The Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity 2009

Prayer Service Sermon delivered by Fr. MacPherson Click ::Here::

“That They May Become One in Your Hand (Ezek. 37: 17)”:

Ecumenical Prayer Service during
the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Following Christ’s command for unity, on January 21, during the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 17 priests, pastors, ministers and deacons from many Christian denominations joined Bishop De Angelis, and Rt. Rev. Linda C. Nicholls – Area Bishop of Trent Durham in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto – at an ecumenical prayer service.  Well attended by some 250 laypeople, as well, the service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains was very beautiful.

The theme of the service came from a vision God granted to the prophet Ezekiel regarding the tragic separation of Israel into two kingdoms (cf. Ezek. 37: 15-28): the People of God were divided. Throughout the various elements of the prayer service, it was made evident how dire the divisions of Christianity are; how badly reconciliation and forgiveness are needed among all Christians; and how our disunion is a scandal to the world. The theme was selected by a group of Christians in South Korea representing both the World Council of Churches and the Vatican.

Despite the pressing nature of ecumenism, the hope of a reunified Church – like the reunited kingdoms of Israel - was the prominent theme; a reminder that “where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Rom. 5:20), and that God will grant us his help so “that [we] may become one in [His] hand” (Ezek. 37: 17). It was clear that the goal of Christian unity is very possible when prayer and action to this end become important in our lives.

The preparations and prayer service itself embodied how ecumenical relations should operate so that they can prosper:

1. Working together: Initiated by Bishop De Angelis, a number of clergy from several Christian communities and churches were invited to attend planning meetings in preparation for the prayer service so that it could be truly ecumenical. Following the outline published jointly by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches, clergy from Anglican, Evangelical, Free Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Catholic churches and communities prayed about and discussed the service, particularly how to incorporate our different expressions of worship, and unified beliefs. These meetings proved to be quite enjoyable and beautiful first steps towards Christian unity in the Peterborough area.
   
   
2. Confession: At the prayer service, like at Mass, we confessed to God and one another and asked for forgiveness for the times when we have caused divisions in the world, especially in the Church. Truly, we cannot move forward without this confession of our sins, and the acknowledgement of our need for God’s mercy and grace to bring us - His children - back together as His one flock.
   
   
3. Celebration of the unity we have: Readings from the Holy Scriptures – the Word of God recognized by all Christians - were proclaimed, with an emphasis on Christian unity. The Our Father was prayed communally, and the Nicene Creed – foundational beliefs of all Christians – was professed. These texts bind all Christians together.
   
   
4. Reflection: An excellent sermon was delivered by Fr. Damian MacPherson, Director for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs for the Archdiocese of Toronto. We were called to reflect on the importance of ecumenism, and the amazing progress that has been made already. “Christian unity is not an option and we, as Christians, must continue to strive to fulfill the will of God.”
   
   
5. Respect for diversity in worship: Traditional hymns, beautifully played by the Cathedral organist Herby Michel, were sung along with contemporary praise and worship music, led by Pastor Rick Kirchner of Selwyn Outreach Centre; a recognition of the beauty that can be found in our diverse expressions of worship.

The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity came from Ezekiel 37, in which the prophet Ezekiel performs the symbolic action, undertaken at the Lord's command, of taking two sticks and joining them together. In the text from Ezekiel, we discover God’s fervent wish for the unity of the divided kingdoms of Israel. Ezekiel’s inspired prophetic gesture of joining together two pieces of wood represents the reunification of the northern and southern kingdoms.

Although divided into many denominations, just as Israel was into two kingdoms, Christians across the world pray and hope for a unity of heart and mind together. In order to symbolise our current disunity and hope for reunion, members of different Christian communities brought together and united two pieces of wood, as Ezekiel did. Of course for us Christians, two pieces of wood represent something very profound, the heart of our Faith: the Cross. By the power of His Cross, Christ pours his graces and mercy upon us; precisely what we need for genuine Christian unity. For this reason, it is called the “Unity Cross”. Beautifully crafted with stained-glass, the cross is hollow so that prayer intentions and pledges for Christian unity can be placed in it. Traveling to different Christian churches and communities in the Peterborough area, the cross will be a reminder of our continuing commitment to Christian unity, and of how we are called to help carry the crosses of one another.

As the prospect of Christian unity becomes ever brighter, we in the Peterborough Diocese are called to continue our joyful and prayerful work for this vital cause. And we will!

For more information on how to book the Unity Cross for your
church community please contact VEYO at (705) 749-0330
or email veyo@veyopeterboro.org