Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

 

I learned something new yesterday: 

There is a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

And we are currently in that week,

January 18-25. 

I had no idea. 

And I can’t think of a more fitting time. 

 

According to my research:

 

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual international ecumenical event whose origins go all the back to 1908. 

 

It is a dedicated time for Christians of all denominations to come together in prayer and reflection, seeking the unity of the Church and promoting reconciliation among Christian communities.

 

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity emphasizes Jesus’ prayer from the Gospel of John: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21). 

 

It serves as a reminder of the shared faith and mission of Christians and encourages dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse traditions, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and other. 

 

I don’t know about you,

But I think we need this week now 

More than ever. 

 

During our prayer of confession yesterday,

We prayed a beautiful, humbling prayer

And then received forgiveness

And the challenge to go and do better.

 

May this be our prayer this week 

And may it spur us to unity 

In the one who is Love.

 

Amen. 

 

—-

 

Merciful God, 

You speak blessing and compassion into the world. 

Forgive us for the ways we act

With judgment, cruelty, or indifference. 

We ignore the needs of our neighbors;

We resist your call to oppose injustice;

We live in scarcity and fear;

We assume the worst about one another. 

Cleanse us from our faults

And release us from their grasp. 

Show us your lovingkindness.

Restore our hearts and repair your world, 

That we may live in Christ’s ways.

Amen.