Author: Bellshill Central

Welcome to day 6 of our reflections in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today’s reader is Zandra Swan. Please watch each video, and reflect when we hear music. There are points to ponder and questions/go and do actions at the end.

One God over all

Verse for the Day

‘One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all’ (Ephesians 4:6)

Scripture Passages

Matthew 5:44-48

1 Kings 8:56-60

Psalm 148:7-13

Prayer

Loving God, we worship You as our Creator,

for Your presence in the heavens beyond words

and Your presence on earth beyond understanding.

Through Your Son Jesus Christ we yield to Your tender care

as the beginning and fulfilment of everything.

Help us to fulfil Your will in our lives.

Glory for ever to You,

God our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Questions

• Personal: How do we understand God as a loving presence in our lives?
• Local: Who can we honour in our community with kindness and love?
• Global: How do we recognise God’s loving presence in the world?

Go and Do

(see www.ctbi.org.uk/goanddo)

Global: Take a world map and find time to pray with others over the entire world for seven days.

Personal: Explore ways to express the love of God to a neighbour.

Local: Explore ways to honour the Body of Christ of which we are a part.

Welcome to our 5th day of reflections in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today’s reader is Alan Mathew. Please watch each video, and reflect when we hear music. There are points to ponder and questions/go and do actions at the end.

Verse for the Day

‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (Ephesians 4:5).

Scripture Passages

· Zechariah 14:6-9

· Psalm 100

· Matthew 28:16-20

Prayer

Spirit of God, and true God,

who descended on the River Jordan and entered into the upper room;

who enlightened us by the baptism of the water of life,

we have sinned against heaven and before You.

Purify us again with Your divine fire,

as You did the Apostles with fiery tongues.

Have mercy on us and all Your creatures.

Amen.

Questions

• Personal: What does reflecting on your own baptism or Christian initiation mean for you today?
• Local: How does your church community celebrate the unity of all creation within a local context?
• Global: Given the diverse understanding of baptism among Christians, how can this sacrament still be an expression of unity?

Go and Do

(see www.ctbi.org.uk/goanddo)

with creation.

Personal: Keep a journal for a week (or for seven days spread out over a period of time), reflecting each day on the meaning of your baptism or Christian initiation

Local: Discuss what collaborative initiatives the churches in your community could undertake to celebrate your shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Global: Organise an event celebrating the global unity of the churches with creation.

Welcome to day 4 of our reflections in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today’s reader is Stanley Cook. Please watch each video, and reflect when we hear music. There are points to ponder and questions/go and do actions at the end.

CALLED TO ONE HOPE

Verse for the Day

‘There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling’ (Ephesians 4:4).

Scripture Passages

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Psalm 24:1-6

John 17:20-26

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

You bring us together in all our diversity,

as family and church.

In the face of so many situations on earth,

where hope has given way to despair

and hearts are wounded and emptied by disappointment,

renew our strength and unify us.

Help us to share Your hope wherever we find ourselves.

You are the true Light,

who casts out the darkness of sin,

despair and brokenness, 

who shines into our hearts, releasing the joy

and the true hope of Your eternal love for all.

Amen.

Questions

• Personal: What must you lay down in order to embrace the unity of all God’s people?
• Local: What are the most challenging issues facing your locality that threaten to undermine the unity and well-being of all?
• Global: Does your church unity transcend all national and cultural boundaries?

Go and Do

(see www.ctbi.org.uk/goanddo)

Global: Choose one of the campaigns by Christian Aid or CAFOD and promote them in your church, parish or local ecumenical group.

Personal: Go and share your experience of God with one person.

Local: Go out with a group from your church and share the good news of God in your community.