Christians around the world will be joining together in praying for peace and an end to injustice and suffering on 21 September.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace is commemorated by the WCC in conjunction with the United Nations-sponsored International Day of Peace on 21 September.

The prayers are being guided by this year's WCC Assembly taking place in Busan, South Korea, from 30 October to 8 November, "God of life, lead us to justice and peace."

The idea for the International Day of Prayer for Peace came from a meeting between the WCC and the UN during the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence.

It takes place this year at a time when violence and conflict in Syria and Egypt are hardly out of the headlines.

"There's fresh news each day of injustice, violence and suffering, and the WCC assembly theme itself is a prayer for peace," said Jonathan Frerichs, WCC programme executive for peace-building and disarmament.

"It's an active prayer – a witness to faith, a cry of hope and a pledge to be disciples for peace together. May God hear us from International Peace Day to the assembly and far beyond."

Churches are invited to pray for peace and to also share their prayers via Facebook or Twitter (#peaceday).