President’s Prayer for the United Nations International Day of Peace
September 18, 2026
The United Nations International Day of Peace, commemorated on 21 September, brings people around the world together to reflect on the urgent work of building and sustaining peace.
The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day” highlights that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is shaped through everyday actions that strengthen safety, dignity, cooperation, dialogue and community. The United Nations is recognising the “everyday architects of peace” who work in neighbourhoods, classrooms and communities to build a more peaceful future.
For Christians, the day is an opportunity to pray for a world where peace, justice and reconciliation can flourish, and to consider our own calling as people who follow the Prince of Peace.
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli offers this prayer for the International Day of Peace, inviting us to join with people around the world in prayer for peace and for those working to build it.
As communities across the Uniting Church mark the day, may our prayers remind us that peace is not simply something we hope for, but a calling we live out through our relationships, communities and witness.
Creator God of peace,
Attentive to First Nations and Pacific voices, especially those from Tuvalu,
we hear creation groaning and communities crying out
as homes, cultures and futures are threatened by climate change.
Hold in your tender care those who live amid war and violence,
those displaced from their homes, and those longing for safety, dignity and hope.
Teach us that peace is more than the absence of conflict.
Peace is life in right relationship:
with you, with one another, and with the earth.
Its fruits are justice, reconciliation, belonging, and wholeness.
Turn our prayers into courage.
Move leaders to invest not in fear and destruction,
but in justice, climate action and the common good.
Draw us together, across our different faiths and traditions, as peacemakers
in our homes, communities and nations.
May your shalom flow throughout all creation—
for everyone, everywhere, every day.
In the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Prayer written by Rev Charissa Suli
President, Uniting Church in Australia
More news from the Assembly
A confident nation does not fear diversity - President's statement on immigration policty
7 October, 2026 Immigration policy sits at the core of who we are as a country, and the kind of Australia we want to be. This week’s Coalition policy announcement advocating significantly reduced net overseas migration is deeply concerning because of its implications for our cultural diversity and our identity as a nation. As Australians…
Three years on: A message and prayer for peace
Three years on: A message and prayer for peace Image: Church of the Ascension, seen from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Photo by Albin Hillert/WCC A pastoral message from Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, on the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks in Israel…
Uniting Church urges Australia to stand with Pacific on fossil fuels
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to turn Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbours into action by backing a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. Rev Suli is among 80 senior Australian faith leaders who have signed an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to support a…
Kulini… Are you listening?
Kulini… Are you listening?Northern Synod gathers for four days of worship, deep listening and discernment By Micheal ZewdieThe 48th Northern Synod brought members of the Uniting Church together in Darwin for four days of worship, conversation, discernment and celebration, with the invitation “Kulini… are you listening?” providing a thread through the gathering.“The invitation at the heart…
Faith, culture and hope celebrated as Fijian National Conference concludes
More than 700 people celebrated four joyful days of worship, learning, fellowship and faith as the 2026 UCA Fijian National Conference drew to a close in Fremantle/Walyalup. Bringing together Fijian communities from across the Uniting Church, the Conference strengthened relationships, created space to share stories and celebrated the faith, culture and gifts Fijian communities bring…
'Resilience is no longer enough': Pacific churches issue powerful call for climate justice
Pacific Church leaders have issued an urgent and deeply faith-filled call for climate justice, declaring that communities on the frontline of climate change need more than praise for their resilience. They need justice and decisive action. Gathering in Nadi, Fiji, for an Ecumenical Service marking the beginning of Pre-COP31, Pacific faith leaders brought the lived…
700 Fijian voices unite for climate justice in Fremantle
More than 700 members of the Uniting Church’s Fijian National Conference have joined their voices in a powerful call for climate justice from Fremantle. At the conclusion of the four-day conference, delegates unfurled a huge“Climate Justice Now” banner, standing in solidarity with Pacific churches and communities and calling on Australia to listen to Pacific leadership…
Faith, culture and hope fill Fremantle with the Fijian National Conference
Fijian communities from across the Uniting Church gathered in Fremantle/Walyalup for the 2026 Uniting Church in Australia Fijian National Conference, celebrating faith, culture, fellowship and hope. The Conference opened on Thursday evening with a Welcome to Country from Rev Mitchell Garlett of UAICC WA, followed by worship led by Rev William Lucas. Rev Dr Paul…