Churches have jointly launched a fresh call for prayer over the Holy Land, to align with the UN’s World Peace Day.

The organization is partnering with “Christian agencies rooted in faith and justice,” including: Christian Aid, Embrace the Middle East, Sabeel Kairos, All We Can, Quakers in Britain, Reconciling Leaders Network, and Difference.

“The cries of Palestinian church leaders for peace and solidarity have echoed across the global Church, urging us to respond with clarity, compassion, and conviction,” a joint statement says.

The official day of prayer will be Sunday, 21 September.

Most Rev Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, has written a special prayer for the event.

He calls on the Lord to “provide for all those in Gaza,” asking in faith “that they may be given both physical bread to nourish their bodies, and heavenly bread to sustain their souls.”

“By the power of your Spirit, bring a speedy end to this cruel war, the release of all captives, care for the sick and wounded, comfort for those who have lost loved-ones, and the opening of a pathway for a just and lasting peace here in the very homeland where your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ministered during his earthly life,” the Archbishop concludes.

Churches are being encouraged to hold a minute of silent reflection, or choose to pray and fast.