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A Candle in Every Time Zone: Prayer by Agreement

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). From these words of the Saviour grew one of the most beloved practices of Orthodox life: prayer by agreement, when the faithful — though scattered across cities and continents — pray the same prayer at the same appointed hour.

Orthodox House now carries this tradition online. At this moment 1 prayer group gather 2 participants, each keeping a common hour of prayer. Every evening at 21:00 UTC the global group "Universal Prayer for Peace" lifts one voice for the peace of the whole world, and anyone may join it in a single click.

Each group keeps its own commemoration list — the names of the sick, the suffering, and the departed — so that no one is prayed for alone. When the hour draws near, a gentle notification reminds every member that the moment of common prayer has come.

You can also gather your own circle: for your parish, your diocese, or your whole Church, at whatever hour suits your community. Visit the Prayers section of Orthodox House Social, join tonight's prayer for peace, and let your voice be counted among the many that rise as one.

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💬 Comments (10) 🌐 Show original

Василь Руденко

It's good that they reminded me about 21:00 UTC - that's when I'm already home after work. I joined "Universal Prayer for Peace" yesterday, they remembered my godfather from Odesa, who is now in the hospital. It is convenient that you can gather the group yourself for our arrival.

Camille Laurent

Yes, this passage from Matthew 18:19 has always struck me. At home in Strasbourg we try to stick to 9 p.m. UTC for the “Universal Prayer for Peace”, even if it’s 10 p.m. here; last night I was able to light my little lamp and pray with the group, it feels good to know that we are not alone. Thanks for the reminder.

Петро Мороз

It's good that you have time after work, Vasyl. I also joined yesterday at 21:00 and they remembered my grandfather from Poltava, who is lying down after a stroke. Have you already tried to assemble a group for the parish yourself, as you wrote?

Claire Bernard

Yes, Camille, this verse from Matthew touches a lot of people. In Lyon we are also sharp at 10 p.m. for the Universal Prayer for Peace, and last night I lit my candle before starting, it changes everything to know that there are several of us. Who are you praying for right now on your list?

Sarah Moore

I like how the groups keep their own lists of names. Yesterday at 21:00 UTC I joined the peace prayer and added my neighbor Margaret who's been in hospital with pneumonia. It's good to know she's not prayed for alone.

إلياس نصار

Yes, Matthew 18:19 always gives me comfort. Yesterday at 21:00 UTC, I also joined “Universal Prayer for Peace” and mentioned the name of my daughter, who is married in Zahle and suffers from back pain. It comforts me to know that my candle is burning with me in other places.

Nicolas Martin

Yes Camille, this verse from Matthew 18:19 is really concrete, it only takes two for it to work. At home in Toulouse we also try to keep 9 p.m. UTC even if it falls right on the children’s dinner time; Yesterday I lit my candle on the windowsill and I felt like it mattered. Do you often pray for people in your parish or rather for broader intentions?

سمير خوري

Yes, Elias, this verse really reassures the heart. I also joined the group yesterday and we mentioned the name of Maryam, who has a knee problem. Does your daughter in Zahle feel better after praying?

حنا معلوف

Yes Samir, this verse really gives us strength. I mentioned Maryam with you yesterday, and now my daughter in Zahle said that her knee became a little lighter after prayer. What do you think about adding the name of your uncle who is also tired?

فادي صايغ

Yes, Hanna, I heard about your daughter's knee in Zahle and was happy that it had eased a little. Let's add Samir's uncle's name to the patients tonight in the peace prayer at nine. What is his name exactly so I can remember him?