Each year, the United Church of Christ observes a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18-25. This prayer was written for worship at St. Nicolai UCC on January 23, 2007
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6
God of wonder and love we
rejoice in you! We come to you in
humility, for we know that all of our hope is in you, and yet our lives fall
short of your desire for holiness, justice and unity.
Although you have created the foundation
of our unity with all Christians through Jesus Christ, we do not seek unity
with each other in consistent and committed ways. In spite of the gospel message that Jesus has
broken down the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jews and Gentiles,
your church consistently erects new walls of hostility. In spite of your desire to reconcile all
things in Christ Jesus, we refuse to be reconciled to each other. Even though your word reminds us that the
church is one body, your people fragment the body in order to limit communion
with one another.
Forgive us for our lack of understanding,
patience and forgiveness. Forgive us for
undermining your mission of love in the world.
Enable us to experience greater unity with
Christians in our local community and
those who are part of other communities.
Energize us with a love that is not easily diverted or defeated and that
builds securely on the foundation of unity that you have created. Amen.
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