Come and pray: UCC launches People’s Prayers for Peace and invites submissions

This Easter and beyond, United Church of Christ General Minister and President the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson is inviting the wider church to participate in an interactive season of prayer.

The People’s Prayers for Peace initiative is an open invitation to read — and write — prayers, which will be posted daily on the UCC website.

“As people of faith, I believe prayers are an important part of our discipleship and spiritual practice,” said Thompson. “The People’s Prayers for Peace is a call to the church to be intentional in praying together for the many places where we seek justice and change in our world. Our actions and advocacy follow on our commitment to pray — time set aside to be in conversation with God and to be present in the world with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

The call for prayers comes amid ongoing war and violence globally as well as continued social issues and injustice in the United States.

“We are all praying for many things,” Thompson said. “We pray for those who lack the resources to flourish, we are praying for our families and friends, praying for our communities, and we are praying for peace in the world. We are praying daily.

“This is a time for us to be reminded we are not alone in our desire to see change in the world. Our collective voices in prayer can make a difference. This is an act of faith.”

Prayers will culminate at General Synod

The prayers will continue to be collected and shared daily throughout the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, culminating in General Synod 35 in Kansas City next summer.

Thompson noted that — while any day can and should be a day for prayer — prayers are particularly needed in the world right now.

“General Synod 2025 was identified as a time when we could focus on this season of prayer and share in reading the prayers received,” she said. “Whether or not we are posting prayers and receiving prayers from across the wider church, there will not be an end to the prayers we make on behalf of and with each other.”

She invited anyone within the UCC or beyond to participate by submitting a prayer: “We all have the capacity to pray. Individuals, groups, youth groups, Sunday School classes, all are invited to send a prayer.”

Because, ultimately, prayer is what brings Christians together.

“Today is always a good day to pray,” Thompson said. “We ask for prayers. We support each other in prayer. The time to pray is today. There is no end to our prayer together.”

Read and submit prayers here.

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