The week of prayer for Christian Unity begins tomorrow, January 18, and continues until January 25. For more than 100 years, Christians of many denominations have dedicated this week to the hope that the prayer of Jesus might come to pass: "that they may be one." For nearly fifty years, since shortly after the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, the Pontifical Commission for Christian Unity has worked closely with the World Council of Churches to prepare shared materials for the week of prayer, including reflections for each day, an ecumenical prayer service, and ideas for concrete action.
The theme for 2012 is "We will all be changed by the Victory of our Lord Jesus Christ," based on I Corinthians 15:51-58. Seattle's citywide prayer will take place on Tuesday, January 24 at 7:00pm at First A. M. E. Church in Seattle (1522 14th Avenue, 98122). Father Ryan will be the guest preacher this year. What better way to mark this fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council than by praying for unity among all Christian believers?
Almighty God,
Through Jesus you say to us
that whoever wishes to be first must become the least and the servant of all.
We enter into your presence,
knowing that your victory is won through the powerlessness of the cross.
We come to pray that your church may be one.
Teach us to accept humbly that this unity is a gift of your Spirit;
Through this gift, change and transform us
and make us more like your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Click here to access all the materials prepared for this year's Week of Prayer.
