JERUSALEM, Israel -- This Sunday, millions of Christians in thousands of churches around the world will be observing the scriptural mandate to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
    
The global prayer meeting is known as the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. 

Robert Stearns co-founded the event eight years ago.   
 
"There's a city that is special and unique in God's and His purposes," Stearns explained. "That city is the city of Jerusalem.  Psalm 122:6 compels us as believers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  So first of all, believers have a Biblical mandate to pray for the peace of Jerusalem." 
 
Stearns says it's always important to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but especially in the times in which we live.   

He says the threats and challenges to Jerusalem, Israel and the Jewish people worldwide have grown considerably. 
 
"(Iranian president) Ahmadinejad is publicly calling for the destruction of the State of Israel," Stearns said. "We have people absolutely inciting hatred and violence and spewing forth a lot of dangerous language in this hour and prayer is the first step towards activism and awareness and getting involved."   

"This is a central issue for the Body of Christ to become educated and active on in this day," he explained. 
  
The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem reaches around the world with an increased participation this year from Asia.  But Stearns says it is a call for every believer. 
 
"I encourage person who's concerned about the future of our world to begin to understand the importance of Jerusalem and praying for Jerusalem's peace," he said.  
 
For more information on the Day of Prayer, visit DaytoPray.com