Eternal Father,
we praise you for sending your Son
to be one of us and to save us.
Look upon your people with mercy,
for we are divided in so many ways,
and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love.
We ask this gift, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The origins of Prayers For the Christian Unity #1
The Prayers for Christian Unity are a series of Catholic prayers that seek God’s grace and guidance in promoting ecumenical unity among Christians. The prayer is inspired by Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17, where he asks that all believers may be one as he and the Father are one.
The origins of the Prayers for Christian Unity can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Catholic Church began to place greater emphasis on promoting Christian unity. The prayer has evolved over time as it has been recited by believers seeking to bring about greater harmony and cooperation among Christians.
The Prayers for Christian Unity have become an integral part of Catholic devotion, inspiring many to work towards greater unity and mutual understanding between churches and denominations. The prayer is often recited during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a designated time of prayer and reflection observed by Christians around the world.
The enduring popularity of the Prayers for Christian Unity testifies to the deep yearning among many believers for greater unity and cooperation among Christians. As the world continues to face complex challenges, the need for Christians to work together in promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation has never been greater.
The Prayer for Christian Unity is a reflection of the Church’s ongoing commitment to promoting ecumenism and to fulfilling Jesus’ prayer for his followers to be one. As believers from different denominations come together in prayer and fellowship, they become a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the unifying love of God.