Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to begin
Published on 13 January 2021
Beginning on Monday 18 January, churches around the world will mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity over eight days.
This year's worship materials have been created by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland and are themed around 'Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit', (John 15:1-17).
The annual event, which first began in 1908, is designed to strengthen the ecumenical ties between denominations and encourage a sense of mutual support.
It is timed to run from the date commemorating the Confession of St Peter to the Conversion of St Paul, marked on 25 January.
Rev John McPake, who is the ecumenical officer of the Church of Scotland said: "At this particular moment in the life of the Church, and as we face the challenge the pandemic confronts us with, we affirm the significance of prayer.
"We recognise the truth of these words: 'Jesus Christ is our Mediator with the Father, constantly praying for us before the throne of God.' In response to the prayer of Jesus Christ, we offer our prayers.
"As we pray during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we live out our response to the prayer of Jesus that we 'may all be one…that the world may believe' (John 17: 21)."
Prayer for Christian Unity:
Thrice-holy God, we thank you for having created and loved us.
We thank you for your presence in us and in creation.
May we learn to look upon the world as you look upon it, with love.
In the hope of this vision, may we be able to work for a world where justice and peace flourish, for the glory of your name.
(From the booklet for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity)
Join in
As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity the World Council of Churches is inviting people around the world to join together in global prayer on Monday 25 January at 1pm GMT. You can watch and take part via the website of the World Council of Churches.
Christian Aid
Each year Christian Aid provides the Go and Do action points for each of the daily reflections which link to the important work of Christian Aid in the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
Social media
Show your support for Christian Unity by posting messages to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Twitter wall. To do so, add the #wpcuwall hashtag to your Twitter post (note there is a delay before they appear). You can also find updates about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Twitter by following the #wpcu2021 hashtag.
