As in previous years, this 30th annual week of prayer for peace is an inter-faith project.

Outline script for assembly leader

When two people want to possess the same one thing, it can lead to a big argument. When two countries wants to own the same piece of land, it can lead to war. That’s one reason there’s been fighting between Israel and the Palestinians.

When a bully starts being cruel to younger children, it may need an adult to stop the bullying. When a dictator attacks a smaller country, or starts being cruel to his own people, it may need an army to stop him. That’s one reason there was war in Iraq.

Nobody likes war. Almost everyone would prefer to live in peace. But for peace to come about, people have to listen seriously to the other person’s point of view and maybe change their way of thinking. That’s not easy to do - and when it doesn’t happen, war can seem the only answer.

Some people believe war is always wrong. These people are called pacifists.

Thirty years ago, three pacifists had the idea of holding a week of prayer that there will be no more wars, that arguments will be settled without fighting and bullies will leave those weaker than themselves alone.

From the start, the Week of Prayer for World Peace has involved the different religions of the world (and not only those members who call themselves pacifists). This year, members of eight faiths are taking part and, for the first time, the main national prayer meeting will be held in a mosque in Hounslow, on Sunday October 19. But in many other churches, temples, synagogues, gurdwaras and mosques, prayers will be said for all who suffer from violence, abuse and war; and for an end to hatred, intolerance, deprivation and suffering.

The International Prayer for Peace

Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth.

Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.

Follow-up

Further information can be found at nfpb.gn.apc.orgPrayer while a leaflet for use by teachers in assembly or class is available from Norman Taylor, 98 Merewood Road, Bexleyheath DA7 6PQ (send stamped addressed A5 envelope plus two first class stamps).