On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall came down.
Many of us know and even remember the day two years earlier that U.S. President Ronald Reagan spoke the memorable words, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," but do we know the other story?
The story of how the people of Leipzig, East Germany prayed for peace touches my heart every time I read it so I decided to share it here in case you've never heard it.
In the spring of 1989, Christian Führer, the pastor of St. Nicholas [in Leipzig] decided one Monday evening to hold a prayer service for peace in the world. A few people attended. Pastor Führer held another prayer service the next Monday. More people attended. Into the summer, the Monday evening prayer service continued--and the numbers grew. The sanctuary of St. Nicholas can hold 1,000 people. By the end of the summer, the people were spilling out the doors. Every Monday night--no sermons, no political references--just prayers for peace.
On Monday, October 9, 1,000 people were in the sanctuary, and 70,000 more were in the streets, holding candles and singing hymns. The next Monday, October 16, there were 120,000 people praying for peace. The following Monday, there were 320,000--two thirds of the city's population. On the following Monday, 500,000 people prayed and sang for peace. Ten days later, on November 9, the Berlin Wall came down.
Jim Munroe
The Mockingbird Devotional
Isn't this story powerful?
I was there! I lived in West Berlin, where my husband was stationed with the Army. I was right behind Tom Brokaw that night, reading his teleprompter, as we got soaked with the water cannons the Russians were using on us! I was at Checkpoint Charlie, as the Germans started walking through it and was almost arrested by the Russians, as they thought it was an invasion! What a time that was!
ReplyDeleteThat is fascinating, Deb! You were there for such an important part of history. Thank you so much for telling us about it!
DeleteThat is a moment I remember. It signaled freedom prevailing. As our rights in this country are being threatened I must remember the strength of prayer and the necessity of action.
ReplyDeleteI love this story and never heard it before! I do remember this historic event. Our first born was barely a month old, and it was such a landmark event in his new world. I remember feeling so grateful.
ReplyDeleteLove all this formation and how heart filled to know that each Monday more and more people came to pray. Power of prayer right here! Happy Friday my friend. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Wow, what a fantastic story about prayer!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy November ~ FlowerLady
Yes, a memorable story, Dewena, and prayer is always heard. It's amazing what a difference it was how many people prayed in the beginning and how many prayed towards the end. Wouldn't that be nice if people did this now? Our world definitely needs peace. I've been upset lately hearing about the tragedy that happened in California.
ReplyDeleteWishing you peace during this month of November, Dewena.
love, ~Sheri
Dewena, I loved this story. I had never heard it before. I know that there is awesome power in prayer. Wish we could get the whole world to pray for peace. I will keep doing my part....even one prayer is heard . Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story and I will add my prayer for peace in our
ReplyDeletetroubled world.
Phyllis
Great history info. Hoping for peace one day in our world.
ReplyDeleteI love that story and though I do not remember eve hearing it, I do remember the crowds and the actual event....we so need peace right now! Thanks for sharing Dewena!
ReplyDeleteI love this story, I did not hear it before. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletePrayers to you,
Carla
I remember watching it on the television news. with tears in my eyes and chills. but I never have known this story of the people.
ReplyDeleteyes. it's powerful and moving.
we need that same united desire for peace in our world today.
this is a wonderful post. thanks Dewena. xo
I just wanted to read it again.
Deleteand also that I love the pictures. how utterly movie star handsome your dad was! what was it about that era...
all the people are absolutely beautiful to me. they truly are. have you ever noticed that? is it my imagination?
I don't think so! xoxo
What a wonderful story to start my Sunday! Thank you, Deweena!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story!! The power of prayer is amazing and can truly move mountains! Thank you so much for sharing this Dewena! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThis amazing story about the power of prayer touched my heart, and gave me goosebumps, Dewena! Dedication, devotion and a strong belief in peace, I truly believe, helped to make the dream a reality, for thousands of people, directly connected to this historical event. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week, my friend!
Poppy
Thank you so much for sharing this story, I hadn't heard of it before.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I didn't know this story, Dewena....thank you for sharing it. We could surely use the power of the people united in prayer for peace in today's world.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this story either but it just goes to show the power of prayer. We have prayers for the people each week at church. Thank you for sharing the story.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this story either but it just goes to show the power of prayer. We have prayers for the people each week at church. Thank you for sharing the story.
ReplyDelete