Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity extends from January 18 - 25.  The theme for this year centers around Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well  (John 4:1-42)  We would note that Jesus approached this woman who was a Samaritan, engaged in conversation with her, and offered to her the water of life.

I wonder how approachable we with people in religions different from us?  Do we find we can pray, let alone worship with them?  Are we willing to be in dialogue with them?

Jesus saw value in associating with this woman, who was different from his Jewish background.  It led to a conversation where the woman went to tell others about her experience.

We can always see the things that divide us from one another.  What if we were to see that we have something to gain from talking to each other.  We might feel that we know the other person and his or her beliefs, but it is only when we begin talking that I believe that we reach a better understanding and the barriers can start to come down.

I would invite you to pray for Christian unity and also for yourself that you would have an open spirit in relating to those of other faiths.

Upholding the Dignity of All People

At this time of remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember him as a person of faith and also one striving for equality.  While we still face much racial tension within our land, we would do well to pray for people "to love their neighbor" regardless of one's language, nationality, or color of their skin.  We are to acknowledge the dignity of each person as being created in the image of God.  As we do so, we will be working toward a peace, where all people can live with one another.  I invite you to offer a bold prayer that God would work in the hearts of people to help bring such respect for one another in our land.