PC(USA) to observe annual Day of Prayer tomorrow
August 11, 2018
Tomorrow Presbyterians will join in prayer with other Christians worldwide to observe the Day of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
Every year Christians around the world are invited to join in prayer for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula. The observance traditionally occurs on the Sunday before Aug. 15.
A resolution approved at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s 223rd General Assembly (2018) called on Presbyterians to “pray for peace in the Korean Peninsula and for victims of division and conflict on both sides of the Korean Peninsula.” The resolution also designated next month as “Korean mission month.”
The resolution called for actions to “encourage peaceful resolution of the divisions on the Korean Peninsula, which will foster an environment where no party to the historic conflict feels the need to sacrifice civil liberties in the name of security and where refugees and asylum-seekers are treated humanely.” Among other actions, the resolution called for exploring “in conjunction with current refugee ministries, caring and support ministries for those displaced from both South and North Korea.”
The PC(USA)’s Season of Prayer and Reflection in the Korean Peninsula began June 25 and continues through Wednesday.
Members of a PC(USA) peace delegation visited No Gun Ri, 100 miles southeast of Seoul, on November 1, to seek reconciliation about the U.S. dismissal of the No Gun Ri massacre. (Photo by Kathy Melvin)
In November 2017 a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) peace delegation traveled to South Korea in response to measures adopted at the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The delegation included the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly; the Rev. Jose Luis Casal, director of Presbyterian World Mission; the Rev. Robina Winbush, assistant stated clerk and director of the Office of the General Assembly’s ecumenical relations, and the Rev. Mienda Uriarte, coordinator of World Mission’s Asia-Pacific office.
“As we continue to advocate for the reunification of North and South Korea,” Nelson said, “it is important that we witness to our belief that God is still active in the causes that bring people together.”
The delegation met with representatives of three PC(USA) global partners: the Presbyterian Church of Korea, the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea. The partners’ work includes ministry in higher education, youth programs, health services, women’s and children’s programs and peace education. Two PC(USA) mission co-workers live and work in Korea, along with two regional liaisons.
The PC(USA) delegation visited partner churches and seminaries, as well as the No Gun Ri Peace Park, the War & Women’s Human Rights Museum and the DMZ Border Peace School.
Compiled from Presbyterian News Service reports
Today’s Focus: Day of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Holly Sarkissian, PMA
Ray Scaletti, OGA
Let us pray:
God, guide us in the ways of peace as we seek to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Touch the hearts of those in power worldwide, that hostilities may subside and reconciliation may occur. Have mercy on our world, O Lord, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Readings
Morning Psalms 63; 149
First Reading Judges 9:22-25, 50-57
Second Reading Acts 4:32-5:11
Gospel Reading John 2:13-25
Evening Psalms 125; 90
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