Prayer for Christian Unity All scripture quotations are from the NRSV Bible You are encouraged to use these scriptures and sample prayers to shape the themes of your prayers. Day 1 Scripture: John 17:11 – And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given we, so that they may be one as we are one. As Jesus prepared for his death, he prayed for all believers. He prayed that we would be one in the same way he and God the Father were one. How was Jesus one with the Father? There are numerous ways. For example, Jesus said and did only those things the Father showed him. (John 5:19) They were always in unity. That is the way we are to be one with others in the body of Christ. Unity is not the same as uniformity. We can embrace the diversity in the body of Christ and still seek the harmony of God’s kingdom purposes. Jesus prayed for our protection so that we could experience unity in the body. We must be vigilant to recognize the divisive forces of the enemy who always works to disrupt unity in the body of Christ. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for praying for us. We recognize that you always desire unity. You gave your life for the unity of the body of Christ. We want to experience that unity. Protect us from the enemy in the mighty name of Jesus. Empower us to live in unity. Day 2 Scripture: John 17:22-‐23 – The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, so that they become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and l have loved them even as you have loved me. Do you want unbelievers to know that Jesus truly is the Messiah? Do you want the world to know the love of God for themselves? According to this scripture that will happen when believers become completely one. Our disunity can truly hinder God purposes. But the power of the Holy Spirit can make us one. Ask him today. Prayer: Holy Spirit, we fall so far short of complete unity. Forgive us. Empower us to be one, so that the world can know Jesus through our witness. Day 3 Scripture: Psalm 133:1-‐4 – How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore. Visualize the first image portrayed in this scripture. When the priest was anointed for service, a large amount of oil was poured over his head. It ran down over his head and clothes leaving a lasting fragrance. In the same way, unity sets us apart from others in the world. It brings a sweet fragrance of love and acceptance to all our relationships. In unity, we experience God blessings. Prayer: Loving God, we stand in need of your blessings. We recognize that those blessings are poured out only as we walk in unity with others in the body of Christ. Set us apart from the world and permeate all of our relationships with the fragrance of your love.
Day 4 Scripture: Psalm 133:1-‐4 – How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore. Visualize the second image portrayed in this scripture. It relates to the dew on Mount Hermon. A dew as profuse as that would give the land abundant moisture for good crops. In the same way, unity makes our lives richly fruitful in the kingdom. Prayer: God of abundance, fill our lives with your blessings. Allow your blessings to flow through our lives to touch others with your love and mercy. We desire to be richly fruitful in the kingdom. Day 5 Scripture: Ps. 51:17 – The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Humble yourself before the Lord. Give him your broken and contrite heart. Ask God to search your heart and to reveal any unforgiveness toward others in the body of Christ. Prayer: Forgiving God, thank you for graciously forgiving my sin. I know I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. Empower us to walk in forgiveness toward others. A lifestyle of forgiveness is a key to walking in unity with others. Let me begin today. Help me to make that choice every day. Day 6 Scripture: Romans 12:16-‐18 – Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Pride will always block living in harmony with others. So will our attempts to repay evil for evil. Instead, we are to live peaceably with all. Take note of the ways this unity depends on you. Allow God to speak to you about any walls you have built that prevent unity in the body of Christ. Prayer: Almighty God, melt me, mold me, and make me like you. Break down all barriers to unity in my life and in the church. Help me to recognize how other believers love you across denominational lines. Help me to work together with others in the body of Christ to see your kingdom advanced. As a local church, help us to reach out to other churches in our community to find ways to minister together. Day 7 Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-‐3 – I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When we experience a degree of unity in the body of Christ, we must be careful to guard it as precious. This unity comes from the Holy Spirit and works through peace. We must make every effort to support and encourage unity. Prayer: Holy Spirit, you are the source of unity and peace. Empower us to live a life worthy of our calling. Help us to walk in love, humility, and patience.