Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Day 8)

Day Eight: United in the Reign of Christ (Wed., Jan. 25)
1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 21:1-7; Revelation 3:19b-22; John 12:23-26

On this last day of our week of prayer for Christian Unity we celebrate the Reign of Christ. Christ’s victory enables us to look into the future with hope. This victory overcomes all that keeps us from sharing fullness of life with him and with each other. Christians know that unity among us is above all a gift of God. It is a share in Christ’s glorious victory over all that divides.

Almighty God, Ruler of All, teach us to contemplate the mystery of Your glory. Grant that we may accept Your gifts with humility and respect each person´s dignity. May Your Holy Spirit strengthen us for the spiritual battles which lie ahead, so that united in Christ we may reign with Him in glory. Grant this through Him who humbled Himself and was exalted, who lives with You and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
Eight Days reflecting on our change in Christ

Adapted for First Presbyterian Church Lake Crystal by Pastor Randy from materials published by The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches:
< http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main /documents/p2/2011/WOP2012eng.pdf >

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Day 7)

Day Seven: Changed by the Good Shepherd (Tues., Jan. 24)
1 Samuel 2:1-10; Psalm 23; Eph 6:10-20; John 21:15-19

On this day the Bible texts show us the Lord strengthening His flock. Following the Good Shepherd, we are called to strengthen each other in the Lord, and to support and fortify the weak and the lost. There is one Shepherd, and we are his people.

For Reflection:

1. How does the Good Shepherd inspire us to comfort, revive, and restore the confidence of those who are lost?

2. In what ways can Christians of various traditions strengthen each other in confessing and bearing witness to Jesus Christ?

3. For us today, what can be the meaning of St Paul’s exhortation: “Be strong in the Lord....put on the whole armour of God”?

Father of all, you call us to be one flock in your Son, Jesus Christ. He is our Good Shepherd who invites us to lie down in green pastures, leads us beside still waters, and restores our souls. In following him, may we so care for others that all see in us the love of the one true Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Days 5 & 6)

Day Five: Changed by the peace of the Risen Lord (Sunday, Jan. 22)
Malachi 4:5-6; Psalm 133; Eph 2:14-20; John 20:19-23

Today we celebrate the peace of the Risen Lord. The Risen One is the great Victor over death and the world of darkness. He unites His disciples, who were paralysed with fear. He opens up before us new prospects of life and of acting for His coming kingdom. The Risen Lord unites and strengthens all believers. Peace and unity are the hallmarks of our transformation in the resurrection.

Loving and merciful God, teach us the joy of sharing in Your peace. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may tear down the walls of hostility separating us. May the risen Christ, who is our peace, help us to overcome all division and unite us as members of His household. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen

Day Six: Changed by God’s Steadfast Love (Mon., Jan. 23)
Habakkuk 3:17-19; Psalm 136:1-4, 23-26; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

On this day we concentrate our attention on God’s steadfast love. The Paschal Mystery reveals this steadfast love, and calls us to a new way of faith. This faith overcomes fear and opens our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Such faith calls us to friendship with Christ, and so to one another.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by Your Resurrection You have triumphed over death, and have become the Lord of life. Out of love for us You have chosen us to be Your friends. May the Holy Spirit unite us to You and to one other in the bonds of friendship, that we may faithfully serve You in this world as witnesses to Your steadfast love; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Adapted for First Presbyterian Church Lake Crystal by Pastor Randy from materials published by The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches:
< http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main /documents/p2/2011/WOP2012eng.pdf >

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Day 4)

Day Four: Changed by the Lord’s Victory over Evil (Sat., Jan. 21)
Ex 23:1-9; Psalm 1; Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 4:1-11

This day takes us deeper into the struggles against evil. Victory in Christ is an overcoming of all that damages God’s creation, and keeps us apart from one another. In Jesus we are called to share in this new life, struggling with him against what is wrong in our world, with renewed confidence and with a delight in what is good. In our divisions we cannot be strong enough to overcome evil in our times. For reflection: 1. Where do we see evil in our own lives? 2. In what way can our faith in Christ help us to overcome evil and the Evil One? 3. What can we learn from situations in our community where division has given way to reconciliation?

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for Your victory over evil and division. We praise You for Your sacrifice and Your resurrection that conquer death. Help us in our everyday struggle against all adversity. May the Holy Spirit give us strength and wisdom so that, following You, we may overcome evil with good, and division with reconciliation. Amen.

Adapted for First Presbyterian Church Lake Crystal by Pastor Randy from materials published by The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches:
< http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main /documents/p2/2011/WOP2012eng.pdf >

Prayer for Christian Unity

Day Three: Changed by the Suffering Servant (Fri., Jan. 20)
Isa 53:3-11; Ps 22:12-24; 1 Peter 2:21-25; Luke 24:25-27

This day calls us to reflect on the suffering of Christ. Following Christ the Suffering Servant, Christians are called to solidarity with all who suffer. The closer we come to the cross of Christ the closer we come to one another. For reflection: What areas of human suffering go unnoticed or are belittled in our society?

God of consolation, you have transformed the shame of the cross into a sign of victory. Grant that we may be united around the Cross of your Son to worship Him for the mercy offered through his suffering. May the Holy Spirit open our eyes and our hearts, so that we may help those who suffer to experience your closeness. ; You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Joy, Joy, Joy