Prayer is at the heart of the "Decade to Overcome Violence," 2001-2010. A major program of the World Council of Churches, the DOV runs parallel with the United Nations "Decade for Peace," through which the UN encourages countries, religious groups, organizations and individuals to help "build a culture of peace and nonviolence for the children of the world."

The DOV theme for 2004 is "The Power and Promise of Peace." Chosen by Christians in the U.S., it conveys the responsibilities we have as witnesses to the power of Christ's peace and as citizens of a powerful nation.

The United Nations established the International Day of Peace (now on September 21) in 1981. Members of the World Council of Churches will observe the International Day of Peace for the first time this year. For more information, e-mail the WCC U.S. office at <usdov@wcc-coe.org>.

International Day of Prayer for Peace-Litany for Peace

One: From words and deeds that provoke discord, prejudice and hatred,
ALL: O God, deliver us.

One: From suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation,
ALL: O God, deliver us.

One: From believing and speaking lies about other peoples or nations,
ALL: O God, deliver us.

One: From cruel indifference to the cries of the hungry and homeless,
ALL: O God, deliver us.

One: From all that prevents us from fulfilling your promise of peace,
ALL: O God, deliver us.

One: Deliver us from our brokenness, we pray, O God,
ALL: and by your grace and healing presence deliver us to you...

One: To still waters and green pastures,
ALL: O Creating God, deliver us.

One: To the freedom and forgiveness we find in you,
ALL: O Risen Christ, deliver us.

One: To the tough task of loving our enemies,
ALL: O Jesus, deliver us.

One: To joyful service in your name,
ALL: O Servant of All, deliver us.

One: To the promise of a new heaven and a new earth,
     to the wholeness of justice,
     to the power of your peace,
ALL: O Holy Spirit, deliver us now and in the days to come.

Closing prayer
Charge our lives and our churches with the power of your peace, O God. Overcome our fears and self-deceptions with the promise of your presence. Make us signs of your generosity and justice. Light us each day with hope, we pray, so that we may walk in your truth and be love in your name. Amen.

Link to more information
<http://www.overcomingviolence.org>