Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
three in one, and one in three,
triune God of perfect unity,
Lord, in your mercy,
unify your people.
Today, we look to you with gratitude.
We thank you for the ways your Spirit is at work,
drawing Christians together across denominations and churches.
We thank you for the conversations that happen locally
as churches partner together to love their neighborhoods.
We thank you for the conversations that happen denominationally
as churches covenant together and strive to be a light in this world.
We pray for these conversations and relationships
that they would deepen and draw us together.
Lord, in your mercy,
unify your people.
Today, we look to you with longing.
We long to be one as you are one.
We long for our disagreements inside, between,
and among our churches to be resolved.
We long for people to identify us simply as “Christian”
rather than the many other labels we receive or give ourselves.
And we long for our unity to be a witness to the world of your love.
We pray that you would cultivate this longing more deeply within us.
Lord in your mercy,
unify your people.
Today, we look to you with humility.
We confess the ways that we contribute to disunity.
We confess that we have scoffed at other traditions,
pulled away from fellow believers,
and ignored opportunities for unity.
Protect us from a pride that holds ourselves aloof
from our brothers and sisters.
Remind us that we do not draw the lines
and boundaries of your kingdom.
We pray that you would lead us to a place of humble engagement,
seeking your will and desire for your church
more than an opportunity to be right.
Lord, in your mercy,
unify your people.
Today, we look to you who is love.
We marvel that you look at us, your people,
fractured as we are, with such deep affection.
Let your love drive us to love one another.
As we strive toward unity,
may our differences not become wounds.
Where distinctions remain, let love abound.
Where opinions differ, let love abound.
Where conversations break down, let love abound.
We pray that, above all, you would help us be people of your love.
Lord in your mercy,
unify your people.
Today, we look to you with hope.
In a world where division and alienation flow so easily,
you call us into a life that is marked by unity and love.
We believe that you are at work, drawing your church together,
and we thank you that in the unity of your Spirit
we are one holy catholic church.
By your Spirit, may this mystery and wonder be reflected more and more
in your church around the world.
Lord in your mercy,
unify your people.
Amen.
This prayer is available in Portuguese here.