Pray for peace

Join us in prayer for peace and for Bible mission around the world. For the anniversary of United Bible Societies (founded 9 May 1946) Bible Society leaders in four countries deeply affected by conflict share their prayers. ‘God, use your people in these countries to be peacemakers.’

Anatoliy shares the Bible in Ukraine

‘“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. From the very beginning, the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shining in the dark, and the darkness has never put it out.” (John 1.1–5, CEV)

‘Our heavenly Father, we thank you for your only begotten Son, our saviour Jesus Christ, whom you sent to this earth you created, as the light into the darkness! Thank you, O God, for this precious promise you have given us that darkness will never overcome the light again, no matter how thick it is.

“I come to you, LORD, for protection. Don't let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me. Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe ... You are faithful, and I trust you because you rescued me … All who trust the Lord, be cheerful and strong.” (Psalm 31.1–2, 5, 24, CEV)

‘Help us, O Lord, to be the light and to carry the light of your amazing grace, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! 

‘Amen.’

Magda shares the Bible in Haiti

Gang violence in Haiti is worse than ever. Most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is under criminal control and the Bible Society office hasn’t been open since February. 

‘God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we humbly bow before your infinite majesty and celebrate your ineffable glory, to which all creation bears witness. 

‘Indeed, “The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.” (Psalm 19.1, CEV)

‘Armed with these things we know about you, and encouraged by what you command us in 1 Timothy 2.1–3, we address our supplications, requests, and intercessions to you. 

‘We pray first of all for all people. Not only did you create them in your image, but you also made provision for salvation and redemption for all in your Son, Jesus Christ. You want “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. Thus, you invite them all to drink from the fountain of salvation: 

“If you are thirsty, come and drink water! If you don't have any money, come, eat what you want! Drink wine and milk without paying a penny.” (Isaiah 55.1, CEV)

‘“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Everyone who hears this should say, ‘Come!’ If you are thirsty, come! If you want life-giving water, come and take it. It's free!” (Revelation 22.17, CEV)

‘We pray that you will open the eyes of as many people as possible, so that they will know the gift of yourself that you have given them in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ.

‘You are the God of the nations, the judge of all the earth.

‘“You surely wouldn't let them be killed when you destroy the evil ones. You are the judge of all the earth, and you do what is right.” (Genesis 18.25, CEV)

‘It is you who established the peoples in their territories, “having fixed the length of time and the boundaries of their dwellings” (Acts 17.26).  We lift our prayers to you on behalf of these nations where war is raging at this moment. We implore you to bring peace to these nations. You see the devastation caused by war: the children who are orphaned, the women who are widowed, the people who are displaced, uprooted, and the untold suffering of all kinds that these people face daily. It is you who make the fighting cease to the ends of the earth.

“God brings wars to an end all over the world. He breaks the arrows, shatters the spears, and burns the shields.” (Psalm 46.9, CEV)

‘We pray for those countries, members of the United Bible Societies, that are torn by all kinds of violence and conflict; especially for Haiti, which for quite some time, has been experiencing an outbreak of violence that threatens the very existence of this small nation.

‘Finally, we pray for those in authority who seem to have lost control of their power. Speak to the hearts of those who sow terror and death; let them hear your voice saying: 

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honour me.’” (Psalm 46.10, CEV)

… and bring peace and security to the world. 

‘We ask for your favour in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 

‘Amen!’

Revd Khoi Lam Thang shares the Bible in Myanmar

‘Let us pray to God: who hears, sees and knows our afflictions.

‘“… and God heard their loud cries. He did not forget the promise he had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and because he knew what was happening to his people, he felt sorry for them.” (Exodus 2.24–25, CEV)

‘Amidst groaning, prayer to God is the time when disappointment turns to his appointment. 

‘“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don't know and can't find out.” (Jeremiah 33.3, CEV)

‘Let us pray to spread the Bible. Through the ministries of Bible Societies, millions of people sing, “Jesus loves me, this I know: for the Bible tells me so”.

‘Through Bible mission, “… the land will be filled with people who know and honour the Lord.” (Habakkuk 2.14, CEV)

‘Through our fellowship, let everybody testify that, “Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.”(Psalm 119.105, CEV)

‘Amen.’

Ismail shares the Bible in Sudan