Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Yesterday the wider church began the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  This annual observance, strongly supported by the World Council of Churches and many Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox communions, encourages Christians to pray that our divisions may be overcome and we may be all in one in Christ.  This prayer for unity is similar to a prayer Jesus himself prayed for his followers, which is recorded in John 17.

This year's theme for the eight days of prayer is "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (explored by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58).  The World Council of Churches has produced a lengthy brochure with materials for celebrating the Week of Christian Unity, including daily readings, reflections, and prayers.  [These may be found on pages 17-26 of the brochure.]  These daily offerings remind us of the ways that we are changed through our faith in Christ.

I recommend that you take this as a reminder to pray for healing within the church.  Too often we are defined by our differences and our disagreements, rather than being united through Christ's love.  More than we should, we let petty arguments prevent us from joining hands in prayer and service, and we refuse to accept and cherish Christ's gift, through grace, that sinners may join together in his name and, contrary to the injustice and inequality of the world, become fully brothers and sisters.