Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

Introduction

At the heart of our reflections for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
is the question posed by Jesus to Martha: ‘Do you believe this?’ (John 11:26).

This same question resonated throughout the deliberations of the first Ecumenical
Council, meeting in Nicaea in 325, which gathered Christian communities from
around the world to strengthen their relationships as the Church of Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on these moments we are reminded that the gift of our faith brings
both support and challenge.

This year the ecumenical celebration has been prepared by the community of Bose,
an ecumenical monastery of brothers and sisters in northern Italy. In Bose, community life
is shaped by the rhythm of regular prayer. As the bells call the sisters, brothers and guests to prayer,
they all assemble at the church.

As we celebrate 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, this material has at its heart,
the Nicene Creed.

Day 1: The fatherhood and motherhood of God who rules the universe.
Day 2: Creation as God’s work.
Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son.
Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
Day 5: The Holy Spirit, breath of God.
Day 6: The Church: Community of believers.
Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord.
Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom.

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Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

Prayer

Almighty God,
accept our praise and thanksgiving
for what already unites us.
Hasten the hour when we will recognise each other
in the one communion you willed.

Risen Jesus,
Help us to grasp the good news that
you have taken the sting out of death,
and given us all glorious hope.
Take our fears and worries and let me
fully embrace the truth.
Living as a witness to others.
Speaking words of faith, hope and love.

Merciful God, forgive us for the times we have failed to
live a common life as Christians. Draw us more deeply to
one faith in you so that we may witness to the world.

Readings:
John 20:19-23
Ezekiel 37:9-14
Psalm 104:24-34