7TH WEEK OF EASTER

. . . that they may be one, as we are one. 

Did you know that Jesus prayed these same words twice in the same night? That’s how much he desired unity! Yesterday, we looked at this prayer in terms of our relationships with other people within our own Church. But today let’s broaden our perspective and consider how we can pray for and work toward unity among all those who profess Christ.

“Jesus, on the night before you suffered, you prayed not only for your disciples, but also for all ‘those who will believe in [you] through their word’ (John 17:20). In your love, you are aware of every single believer throughout time—even me! You know the divisions that exist between believers of different faith traditions, and you know the divisions in my own heart. Help me to join in your prayer that we would all be one in you!

“When you prayed for unity, Lord, you were keenly aware of every obstacle that works against it. You know how tempting it is for me to hang onto what differentiates me from others, whether it’s which church I attend, my cultural heritage, my unique challenges, or my particular talents. Please grant me the humility to celebrate each brother and sister, to learn from them, and to listen patiently enough to understand their point of view. Let me draw close enough to you so that I can catch a glimpse of how much you love each of your precious children.

“Lord, as I look around at all the different faith traditions that confess your name, help me to appreciate the many different people you’re drawing together. Male and female, young and old, singles and families both large and small, all join in unison, praying and worshipping you. Help me to see the gifts you’ve given them and the goodness of your work in their lives.

“Lord, help me to share my gifts with others. In your goodness, draw all of us closer together. May our unity be so striking that it would testify to your amazing love and become an invitation for the whole world to believe in you!”

“Father, please make all your children more fully and more gloriously one in you.”

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
John 17:20-26