During the Second World War there was a city where, every night at the same hour, people stopped whatever they were doing to pray for peace. For a moment everything paused and something invisible but powerful was shared. Together with our international partners Dankbar Leben and Vivir Agradecidos, we invite you to join us in a daily pause for peace. Even one shared minute matters. Because peace is a practice — and together we are stronger. 

Let this recent recording of Br. David Steindl-Rast reading the peace prayer of Europakloster Gut Aich be your call to take one minute to stop, be present, and consciously hold peace and reconciliation in your heart. This small gesture can become something much bigger. 

Video Transcript

Almighty, gracious, and merciful God, together with all people of goodwill we pray for peace in this world to touch the hearts of all people and grant us thoughts of peace and reconciliation.

Pour into our hearts reverence for the life of every individual; for the life of all peoples, religions, and nations; and for the gift of creation.

Grant that the will for peace may overcome hatred and that vengeance may give way to reconciliation.

Let people know that they are all your children, brothers and sisters on whom you bestow your love, and let all of us live in this love.

Gracious God, make me and all people instruments of your peace.


Br. David Steindl-Rast
Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB

Brother David Steindl-Rast — author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, and more. He has been one of the most important figures in the modern interfaith dialogue movement, and has taught with thought-leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield, and Roshi Joan Halifax. His wisdom has been featured in recent interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Krista Tippett, and Tami Simon and his TED talk has been viewed almost 10,000,000 times. Learn more about Br. David here.

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