The United Nations declared September 21 as the International Day of Peace in 1981, and reaffirmed it in 2002. Since 2004, Christians around the world have observed the day as the International Day of Prayer for Peace on the recommendation of the World Council of Churches.

The New Apostolic Church has supported this movement since 2005. All congregations are asked to say a special prayer for peace in the divine service. As the initiator, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber specified the opening prayer as a suitable place for this.