18–25 January 2026
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4)
Each January, Christians across the world pause to pray, reflect, and hope together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. From Sunday 18 January to Sunday 25 January, churches of many traditions are invited to focus afresh on Christ’s prayer that his followers “may all be one” (John 17:21).
At Bellshill Central Parish Church, we are delighted to take part in this worldwide movement of prayer and reflection. Throughout the week, we will be sharing a daily reflection on our website, drawing on the official themes and prayers prepared for 2026. We warmly invite you to journey with us each day as we pray for deeper unity within the Church and renewed witness to the love of Christ in our world.
The theme for 2026
The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer is taken from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4)
This powerful statement reminds us that Christian unity is not something we create for ourselves, but a gift we are called to receive, cherish, and live out. Despite our differences in tradition, worship, and history, we share one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one hope in Jesus Christ.
The 2026 materials have been prepared by Christians in Armenia, drawing on the rich spiritual heritage of the Armenian Apostolic Church alongside contributions from Armenian Catholic and Evangelical communities. Their reflections are shaped by centuries of faith lived through suffering, resilience, and hope, offering a profound witness to unity rooted in Christ.
Eight days, eight reflections
The Week of Prayer unfolds over eight days, each with its own focus, scripture, reflection, and prayer. Together, they invite us to explore what Christian unity looks like in daily life:
- Our calling in Christ
- Bearing with one another in love
- The bond of peace
- One body, one Spirit, one hope
- One faith and one baptism
- One God and Father of all
- The diversity of gifts given by Christ
- Growing together into the full stature of Christ
Each reflection encourages us not only to think about unity, but to practise it – through humility, patience, forgiveness, prayer, and shared hope.
Daily reflections at Bellshill Central
From 18–25 January, Bellshill Central will post a short daily reflection on our website, based on the official themes for each day. These reflections are suitable for personal prayer, family devotion, or quiet moments during the day.
You do not need any special preparation or theological background – simply a willingness to pause, pray, and reflect. Whether you engage with one reflection or all eight, you will be joining Christians around the world in a shared rhythm of prayer for unity.
Why Christian unity matters
In a world often marked by division, conflict, and mistrust, Christian unity is itself a powerful witness. Jesus prayed that his followers would be one “so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). When Christians seek unity – not uniformity, but unity in love – we offer a sign of hope that reconciliation is possible.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity reminds us that unity begins locally: in our attitudes, our conversations, our willingness to listen, and our commitment to love one another as Christ has loved us.
Join us
We invite everyone connected with Bellshill Central Parish Church – and all who visit our website – to take part in this special week.
Read the daily reflections
Pray with Christians across the world
Reflect on how God may be calling us to deeper unity
May this Week of Prayer renew our hope, deepen our faith, and draw us closer together in Christ, who makes us one body by the power of the one Spirit.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 