On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 AM, the first atomic bomb was dropped by the US Air Force on the people of Hiroshima, Japan. On August 9th at 11:15 AM the second atomic bomb was dropped on the people of Nagasaki. The magnitude of death and destruction made clear that nuclear weapons must never be used again.

Yet, since then, the potential for nuclear catastrophe has grown to an unimaginable scale. This August 6th, on the 79th anniversary of that horrific tragedy, people around the world will be joining in prayer for a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons. You and/or your faith community are encouraged to join this global community of prayer! Prayers and prayer gatherings are invited throughout the days before and after August 6th. Click here for more information.

One possible prayer for a world free of nuclear weapons is offered by the sponsoring organization VOICES, part of the United Religions Initiative. Click here to download. This prayer is also available in many different languages here on the URI website. (Use the "Select a Language" option in the top right side of the webpage.) Feel free to use another such prayer, perhaps one of your or your group's own designs, and share this prayer when you drop your pin on this interactive map.

This Nuclear Prayer Day is hosted by VOICES, a part of the United Religions Initative.