As violence continues in Syria and the reported use of chemical weapons on civilians causes us much anguish, we call on our members to engage in prayer, witness, and action on behalf of the Syrian people.

Pray to the God of peace and justice that the Syrian people will see an end to violence so peace can take root and grow.

Pray for Syrians to have life in abundance.

Pray that the Syrian leaders and the leaders of our nation and world will choose dialogue and negotiation over warfare and more bloodshed.

Pray that all eyes and hearts will be open to the knowledge that peace is indeed a precious gift, one that must protected.

Pray that the desire for peace will be planted in our hearts and souls so that we not only desire it, but need it, crave it, and work to preserve it.

Along with our ecumenical and interfaith sisters and brothers, we are asking for the whole church to dedicate Saturday, September 7, 2013, as a day to pray for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world.

A prayer for our partners and the people of Syria

We pray for those affected by the fighting in Syria.

Give protection, Lord Jesus.

Give the strength of your Spirit

and the joy of your comfort.

We pray for all who are working for peace:

international leaders, politicians, religious leaders,

and ordinary citizens.

May all of us be strengthened by the hope

of a future built on love and justice for all.

In your name, we pray.

The Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Neal Presa, Moderator of the 220th General Assembly (2012), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Linda Valentine, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Geoffrey A. Black, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ
James E. Winkler, General Secretary, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society