Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Theme for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2004:
My peace I give to you.
              John 14:23-31

We seldom pray for that which does not involve us; and we pray most fervently for that which concerns us deeply, that which touches upon the people and the world we know, and yet prayer also expands the human heart. Saint Isaac the Syrian speaks of the merciful heart as one which burns with a great compassion for all people, for every created thing. Gripped by a “strong and vehement mercy”, a compassion “without measure in the likeness of God” , such a heart offers up prayer from the midst of all suffering, offers up prayer even for those who do one harm, for “enemies of the truth” (Homily 81). Today’s world needs such expansive merciful hearts, such prayer rising from the midst of the groans of humanity, of the whole created world.



Creator, open our hearts
 to peace and healing between all people.
 Creator, open our hearts
 to provide and protect for all children of the earth.
 Creator, open our hearts
 to respect for the earth, and all the gifts of the earth.
 Creator, open our hearts
 to end exclusion, violence, and fear among all.
 Thank-you for the gifts of this day and every day.

Native american; Micmac : Alycia Longriver. 1995



Prayer is the most powerful weapon a Christian has.
Prayer makes us effective. Prayer makes us happy.
Prayer gives us all the strength that we need to fulfill God’s commands. Yes, indeed your whole life can and should be prayer.

- Saint Josemaria Escriva

Prayer Page
Spiritual Resources
Home Page