Pray for Peace & Reconciliation

30 Days of Prayer continued to grow in the decade of the 2000’s, against a backdrop of deepening poison in inter-faith relations. A cycle of violence and corresponding responses from those attacked created growing bitterness and desires for endless revenge from groups in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Yet as Christians prayed globally for Muslims, both near to them and far away, were hearts softened, and changed, and love more greatly expressed even in very small ways.

On November 14,1940, Nazi bombers attacked London and other English cities including Coventry. Over an eleven-hour raid, St. Michael’s Cathedral in Coventry was virtually destroyed. At least 600 people were killed in the area with as many as another 400 dying in ensuing fires.

The next morning as the vicar, Dick Howard, walked through the ruins, there were no words. All he could do was scratch in chalk on a remaining wall behind the altar the words Father Forgive. Howard did not add ‘the Nazis’ but left these two words to include all of us in our own sin and need.

Coventry Cathedral was not re-built fully until 1962, but the old ruins stand next to the new building. The words Father Forgive are now permanently engraved above the altar. But these are not just words. A ministry of reconciliation is based there that has touched the world in its impact, including in Iraq.

The 2000’s began with the 9/11 attacks and other conflicts followed. But those events stirred significant growth in participation with 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World as Christians sought ways to pursue reconciliation and a witness to the Gospel, as Jesus taught us.

How to Pray

• Pray for Christians engaged in peace- making and reconciliation ministry with Muslims. (Luke 6:17-36)
• Pray for Muslims who are working to reconcile and restore peace in their communities, with Christians and others. (Isaiah 1:18)
• Pray for a greater revelation of the work of Christ to reconcile the world. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)