us to let you comeclose to us. Amen


10OCTOBER

33 DAYS

I have said these things to you, that in me you mayhave peace. In the world you will have tribulation.But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (ESV)

PEACE IN SYRIA

Larissa Morava isthe Editor for BibleSociety’s magazineWord in Action.

A colleague, who runs Bible Society inSyria, shared this message andverse with us. ‘Our part of Aleppo

had been under a merciless siege for almostthree years. We were used to shells andbarrel-bombs, and the endless screaming ofpeople who had been injured or lost lovedones. But one afternoon when I was standingon the balcony of our home, there was anincredible bang. The whole building shookviolently and I was shaking along with it as Isobbed convulsively. Then I suddenly felt still,as Jesus was speaking to me in his consolingand encouraging way with this verse. At that

moment I knew that God is good and that hedoesn’t leave us alone. Jesus is there to giveus peace in a world of struggle and war andhe has overcome the whole world!’

PRAYERLoving Heavenly Father, in our fracturedworld please bring your peace. We lift upour brothers and sisters around the worldwho live and work in war torn countries, thatthey will shine as beacons of your peace toeveryone around them. Protect andsurround them with your love, we pray.

11OCTOBER

32 DAYS

The LORD gives strength to hispeople; the LORD blesses his peoplewith peace.

Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

HIS BLESSING OF PEACE

Adam May works withSports Chaplaincy UK astheir Communications andChurch Relations Officer.

‘I f God be our God, he will give uspeace in trouble. When there is astorm without, he will make peace

within. The world can create trouble inpeace, but God can create peace in trouble’.Tom Watson

PRAYERFather God, we thank you for your manygifts, including that of peace. We pray thatwe would know that blessing upon our livesin all that we do. We remember it is a gift,and we pray to receive it. Amen


12OCTOBER

31 DAYS

He who was seated on the throne said,‘I am making everything new!’

Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

RECONCILIATION WITH CREATION

Archbishop WinstonHalapua serves theAnglican Church inAotearoa, New Zealandand Polynesia.

P eople in my country treat what naturehas given them as a gift. They knowwhen fish will be plentiful, so they fish

at that time. They know when fruit will ripen, sothey pick it in season. For thousands of yearswe have lived like this – reconciled with theenvironment, stewards of creation. But thingsare changing. Hurricanes come later anddisrupt the fruit season. The seas are rising andthe currents moving, so the fish behavedifferently. Many of our islands are nowcompletely submerged. The balance of our

way of life is shifting. This is not your problemor mine. This is our problem, that we will workon together. Through God we can transformwhat is disfigured into what is beautiful. InJesus’ resurrection we catch a glimpse of thenew creation. God is reconciling this world tohimself so that all will be made new.

PRAYERWe pray that God would show us how to livein balance with creation and how to begintransforming what is broken or disfigured.

13OCTOBER

30 DAYS

Have I not commanded you? Be strong andcourageous. Do not be afraid; do not bediscouraged, for the LORD your God will be withyou wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

BE STRONG

Lisa Hall is a wife,mother, educationadvisor, and a trusteeat Cwtch Education.

W ithin a year of becoming a militaryspouse my husband was sent toIraq. With much better

communication than they would have enjoyed100 years ago, we were able to email, phoneand even Skype. But one day in 2003, allcontact stopped for two weeks. Life seemed tostand still. My Mother-in-law would call. We’dswitch on the news and sit in silence, watchingthe black skies flash with green, alone buttogether! We prayed and waited. We tookpeace from Joshua 1:9 and had hope as we

knew God was with us and with ‘Our Boy’.How must it have been for the families thatwent for months, sometimes years withouthearing anything from their loved one?

PRAYERFather, thank you for the families that loveand support those that serve their countries.Give them peace, perseverance and patienceas they stay at home, while their loved onesgo to far off places, and hope for their safereturn. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen


14OCTOBER

29 DAYS

This means that anyone who belongs to Christhas become a new person. The old life is gone;a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

BEAUTY NOT BROKENNESS

Rob Santer is CVMRegional Director forLondon and is aCertified ProfessionalLife Coach.

D uring World War II, Eva Kor aged10, was sent to Auschwitz deathcamp with her twin sister, Miriam.

On arrival, they were immediately taken tothe Nazi’s laboratory. Over time, both girlsunderwent numerous injections as part of agreater experiment carried out on twins byDr Mengele.

Eva survived, grew up, got married andhad children. The experience of Auschwitznever left her. She carried it with herthroughout life. However, after 50 years ofbitterness, she finally came to forgive theperpetrators, especially Mengele.

The act of forgiveness can be a difficultprocess and can take time. Jesuscommanded that we do it repeatedly. Why?Because it opens the gateway to receiveGod’s healing, restoration andcompleteness. It clears a way to experiencea deep sense of peace.

‘I felt such freedom,’ Eva said. ‘I was nolonger a tragic prisoner. I was free ofAuschwitz and I was free of Mengele.Forgiveness is the seed of peace.’ 1

Kintsukuroi is a process of repairingpottery using a gold lacquer. It is understoodthat the pot is then even more beautiful forhaving been broken. This is a great visualillustration for how forgiveness can be goldin a broken life. Like Eva, it makes us atpeace with the many pieces.

1. miamiherald.com/news/local/article142764569.html

PRAYERFather God. I am inspired by Eva’s act offorgiveness. Show me whom, what andwhere I need to forgive, so I may have peacein my own life. Strengthen me where I amweak and soften me where I have grownhard. Make me whole once again. Amen

ACTIONTo be an agent of reconciliation. Look upEva’s story online. Following her example,who or what is the one person or thing youneed to forgive today to receive peace?How can you do this? Who can help you?


15OCTOBER

28 DAYS

And God will wipe away every tear from theireyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow,nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for theformer things have passed away.

Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

HOPE IN DESPAIR

Rachel Rounds is headof Media andCommunications atBible Society.

H ope comes in the early hours of themorning when I creep into my littleboy’s room and watch him sleeping.

His face is utterly at peace and, to me, he isutterly beautiful. I remember the despair overlost babies and the days when all hopefailed. I remember too lying in a hospital bedat 24 weeks – somehow knowing that,despite the fear and uncertainty, he wasmeant to be. Then I remember Hannah – herprayer and the weeping; and Sarah – herdespair and the laughter. Hope does remain

in the midst of despair: it is a gift from God –it tells us that despite our own fears, he neverlets go and he hears us. Hope is still here,breathing softly and snuffling next to a teddy.Thank you for my son, Tanoa Isaac – my‘vessel of laughter’ – whose name remindsme, every day, of that promise.

PRAYERDear Lord, thank you for the gift of hope.Thank you too that however much we maydespair, you never let go. Amen

16OCTOBER

27 DAYS

He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, formy power is made perfect in weakness.’


GOD’S POWER IN OUR WEAKNESS

Katie Kyle is a militarywife, mummy to threechildren, and a desert-dweller (due to currentposting).

O ne of the times I felt weakest in mylife was when I had two babies andmy husband was in Afghanistan.

Sleepless nights and non-stop days left mefeeling broken, physically and emotionally.Strangely, it was a time punctuated by happymoments. A postman promising to get myChristmas present to Afghanistan when I stoodcrying at the till, the children unwrappingSellotape by my feet. A nanny scooping thechildren up for a day at her farm. A rat-catchermaking it his mission to expel the rats from our

garden. The same Bible verse appearedrepeatedly. During that time, God showed methat his grace is sufficient, sending rays ofpeace and hope to shine through the clouds.

PRAYERWe pray for all military families during timesof separation. We pray for marriages thatare tested and children who may encounteruncomfortable emotions. May they knowyour grace and peace especially in times ofweakness. Amen


17OCTOBER

26 DAYS

For he himself is our peace, who has made thetwo groups one and has destroyed the barrier,the dividing wall of hostility.

Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)

PAIN TURNED TO BEAUTY

Rebecca – a wife, amother, and a memberof the Mothers’ Unionin South Sudan.

A bout four years ago, 22 of myfriends were raped and murdered inmy church compound. We buried

them in the church and two years ago weplanted mango trees over their graves. Thatplace of pain has become a place of beauty.We have worked to forgive the perpetrators.After more than half a century of war, I stillbelieve peace is possible in South Sudan,because I have my own testimony of peace. IfGod can change my situation, he can changea nation. It took time for me to come to know

Jesus and it took even longer for myhusband. I prayed for him for nine yearsbefore anything happened. But Jesus haschanged us both and brought peace into ourhome. It’s not a perfect peace, but it makes apowerful difference.

PRAYERThis week, Father, we pray that you wouldshow us where we can restore hope forpeace – in our families, communities, nationsand in our relationships with you.

18OCTOBER

25 DAYS

And the peace of God , which transcendsall understanding, will guard your heartsand your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 (GNT)

ULTIMATE PEACE

Ricky Bain works forCVM, a Christian men’smovement. His ismarried to Joanne anda father of five.

T he Charter of the United Nations wassigned in 1945. It states: ‘We thepeoples of the United Nations

determined to save succeeding generationsfrom the scourge of war, which twice in ourlifetime has brought untold sorrow tomankind … and to unite our strength tomaintain international peace and security …have resolved to combine our efforts toaccomplish these aims.’

As we look around us, we see the worldis still a battleground. Mankind still seeks

power, money and control; the enemy of oursouls is out to destroy the human race. Onlythrough our relationship with Jesus, havingthe mind of Christ, will we have peace thatthe world does not understand.

PRAYERBlessed are the peacemakers: I pray forunity in the Church, that we will all bepeacemakers who look for the gold in each other.


19OCTOBER

24 DAYS

And the peace of God, which transcendsall understanding, will guard your heartsand your minds in Christ Jesus.


WHEN HOPE FINDS YOU

Lance Corporal Patrick Steenis a serving soldier in theQueen’s Royal Hussars. Hejoined the army in 2011 andbecame a Christian in 2012.

W hilst on exercise halfway throughmy time in basic training atATFC Winchester, I had a

tangible and very real experience of thepeace of God. I was finding the exerciserather challenging: it was cold and wet, and Iwas wondering whether I had made thecorrect decision in joining the Army. Onenight, whilst on sentry duty, I found myselfalone thinking these thoughts. Yet in aninstant, I felt a calming and reassuringpresence that brought peace to my situation.

In that moment I felt I was not alone. It wasonly later when I became a Christian andbegan to read God’s Word that I came tounderstand that it was his ‘peace whichtranscends all understanding’ which I hadexperienced in a very real and personal way.

PRAYERPray for all those who are weary andburdened that they may find rest and peace.For those who carry loads that seem too greatfor them that their load will be lightened.

20OCTOBER

23 DAYS

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,and all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:17 (KJV)

A FORETASTE OF PEACE

Rev Ian Kemp is an Army Chaplainwho is currently serving with TheSecond Battalion, The Princess ofWales’s Royal Regiment.

G od’s promised future for our worldis the subject of Cecil Spring-Rice’ssecond verse in his hymn: ‘I Vow To

Thee My County’. Written ten years after theoriginal in 1918 and in response to a worldtransformed through war, it contrasts thehardness of war with the gentleness of peace- the Christian hope for the future. Peacehad been won at great cost but Spring-Riceknew that true peace could not be wonthrough the violence of humanity and wouldnot come in its fullness in this world. That

peace was a taste of what is to come and asign that God’s kingdom is near. War hadruled for four long years but peace wouldwin out in the end. So too God has won.

PRAYERHeavenly Father, we thank you for yourpromise of true peace. Give to us, yourservants, that peace which the world cannotgive; that we may offer a foretaste of yourpeace to those we meet in both our wordsand actions. Amen


21OCTOBER

22 DAYS

Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope...

Lamentations 3:1-24 (NIV)

WHERE DOES MY HOPECOME FROM?

Suneel Shivdasani is the InternationalCoordinator forChristian Vision forMen (CVM).

M y family was caught up in thepartition struggle between Indiaand Pakistan 70 years ago during

which more than a million people died and14 million were displaced. My aunt took aterrifying train journey at the time: a younglady wearing six sets of clothes, carrying one suitcase with all her belongings. Many didn’t arrive.

We see world conflicts today which aredeeply established, between strong mindedopponents, resourced by powerful nations,that affect millions of innocent people. Manyof us wonder how these situations canchange. But wars do end; conflicts do cease.

In the Bible, the author of Lamentations – traditionally thought to be Jeremiah –describes a person who faced God’s anger. It was a hopeless situation. There wasnothing he could do. Yet he called to mindGod’s love, and so had hope. Picture Jesusfacing God’s anger on our behalf.

We may not understand why God allowsgreat conflicts in our world. There are noeasy answers. But we can choose to focus on God’s mercy and love, and have hope.

My aunt died a few years ago, living in herown home, having enjoyed many years withher children as well as four grandchildren.Starting that train journey 70 years earlier she wouldn’t have imagined that one dayshe’d enjoy summer afternoons with hergrandchildren. And yet in time she did.

PRAYERHeavenly Father, in ourselves we are notable to bring peace or hope to this world.But thank you that you have not forgottenus. We pray for your mercy on our world, our cities and our towns. Give us peace we pray. In Jesus’ name.

ACTIONVisit older neighbours or relations and ask them to share memories where they’vebeen caught up in conflict situations. Ifappropriate, offer to pray with them, askingJesus to give them peace, and sooth anypainful memories. Remember to pray forthem afterwards.


22OCTOBER

21 DAYS

Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, doyou love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord,you know that I love you.’ Jesus said,‘Take care of my sheep.’

John 21:16 (NIV)

FORGIVENESS CAN LEAD TO PEACE

Andrew Willett is a UnitedReformed Church minister andan Evangelism and RenewalAdvocate for GEAR (Group forEvangelism and Renewal).

O ne obstacle to peace can be a lackof forgiveness. In the Bible (John21) we read of Jesus’ forgiveness of

Peter. The back story is that Peter, whilstunder pressure had sinned, he had deniedthree times that he knew Jesus. After Jesusdied, Peter felt awful, it could have destroyedhim. But now Jesus offered forgiveness. Threetimes Jesus asked him if he loved him, insome ways to cancel his three denials. Peternow could ‘take care of my sheep’; historytells us that he did do this and he brought

peace and joy with the good news of Jesus.This path is still available to us, to knowforgiveness, to forgive and so to bring peace.

PRAYERLord God, we thank you for the example ofthe reinstatement of Peter and the effectthat he had. We pray this path for ourselves,those that we know and those on our mindsfrom the news. As we are forgiven we praythat we will forgive and bring peace.

23OCTOBER

20 DAYS

The Lord is enthroned as King forever.Psalm 29:10-11 (NIV)

NEVER AGAIN

Paul Gask is a RegionalDirector for ChristianVision for Men.

A s we look back on tragic eventswhich have long been confined tothe history books, how many times

have we heard those two words, ‘neveragain’? Never again, indeed, yet each timewe switch on the news channels on our TVs,or pick up a newspaper, all we see is conflict:conflict between countries from across theglobe. It’s a far too familiar story, with historyconstantly repeating itself. Countries at warmay seem far away, and yet, time and timeagain, we see similar conflicts on our own

streets, with young men losing their lives …still. What have we really learned? So, thisyear, more than ever, let us remember that‘never again’ starts with me.

PRAYERLord, we remember those lives lost in all thoseworld conflicts of yesteryear. We pray for allthose families who are caught up in similarconflicts both at home and abroad today. Welift our world leaders to you and pray for yourpeace to be sovereign over all. Amen


24OCTOBER

19 DAYS

Glorious things are spoken of you O City ofGod. Among those who know me I mentionRahab and Babylon; Philistia too and Tyre withEthiopia - this one was born there they say.

Psalm 87:3-4 (NRSV)

BUILDING PEACE

Rev John Howard is aPresbyter of the MethodistChurch serving as amission partner in IsraelPalestine.

I n 1917 at least in part for short termgain, the Balfour Declaration was signed.What became the conflict in Israel

Palestine was in part shaped in the closingyears of World War I. Today there are manypeople from different lands all trying to playtheir part in building peace. CourageousPalestinians having been denied their humanrights for generations yet refuse to turn toviolence. Israeli peace activists facinghostility from their own communities bravelywork to bring people together andunderstand each other, though these actions

seldom get reported in the news. Webelieve in a God who cares for all hischildren, and for whom justice and peace arequalities of his being. Jesus said ‘blessed arethe peacemakers’.

PRAYERLoving God, we pray for peace-makers fromevery land working in Israel Palestine,especially Israelis and Palestinians. May theirefforts be blessed and the path to peace befound for all your children of the land calledHoly. Amen

25OCTOBER

18 DAYS

Peace I leave with you; my peace I giveyou. I do not give to you as the worldgives. Do not let your hearts betroubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27 (NIV))

PEACE IN CRISIS

Christian Wienkamp works withSports Chaplaincy UK across theNorth East of England and is alsochaplain to NewcastleInternational Airport.

A s a Christian, when I am in the midstof crisis, either personally orsupporting others going through real

trials, uncertainty, disaster or fear, this versealways seems to come to the forefront of mymind. It reminds me that Jesus is the source ofpeace that it so different, lasting, powerful,pure and secure from anything the world couldever offer. It always carries me through.Furthermore, in the midst of other people’scrises, it reminds me of who fills me, who lives

in me, who works through me, and whosepower and wisdom I can rely on to bring asense of peace and perspective to others.

PRAYERFather, I thank you that you offer a peacethat goes beyond everything the world couldever offer and you are always there to help intimes of need. Thank you that we can rely onyour peace to strengthen us in our weaknessand carry us through every fear.


26OCTOBER

17 DAYS

No one is really willing to die for an honestperson, though someone might be willing to diefor a truly good person. But God showed howmuch he loved us by having Christ die for us,even though we were sinful.

Romans 5:7-8 (CEV)

FORGIVENESS

Catherine Butcher is communicationsdirector for HOPE.

E dith Cavell was a Christian whoserved as a nurse and matron inenemy-occupied Belgium during the

First World War. She was executed in 1915for enabling around 200 Allied soldiers toescape to neutral territory. The night beforeher execution she told the chaplain whoshared communion with her: ‘Standing as Ido in view of God and eternity: I realise that

patriotism is not enough. I must have nohated or bitterness towards anyone.’ Edithunderstood that Jesus’ greater lovecommands us to love our enemies as well asour neighbours and friends.

PRAYERFather God, help me to love and forgive asyou love and forgive me. Amen

27OCTOBER

16 DAYS

They will beat their swords into ploughsharesand their spears into pruning hooks. Nationwill not take up sword against nation, nor willthey train for war any more.

Isaiah 2:4 (NIVUK)

FIRM CONVICTIONS

Rachel Jordan-Wolf is National Mission andEvangelism Advisor to theChurch of England, andone of the HOPE trustees.

I n the First World War there were about15,000 men who were conscientiousobjectors, the vast majority of whom

were Christians. Some served as non-combatant troops, others were exempt ongrounds that their jobs were of nationalimportance, but others were arrested andcourt marshalled for their refusal to fight.One of those who was court marshalleddescribed his beliefs as follows: ‘My firmrooted conviction is: War is contrary to theteachings of Jesus Christ; therefore Irespectfully, but absolutely refuse to takepart in that which is so deep rooted in my

mind as wrong.’ Among the conscientiousobjectors in Dartmoor serving theirsentences in hard labour were some of theearly leaders of the Pentecostal movement inEngland. They held weekly Bible studies,praise and prayer meetings and were joinedby Christians from other denominationswhich had a positive impact on the spread ofthe Pentecostal movement.

PRAYERFather, we look forward with hope to theday when Isaiah’s vision of peace becomes a reality worldwide. Amen


28OCTOBER

15 DAYS

And the peace of God, which transcends allunderstanding, will guard your hearts and yourminds in Christ Jesus.


PEACE PERSPECTIVE

Ben Hampshire is afreelance journalist whoworks with SportsChaplaincy UK.

I n scripture peace is less an emotion,than it is a perspective - a state of mindproclaiming any trauma in life is subject

to the triumphant victory of Jesus Christ,who works all things together for the goodof those who love him. Jesus’ death andresurrection means we no longer fight forvictory, but live from the victory he has wonfor us, offering up a perspective of peace.

Corrie Ten Boom, the Dutch activist whoaided many Jews in fleeing NaziConcentration Camps in World War II,allowed her perspective of peace toinfluence her experience when she stoodface-to-face with a former Nazi SS guardfrom Ravensbruck.

Ten Boom, who lost her sister Betsie inthe very same camp, recalls the moment theofficer held out a hand requestingforgiveness, saying, ‘Jesus, help me! I can liftmy hand. I can do that much. You supply thefeeling.’ And she went on, ‘I forgive you,brother, with all my heart!’ In one moment ofradical grace, Ten Boom allowed her traumato be subject to the triumph of Jesus, and itbecame a moment where the love of Godoverflowed in the most profound andbeautiful way. Will you allow your grievancesto be set aside to pick up the perspective ofpeace Jesus offers to you today?

PRAYERFather God, would you give us the couragetoday to set aside our emotions and allowany trauma we have experienced becomesubject to your triumph and flood ourperspective with your peace, that it mayoverflow into the lives of all around us. InJesus’ name. Amen.

ACTIONCorrie Ten Boom’s example is a clearindicator that peace-making is not anemotional act, but a willing choice. Today,write an email, a text message or even aletter to someone you need to make peacewith. Maybe you could even include a gift.After all, love gives.


29OCTOBER

14 DAYS

Nations will not go to war against oneanother. They won’t even train to fightanymore. Everyone will have their ownvine and fig tree. And no one willmake them afraid.

Micah 4:3-4 (NIRV))

PEACE AND LAND

Elizabeth Clark is theNational Rural Officer for theUnited Reformed Church andthe Methodist Church priorto this she spent 15 years inrural ministry.

I n this vision of peace, tools of war areturned into the means to produce food.The hope is for settled communities

where all may feed themselves and flourish.One of the first casualties of war can be theland itself as fields become battle groundsand the rhythm of agriculture is interrupted.Communities move to avoid conflict andfood becomes scarce. We see that today asrefuges flee worn torn countries. A vision likeMicah’s where communities are settled andcan provide for themselves, is one we shouldall strive for. These words of Jesus, ‘I was

hungry. And you gave me something to eat… I was a stranger. And you invited me in’(Matthew 25:35) can challenge us afresh as we look at the world today.

PRAYERLoving God, we pray for those who areuprooted by war and who seek refuge inanother country, or a place that is strange tothem. When they feel rootless and alien helpthem to find refuge in you. May we all valueand care for our communities. In Jesus’name. Amen

30OCTOBER

13 DAYS

Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth andthe life. No one comes to the Father exceptthrough me...'

John 14:6 (NIV))

UNITED IN CHRIST

Laurence Singlehurst is a HOPE trustee. He isalso director of Cell UK.

W hen I close my eyes and listen,in my imagination I can hearthem marching: a whole

generation of men going to war; mygrandfather; your relatives. Marching out of duty: scared, brave … all emotions. We remember what they did. Their hope for peace; love of family. In all conditionsthey marched: mud, sun, danger; manynever to return. Their hope: peace, unity,

a better world. That’s our hope, that throughJesus who said ‘I am the way,’ we could finda way of unity and peace by living in his way.

PRAYERFather God, we join with Jesus as we praythat your people may be brought tocomplete unity so the world will know thatyou sent Jesus and you love them. Amen


31OCTOBER

12 DAYS

For a child has been born—for us! … He’ll takeover the running of the world … His rulingauthority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to thewholeness he brings.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (MSG)

LIMITLESS

Canon Yemi Adedeji is associate Director ofHOPE and director ofthe One PeopleCommission.

J esus took on the limits of our humanity.God became flesh! A suffering servant,who experienced pain, exhaustion and

grief just as we do. He was broken, so we canbe made whole. His blood poured out, so wecan be forgiven. He was there one hundredyears ago in the agonies of the trenches, andhe is with us today. God with us, the Prince ofPeace. What a Saviour!

PRAYERWe praise you Father God for all you havedone for us in Christ. May his Kingdomcome. May his rule extend across our nation.May his peace reign. In Jesus’ name wepray. Amen

1NOVEMBER

11 DAYS

The foreigner residing among you must betreated as your native-born. Love them asyourself...

Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)

NOT STRANGERS BUT CITIZENS

Michaela Youngson is President of theMethodist Conference..

A short walk from the Syrian/Jordanianborder, there is a farm on some of the most arid land imaginable.

The Jordanian farmer who tends the landhas struggled to produce sufficient crops tosupport his family. Methodist charity All WeCan works in partnership with the LutheranWorld Federation to support people fleeingthe Syrian war, and has been able to fundwater capture systems for the farmer. The ability to keep water has increased hisyield and this has meant he has been able toemploy four Syrian refugees as farm workers,supporting four other families as well as his own.

One of the ways of bringing peace intothe world is to support refugees, not just inthe short-term with emergency aid, but inlong-term projects that are sustainable andrespect the needs of host and guest alike.

PRAYERPrince of Peace, to those who arefrightened, bring reassurance; to those who are lost, bring hope; to those with no shelter, be a home and a resting place. Help us to welcome the stranger and torecognise Christ in each other, that peacewill flow out into our broken world and that love will bring healing. Amen


2NOVEMBER

10 DAYS

The Lord gives strengths to his people;the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11 (NIV))

PEACE FOR DAYS TO COME

Jadesola Ayoola works for the Peace Alliance, anational crime reduction charityfounded as a response to therise in knife crime acrossLondon.

G od can work peace through us onlyif he has worked peace in us. Thosewho are in the best circumstances

but without God can never find peace, butthose in the worst of circumstances, with God need never lack peace.

John MacArthur

PRAYERThank you Lord for strength for another day.May I continue to know your strength andpeace in the days to come. Bless those whoneed it most with peace of mind. In the nameof Christ Jesus, I pray.

3NOVEMBER

9 DAYS

For through the living and eternal wordof God you have been born again asthe children of a parent who isimmortal, not mortal.

1 Peter 1:22-25 (GNT)

GLORY LIKE WILD FLOWERS

Luke Walton is an actor and filmproducer, and also an ordainedminister of the Church ofEngland.

B efore dawn, 100 years ago tomorrow,the commander of a ManchesterRegiment was helping his brigade in

bringing up duck boards from the Sambre &Oise canal. He was killed by machine gun fire,just one of endless such anniversaries, livespassing like wild flowers. Yet we have reasonto remember this death for the commanderwas the poet Wilfred Owen. His death wasonly reported to his family as the ArmisticeBells were ringing on 11 November, but hiswords live on: moving, brave, tragic, ever

urging us to seek peace. Peter urges hisreaders to remember of whom they are bornand that while ‘grass withers, and the flowersfall, the word of the Lord remains forever’.

PRAYERImmortal Father have mercy on us. May youreternal word live in our hearts, and bringhealing to the wounds of nations. May ourlives be always in your everlasting care, andby our lives and words may we reflect yourlove. Through Christ our Lord. Amen


4NOVEMBER

8 DAYS

Blessed are the peacemakers, for theywill be called children of God

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE PEACE

Gavin Calver is Director ofMission at the EvangelicalAlliance, the Chair of SpringHarvest and a member of theHOPE leadership team.

A frail elderly black woman sits in aSouth African courtroom. Close byis a white policeman who’s been

found guilty of murdering her son andhusband. He’d come to her home and shother son dead before returning to take herhusband too. Eventually he came back forher. She was taken to where her husband layon a pile of wood. The last words from himas petrol was poured over his body and hewas set aflame were, ‘Father forgive them…’

Now the woman’s here listening to theman’s confession. She’s asked, ‘What do youwant? How should justice be done to thisman who destroyed your family?’

‘I want three things’ she says. ‘Firstly, tocollect my husband’s ashes and give them a decent burial.’ She continues: ‘Secondly, I now have no family so I want him tobecome my son. To come and visit me athome so I can pour out on him whateverlove I still have remaining in me.’ ‘Finally,’she says, ‘I’d ask someone to come to me and lead me across the courtroom so I can take him in my arms and let him know that he’s truly forgiven.’

The man faints. Those in the courtroom,many victims of oppression and injusticebegin singing, ‘amazing grace, how sweetthe sound, that saved a wretch like me’.

PRAYERLord please help us to be people of peace.Where we need to forgive give us strengthto do so. Where we need to make thingsright, give us grace to make this possible.Help us to be peacemakers and give us allwe need to do so. Amen

ACTIONThink of those in your community who seemunloved or who are marginalised. Everyplace has people on the outside. Do all youcan to reach out to these people and makepeace in your community with those whowould otherwise be ostracised.


5NOVEMBER

7 DAYS

He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, andgave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body givenfor you; do this in remembrance of me.’

Luke 22:19 (NIV)

REMEMBER, REMEMBER

Roy Crowne isexecutive directorof HOPE.

O n this day in the UK we arereminded to remember atreasonous plot to blow up

Parliament. In a few days’ time we will beremembering the sacrifice made by so manyin war. Remembering is part of our DNA. Aspeople made in God’s image, we remember,just as God remembers. Throughoutscripture, we are encouraged to rememberwhat God has done for us – and particularlywhat was achieved on the cross. Just as mendie for their country in war, Jesus died for us.

But because of his death, God chooses not to remember our sin when we ask hisforgiveness. That is worth remembering!

PRAYERFather God we are so grateful for all youhave done for us in Christ. Help us toremember your love and grace in everysituation we face, and help us to extend thatlove and grace to others. We pray in Jesus’name. Amen

6NOVEMBER

6 DAYS

I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild the ruined cities and live inthem. They will plant vineyards and drink theirwine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.

Amos 9:14 (NIV)

RESTORATION

Adrian Butcher is directorfor communications forthe Anglican Communion.

T he Lochnagar Crater sits now in thequiet, rolling countryside of Picardiein northern France. The people live in

peace. Visit in July and you can see thecrops ripening in the sunshine. The crater ishuge – 98 feet deep; 330 feet across. It wascreated on a very different July morning – 1 July 1916 – the first day of the Battle of theSomme, when British forces detonatedexplosives under German army positions.The carnage of the Somme battlefield isunimaginable. Lochnagar’s sheer scale is a

reminder of what happened. But the settingnow is a sign of how God can restore peaceto places of unimaginable horror.

PRAYERLoving Father, thank you that you are in the business of restoration – of peace andreconciliation. Thank you that nothing, andno-one, is too far gone that you cannotrescue and restore and bring peace, hopeand even prosperity where there was oncenone.


7NOVEMBER

5 DAYS

Also, seek the peace and prosperity ofthe city to which I have carried you intoexile. Pray to the LORD for it, becauseif it prospers, you too will prosper.

Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)

SEEK THE PEACE OF YOUR CITY

Rev Nims Obunge is The Queen’sDeputy Lieutenant for GreaterLondon. He is also Pastor ofFreedoms Ark, CEO of The PeaceAlliance, and a member of theKnife and Violent CrimePrevention Group.

A s London has been confronted withthe challenge of escalated violenceon our streets, the Church has

come together from different denominationand across all ages to pray and seek thepeace of its city. For four consecutiveSundays in 2018, more than 1000 peoplewalked the streets of Haringey, Croydon,Brixton, Peckham, Lewisham and Hackney,praying for the rise of violence to be abated.In some cases, community weapons sweeps

were carried out with the police, and in oneinstance two knives were recovered.

PRAYEROur heavenly Father, we pray that youwould grant us wisdom and insight into howwe might bring peace to our cities. May thecry of violence not be heard on our streetsand homes. May your peace reign in thehearts of our youth as you stir up a revival.

8NOVEMBER

4 DAYS

A time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:8 (NIV)

TIME FOR PEACE

Alan Wright is a formerschoolteacher, and is now a non-stipendiary Anglican priest. Hehas been Chaplain at ScunthorpeUnited FC since 2002.

T he whole passage from Ecclesiastes 3gives the contrast between whatoften is, and what we would hope it

to be. A soldier associated with ScunthorpeUnited died on 10 November 1918, one daybefore the Armistice. For him, time had runout. A day later and he may have lived. Howdo we use our time? Is it spent in moaningor complaining, or is it spent in a positiveway, perhaps to the benefit of others? Areour energies used in the right way? Are wefocussed on the inward, rather than the

outward? All these things, used correctly, canbring hope to other people, and thereforehope for the world – for everything there is a season.

PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, in this year of anniversaryand commemoration, we give thanks forthose who have perished in war; grant thattheir deaths may not have been in vain, andthat the peoples of the world will have thehope of a better future. Amen


9NOVEMBER

3 DAYS

Simon son of John,do you love me?

John 21:15-19 (NIV))

NOT STRANGERS BUT CITIZENS

Rev Dr Peter Howson is a MethodistMinister who served for 25 years as anarmy chaplain. He is Secretary of theSociety for Army Historical research.

R etribution or reconciliation? WhenPeter met Jesus on the lakeshoreafter the resurrection what was he

expecting? Possibly not the question, ‘Doyou love me?’ If Christians are to love theirenemies then they need to ask them thesame question that Jesus asked Peter.Christians need to remember that sloganssuch as ‘squeeze the German lemon until thepips squeak,’ which followed the Armistice in 1918, helped to lead to a flawed peacetreaty that contributed to another and evenmore terrible war only 20 years later. Themilitary can win a war, but society can lose

the peace. Christians need the help of HolySpirit to discover what the peace of Christ is in any given post-war situation. They alsoneed it to make sense of what it is to loveone’s former enemies.

PRAYERO God, may the times that we have to takeup arms in defence of what we believe to beright never blind us to the continuing needto search for a better peace, that all may livein peace promised us by Jesus our Lord.Amen

10NOVEMBER

2 DAYS

Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lord willrenew their strength.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

SERVING OTHERS

Ade Omooba is a member of the HOPE leadership team,a pastor and co-founder ofChristian Concern.

I n serving others, we find out ‘Who am I?’and ‘Why am I here?’ Once that wasestablished in my relationship with God,

I followed what I call the ‘four Fs’. I neededto find my place in God’s scheme of things;fit into that place appropriately; function well in that place; and bear fruit in the way in which I functioned. It was the same foryoung men serving their country a centuryago, as well as men and women of all ages

today. Establishing a relationship with Godcomes first. Then setting out to serve others,drawing on God’s strength to do what he hascalled us to do.

PRAYERFather God, your yoke is easy and yourburden is light. Thank you for giving us yourgrace and strength as we accept yourcalling. Amen


11NOVEMBER

1 DAY

To conclude the 100 days of peace and hope theArchbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has writtenthe following Six Rs of Reconciliation to reflect on aswe pray for peace, hope and reconciliation in our time.

The Archbishop ofCanterbury’s Six Rsof Reconciliation

Researching

…and they will call him Immanuel, whichmeans ‘God with us’.

Matthew 1:23

P ursuing reconciliation requiresresearch. Research is there todemythologise a conflict and say

what the real problem is. Very often it’s acomplicated problem that needs to deal withthe hard questions of justice and inequality.That can only be done by being present withthose who are suffering. We have to listen towhat they are saying without judgement. Wehave to be in the middle, sharing their painand anguish. We have to be caught upemotionally, to weep, protest and lament.Because that is what Jesus Christ did with us.The reconciliation between God and humanbeings came through God sovereignlybecoming human. He moved from God ‘outthere’ to God ‘with us’.

Relating

For God so loved the world that he gave hisone and only Son, that whoever believes inhim shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

R econciliation is not a mechanisticprocess; it’s relational. If you findyourself involved in reconciliation as

a method, it won’t work. In John 3, we readthat God sent Jesus because he loved theworld, not because he’d worked it all outand thought it would be a good thing to do.Reconciliation is affective: our affectionshave to be involved. That means you buildrelationships with some pretty odd people.But, equally, you build relationships with themost amazing people. There is a sense ofdeep emotion. We have to love those in theconflict – the bad and the good – for that isthe pattern of God to us.


Relief

Suppose a brother or a sister is withoutclothes and daily food. If one of you says tothem, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and wellfed,’ but does nothing about their physicalneeds, what good is it? In the same way,faith by itself, if it is not accompanied byaction, is dead.

James 2:15-17

I remember walking around Nembe, inthe Niger Delta, with a warlord who wasdeciding whether or not to keep me

captive. I looked up and saw an oil companyproduction facility about three miles awaywith enough electric power to supply mostof that region, with helicopters coming inand out, fresh water, food, and a doctor.Then I looked back at the warlord’s townwhere there was sewage running down thestreet and children playing in it. And Ithought: ‘If I had grown up here, I would belike this man,’ because it was a mixture ofhorror and cruelty and inequality. What thepeople in that town needed most was water,electricity and hope. Relief is essential in theprocess of reconciliation.

Jesus, when he came, brought hope, lifeand healing. And he did not leave us to workalone: he created the Church, so thatthrough partnerships, systems andimagination, we might be able to offer reliefand hope for the long-term, not just today.

Risk

In your relationships with one another, havethe same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who,being in very nature God, did not considerequality with God something to be used tohis own advantage; rather, he made himselfnothing by taking the very nature of aservant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:5-7

T he risk of the incarnation was huge. If we take seriously the humanity of Christ, we take seriously his

vulnerability: the vulnerability of a baby, the vulnerability of a man on a cross. Jesushimself took the risk of crucifixion and weknow from Gethsemane the cost, pain andfear of that.

There is an obvious risk in reconciliation:you can easily get caught up in fighting. But that’s not the primary risk. The primaryrisk is failure. Reconciliation always involvesbringing people together and when thatgoes wrong the outcome is often worse thanbefore you tried. But behind that risk is thehope of something great – of restoredrelationships and the flourishing of wholesocieties. After all, it is through the risk ofthe incarnation that we see the glory of the resurrection.


Reconciling

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray alsofor those who will believe in me throughtheir message, that all of them may be one,Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.May they also be in us so that the world maybelieve that you have sent me.

John 17:20-21

E ven with the best research, thestrongest relationships and the mostworthwhile risk-taking, there will still

be deep resistance to genuine reconciliation.That’s because genuine reconciliationrequires a completely changed attitude tothose who have been our enemies; a totaltransformation that is difficult for all of us. So why should we bother? Because in theBeatitudes, God promises that peacemakers– those who bring the true peace ofreconciled relationships and flourishing oflife – will be blessed.

Peter tells Christians in what is nowTurkey that when the Church is reconciled, it will be a witness to the world. As wejourney towards reconciliation, we can beginto handle diversity creatively and sincerely.We learn collectively to approach differencewith curiosity and compassion, rather thanfear. We begin to flourish together inpreviously unthinkable ways. Reconciliationtransforms alienation into a new creation,not only restored but reinvigorated. I thinkthat one of the greatest challenges of ourtime is whether we have the courage to seek such a remaking of our world.

Resourcing

Carry each other’s burdens. Galatians 6:2

O utsiders can’t do reconciliation: ithas to be people who are doingthe fighting. They are the ones

who can bring ongoing transformation andthe daily renewal of relationships. Butoutsiders can resource others, strengtheningthem and building their capacity.

After the ascension, Jesus sent the HolySpirit to resource the Church. Reconciliation isnever something done by one hero. It issomething done by whole groups of peopleworking together, in the knowledge that God’sSpirit is with us as we seek to support eachother on the journey towards reconciliation

PrayerLet us remember those who have died fortheir country in war; those we knew, and allwho have given their lives for freedom,justice and the hope of peace.

As we look forward and seek the way ofpeace and reconciliation, you might like to say this prayer:

Lord, strengthen our hearts, hands,and minds, to work together for peace;to see you in one another,and to seek your kingdom above all things;that your will may be seen to be done,and your Kingdom come, through Jesus Christ,the Lord of lords and King of kings.Amen.

The Liturgical Commission of the Church of England2018, © The Archbishops’ Council.

Published by HOPE www.hopetogether.org.ukRegistered Charity 1116005


Partners in the Remembrance 100 projectArmed Forces Christian Union, Bible Society,Christian Vision for Men, Church of England,Churches Together in England, Deo Gloria Trust,HOPE, Lifewords, Methodist Church in Britain,United Reformed Church, Scripture Union, SportsChaplaincy UK, World Prayer Centre.

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WordsContributed by the partner organisations andedited by Catherine Butcher

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