Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity
We continue in 8 days of prayer for Christian Unity, using resources graciously provided by
The Canadian Council of Churches.
Readings
Proverbs 21:13-15. When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
Matthew 23:23-25. Justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done.
The religious leaders Jesus addresses in the Gospel passage have grown accustomed and comfortable with the injustices of the world. They are happy to perform religious duties such as tithing mint, dill and cumin, but neglect the weightier and more disruptive demands of justice, mercy and faithfulness. Similarly Christians have grown accustomed and comfortable with the divisions that exist between us. We are faithful in much of our religious observance, but often we neglect the Lord’s challenging desire that all his disciples be one.
Prayer
God, you are the source of our wisdom. We pray for wisdom and courage to do justice, to respond to what is wrong in the world by acting to make it right.
We pray for wisdom and courage to grow in the unity of your Son, Jesus Christ, who, with you and the Holy Spirit, reigns forever and ever.
Amen.