Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Today, the wider church begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  This annual observance, recognized by the World Council of Churches and several Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox communions, encourages Christians to pray that the human divisions in Christ's church may be overcome.  Jesus himself offered such a prayer for his followers before his death, according to John 17.

This year's theme, "What Does God Require of Us?" is drawn from a famous passage in Micah 6:6-8.  The World Council of Churches has again produced a booklet filled with information and resources for this week -- I particularly recommend the daily devotional material found on pages 21 and following.

I hope you will take the opportunity of these days to pray for Christ's church.  Too often we let our differences cloud our purposes as disciples of Jesus Christ; too often we look at our brothers and sisters in Christ with jealousy or arrogance, instead of with love.  In Christ's service, through Christ's example, may we all become one.