World Council of Churches calls churches worldwide to pray for peace on or near the closest Sunday to September 21st.  Churches are being asked "to be especially mindful of the violence in Latin America, but also of the suffering children, elderly, women and men in the Middle East", and to pray for "cessation of all violence and for lasting peace," says WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia.  The WCC promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world.  An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together over 340 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies. 

Suggestions on how to observe the day include art contests, educational and cultural events, prayers and reflections on peace in the community, workplace, school or home, and prayer vigils with other faith communities.