This week (18-25 January) has been observed as the International
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for over one hundred
years. This year’s theme is, “Has Christ Divided Us?” (cf. 1
Corinthians 1:13). As we pray together for Christian unity, we remember that we
are all united in Christ through baptism and in our desire to grow in intimate
relationship with the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit. May our
hearts truly be united in love for God and one another this week.
These intentions can be found on www.catholicworldreport.com along
with a link to the semi-official intentions drafted by the Canadians who were
responsible for compiling the materials for WPCU 2014.
The following intentions are more reflective of current issues
in Christian unity, especially those pertaining to the ancient Churches and the
conflicts of the Middle East. They
are prayers that have been adapted from the Litany of Peace of the Greek
tradition. You are invited to pray them this week or use them to write your own
petitions - “That they may be one” (John 17:21).
·
For
the humility to turn our hearts and minds to God on high and ask him for peace
and unity through the forgiveness of our sins and for the salvation of our
souls, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
·
For
the strengthening of the holy churches of God throughout the world and for
their unity in faith, hope, and love, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
·
For
our local churches and for all the faithful who gather in our local Christian
community, may our prayers be filled with faith, reverence, and the worship of
God, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
·
For
all Christian leaders, that they may grow in wisdom and fraternal charity as
they work together for unity of faith, the healing of wounds caused by past
divisions, and for Eucharistic communion, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have
mercy.
This past year marked the 1025th anniversary of the Christianization of
Ukraine and Russia. We pray especially for the Churches in Ukraine and Russia.
For a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflict between Christians in those
countries, that their relations may be marked by humility, charity,
understanding, and mutual forgiveness.
·
For
our governments, secular leaders, and armed forces, that they may be upheld in
every good deed (and foiled in every evil purpose), let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
We pray especially for the countries of
the Middle East, torn by war and violence; that the perpetrators of evil would
be brought low and that those responsible for diplomatic resolution would be
given grace and prudence to complete their task, heal political division, and
restore order, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
·
For
faithful Christians living in every city and countryside throughout the world,
that our spiritual and material needs would be met for the good of our bodies
and the sanctification of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
·
For
all refugees, homeless, travelers, and pilgrims; for the forgotten, and the
forsaken; for the sick, the lonely, the dying, the suffering, the abused, the
captives, and the martyrs – for their consolation, protection, and salvation,
let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
We remember especially Christian
refugees fleeing persecution and the thousands of Christian martyrs throughout
the world who gave their lives in courageous witness to Christ Jesus this past
year. We give thanks to our Lord for their beautiful testimony of sacrificial
love and recognize an ecumenism of blood between them. Lord have mercy.
·
For
our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and need; especially for
all Christians living in environments hostile to Christianity, that we may be
given the strength and courage to live the gospel faithfully, obeying the
precepts of the Lord with zeal and joy, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have
mercy.
·
Help
us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace! Lord have
mercy!
·
For
all glory, honor, and worship are your due, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
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