Praying Philippians 2:1-3

πŸ””

I join with all who are praying *

to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father,

we pray to you for your holy Church.

Fill it with your truth.

Keep it in your peace.*

Where it is corrupt, reform it.

Where it is in error, correct it. *

Where it is in right, defend it.

Where it is in want, provide for it. *

Where it is divided, reunite it,

For the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

- Paulist Prayer Book

Observe a time of silence before the Lord

(1 – 5 minutes)

πŸ””

Scriptural Theme

Father, help us to be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise

(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

πŸ””

Praying Philippians 2:1-3 (New International Version)

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Response to the Scripture

Where love and charity abide, that is where God dwells.

Draw near God’s throne of grace

with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart

πŸ””

The Spirit and the Bride say *

β€œCome!”

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *

Father, help us to be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

πŸ””

Ending Prayer

O Lord our God, our merciful father,

On the evening before his suffering your son,

Our saviour Jesus Christ prayed

That believers in him would be one

So that the world would believe.*

But often we have not conformed to his will,

But have fostered opposition to each other

And caused division, have harboured contempt for each other,

Judged and fought against one another.

As we remember the year 2017 we are once more aware

That we must repent and ask for forgiveness

For our failures in our history and in our present.*

So we urgently cry out for your mercy and plead with you,

Send us, and all Christians, a heart of remorse and repentance.

Send us the grace we need to reconcile with each other

And, unified in body and spirit, once again

Experience the joy of complete fellowship.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

- Ottmaring Prayer for the 500th Anniversary in 2017

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 7: Reconciliation Bridge Prayer – β€œEntering into the Unity of the Trinity” )