Introduction to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

One day, a professor demonstrated to his class the power of an electromagnet. He placed a quantity of nails on a table with the wires of an electromagnet under the table. When he flipped the switch, the nails came together and he was able to form the nails into various shapes as long as the current was on. When the current was cut, the nails fell back into a pile. This reminds us that as long as the current of God, the Holy Spirit, runs through us, we have unity and God can form us into any shape He chooses for His purposes.

So the comforter, the promised Holy Spirit unifies. Way back in the Old Testament we read of he proud people of Babylon who were scattered to the extent that they could no longer understand each other, but when the Holy Spirit came upon the diverse group in Jerusalem they understood each other perfectly, Why? Because they were of one Spirit.  The unifying power of the Holy Spirit is awesome for those who believe. No matter the differences of skin colour, language, skill, culture, education, title, or socio-economic status, the Holy Spirit unites those who approach the cross with humility seeking God. 

In Acts 2 we read “When the holy day of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover, they were gathered together in one place…All the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them.”

Perhaps the issue of the church over the years is that our language to speak about the things of God has diverged to such an extent that we have distorted the truth. The great holiness teacher, Samuel Logan Brengle has written, “Spiritual leaders are not made by man, nor any combination of men. Neither conferences, nor synods, nor councils can make them, but only God.” 

Perhaps as we enter this week of prayer it would well to rename it, Week of Prayer for Unity in Christ.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and our brother, 

you have called us to be your one Church. 

Make us one in our faith and hope, 

and one in our loving service. 

Make us one in worship and in daily living.

Lord Jesus, 

send your Spirit to make us one 

as you want us to be.

We ask this, Jesus, 

for you are our Lord and our Saviour for ever. Amen.