Thursday, January 18
Today, with Christians around the world, we begin the celebration of the week for Christian Unity. The theme of this year’s observance is the story of the Good Samaritan, taken from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The story reflects the connection between love of God and love of neighbor with a particular concern for challenging the boundaries of who is considered "neighbor". In the dialogue with Jesus that unfolds this week, Jesus calls us not to only observe the commandments, but to also imitate the love of God in the giving of self for another. It is a call for charity, mercy, justice, and unity.
Today’s theme for Christian Unity is the simple question: Jesus, what must I do to inherit everlasting life? (Luke 10:26)
Collect Prayer: God of life, You have created us to have life, and life in all its fullness. May we recognize in our brothers and sisters their desire for eternal life. As we follow Jesus’ way with determination, may we lead others to you. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Friday, January 19
Today’s theme for Christian Unity is Jesus’ simple answer: “You shall love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)
Collect Prayer: God, give us the grace to know you more deeply, in order to love you with all of our being. Grant us a pure heart, to love our neighbors as ourselves. May the gift of your Holy Spirit enable us to see your presence in our sisters and brothers, that we may love each other with the same unconditional love with which you love us. Through Christ our Savior. Amen.
Saturday, January 20
Today’s theme for Christian Unity is a further question: “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10: 29)
Collect Prayer: God of love, who writes love in our hearts, instill in us the courage to look beyond ourselves and see the neighbor in those different from ourselves, that we may truly follow Jesus Christ, our brother and our friend, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, January 21
Today’s theme for Christian Unity: When the priest saw him, he passed by on the other side. (Luke 10:31)
Collect Prayer: God of compassion, as we journey towards unity, may our eyes not look away, but be wide open to the world. As we travel through life, may we stop and reach out, bind up the wounded and in so doing experience your presence in them: you who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, January 22
Today’s theme for Christian Unity: The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. (Luke 10:34)
Collect Prayer: Gracious God, You who are the source of all love and goodness: enable us to see the needs of our neighbor. Show us what we can do to bring about healing. Change us, so that we can love all our brothers and sisters. Help us to overcome the obstacles of division, that we might build a world of peace for the common good. Thank you for renewing your Creation and leading us to a future which is full of hope: you who are God of all, yesterday, today and forever. Amen.
Tuesday, January 23
Today’s theme for Christian Unity: Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:34)
Collect Prayer: God of love, in Jesus, you showed us the meaning of hospitality, by caring for our fragile humanity. Help us to become a community that welcomes those who feel abandoned and lost, building a house where all are welcome. May we come closer to one another as we offer the world your unconditional love. This we pray in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday, January 24
Today’s theme for Christian Unity: Jesus said: “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor?” (Luke 10:36)
Collect Prayer: Holy God, your Son Jesus Christ came among us to show us the way of compassion. Help us by your Spirit to follow his example, to serve the needs of all your children and so give united Christian witness to your ways of love and mercy. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thursday, January 25
Today’s theme for Christian Unity: Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
Collect Prayer: God of love, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, who makes us more open to each other, resolves conflict, and strengthens our bonds of communion. May we grow in mutual affection and in the desire to announce the Gospel message more faithfully, that the world may come together in unity and welcome the Prince of Peace. Through Christ our Savior. Amen.
