A Prayer for Oneness

"Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity."
Ephesians 4:1-16

Almighty God, whose will it is that all people dwell in unity, we thank you for our diversity
and for all signs of oneness in the midst of our fragmented world:

• for neighborhood among nations;
  
  
• for understanding among races;
  
  
• for dialogue among faiths,
  
  
• for sisterhood and brotherhood among persons,
  
  
• for all steps in the way of unity with love, we praise you, O God.

Yet, at the same time, we need your forgiveness for our lack of oneness:

• for strife among nations that means destruction and death to many;
  
  
• for false pride and narrow patriotism that block paths to peace;
  
  
• for divisions between people of different races, classes, and religions;
  
  
• for ungodly dissension among those who claim the name of Christ;
  
  
• for the brokenness within our own lives that stifles growth.

From all such unnecessary and false barriers between persons, good Lord, deliver us.

Put us in a right and good relationship with you, with one another and within our very selves, as we live Jesus' vision of inclusive love.

Amen.

From Dennis W. Haas, To the God of Many Names: Prayers for a College Community (1995), p. 72
(Rev. Haas is the retired chaplain of Grinnell College, a historically United Church of Christ college in Iowa.)

A Prayer for 2007


John Thomas, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ




      God of wonder and delight,
      Warm us with your love.
      Embrace us with your presence.

      Remind us that no matter who we are,
      Or where we are on life's journey,
      You welcome us.

      Fill us with comfort and joy,
      That we might reflect the hope of the Christ Child.
      Because all the earth cries out for peace with justice,
      We pray for all the people!

      Amen.










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