Each year the United Church of Christ observes a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18-25. This prayer was written for use at St. Nicolai UCC on January 23, 2007.
I've added two words to the original: "and practice."
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-12
O God, our God, we rejoice in your wisdom
and care. You have called us together,
as your community, and made us one, even though we did not previously know each
other and did not know your plans for us.
You have called us to lives of prayerful discipline and have enabled us
to love each other in ways that have exceeded our prior expectations. Through the love we share together, you have
deepened our experience and practice of forgiveness.
Through the generosity of your Spirit, you have given us many gifts of
service. These gifts demonstrate your
great creativity even while they enable us to serve each other in ways that
comfort, nurture, challenge and strengthen each other. Help us to discern and identify your gifts in
ways that allow every person to contribute to the strength of a unified body.
May you be glorified by our life together
and by our participation in the worldwide fellowship of Jesus Christ. We pray in anticipation of your continuing
provision and presence. Amen.
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