This week, the world community recognized the May 30 International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers. For 76 years, UN peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace. Today, more than 70,000 peacekeepers serve in 11 missions deployed in hotspots around the world.
For the people of Kosovo, aided by UN personnel since 1999 before the existence of their current constitution, may they know security, stability, and respect for human rights.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
Since 1949, UN staff have worked to foster peace between India and Pakistan. We pray for the continuation of a December 1971 ceasefire between these two neighbors, especially as both possess nuclear weapons.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
We pray for so many seeking peace and security in countries on the Mediterranean coast and in this sea. Cyprus, Golan, Jerusalem, and Lebanon host UN peacekeepers today. We pray for an end to religious warfare in a region home to Abraham, Moses, and Jesus and so many followers of Islam.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
Western Sahara has hosted UN peacekeepers since 1991. May the people of Western Sahara enjoy the right of self determination that so many world citizens take for granted.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has hosted UN peacekeepers since 2010. Over 12,370 troops are currently stationed there. And the world community is reminded on a near weekly basis of the kidnappings and deaths of church workers. We pray for these martyrs, too.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
The Central African Republic has hosted UN peacekeepers since 2014; the protection of civilians has been its highest priority.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
Abyei (or Abeyei – an area with special administrative status in South Sudan/Sudan) -has hosted UN peacekeepers since 2011. The staff has kept a measure of peace between rivals from the north and south and helped insure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
South Sudan, one of the world’s youngest nations, has hosted UN peacekeepers since its origin in 2011. Many people in its ancestor nation of Sudan have never accepted the South Sudanese’s right to self-government.
Holy God, may your Holy Spirit teach us your way of peace, as Christ is our peace.
Creating God and Prince of Peace Son, protect international men and women who have sacrificed a comfortable and secure life in their home countries to provide technical assistance and a peaceful presence in some of the most dangerous regions of the world today. We pray that all men, women, and children will some day know peace and economic stability and may live outside of the shadows of external peacekeepers. May those of us not directly impacted by the presence of foreign peacekeepers and separated loved ones always realize our necessary commitment to peace, security, and human development beyond our native borders. Amen.
Leave a Reply