This year the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25. Christians have been a part of this 100 years plus octave (8 days) praying for visible Christian unity. I have included the prayer below for you to join me and those around the world during these 8 days. The prayer is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

The theme this year is, “You shall love the Lord your God…and your neighbor as yourself.” The theme each year is selected by different groups. This year’s theme was selected with the help of the Christian Churches in Burkina Faso, coordinated by the community of Chemin Neuf. They based it on the prayer Jesus said at the Last Supper, “that they all may be one.” (cf. John 17:21)

Sometimes when there are events or neighbors in need I find myself having trouble figuring out how I can do this or what can I do to help with this. I know that I am able to join others during this week saying the prayer for Christian unity. It may seem to some a small part but I believe that anytime we pray it is a big part in God’s eyes.

During the week will you join us and be a part of those praying for Christian Unity?

PRAYER

We pray, O gracious Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that we all may be one as you are one. In your community of complete unity, we have our beginning and our end. To you we pray, asking for the gift of visible unity among all who believe in your Christ.

As we commemorate this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we are reminded by your Word that all human beings are our neighbors and that we are to love them like ourselves and in the same way we love you. Help us to overcome the barriers and divisions we have nurtured against your will.

Grant to us, O Lord, a new Spirit of love and solidarity, that we may proclaim your good news to all of creation. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit are one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

-Sr. Barb Knauf