Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2018Sample

Let us look to the interests of others  

Changing international banking regulations continue to have a negative impact on the trade and commerce of the Caribbean and threaten the economic survival of many families. It has become increasingly difficult for Caribbean people working abroad to send money back to their families. The Churches in the Caribbean introduced the Credit Union movement in order for the poor to have access to finance for economic activity. 

Reflection

The witness of the Scriptures is consistent that God always makes a preferential option for the poor: the right hand of God acts for the powerless against the powerful. Similarly, Jesus consistently warns against the dangers of greed. Despite these warnings, however, the sin of greed often infects our Christian communities and introduces a logic of competition: one community competing against the next. We need to remember that insofar as we fail to differentiate ourselves from the world, but conform to its divisive competing spirit, we fail to offer ‘a refuge for the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm’.

For our different churches and confessions, to be rich in the sight of God is not a case of having many members belonging – or donating – to one’s own community. Rather, it is to recognise that as Christians we have countless brothers and sisters right across the world, united across the economic divisions of ‘North’ and ‘South’. Conscious of this fraternity in Christ, Christians can join hands in promoting economic justice for all.

  

Prayer 

Almighty God, 

give courage and strength to your church 

to continually proclaim justice and righteousness 

in situations of domination and oppression. 

As we celebrate our unity in Christ, 

may your Holy Spirit help us 

to look to the needs of others. 

Amen.

The right hand of God 

is striking in our land, 

striking out at envy, hate and greed; 

our selfishness and lust, 

our pride and deeds unjust, 

are destroyed by the right hand of God.