Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 18 through January 25, inclusive.

"We Have This Treasure in Clay Jars" (2 Cor. 4:7)

This year, the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity begins Saturday, January 18, and concludes Saturday, January 25, inclusive. The theme, established jointly by The Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is the biblical text "We Have This Treasure in Clay Jars" (2 Cor. 4:7).

The celebration of the Octave was begun in 1908 by the Society of the Atonement, an Episcopalian religious order founded in 1898 by Father Paul Wattson and Mother Lurana White, as related in this beautiful webpage (whence comes the image of the gorgeous triptych, above):

.... Father Wattson made his profession of vows and took the name Paul; White also took vows but retained her birth name, Lurana. They now set about the task of reflecting upon and clarifying the purpose of their new Society. Clearly their church unity vocation was founded on the prayer of Jesus, "That all may be one". But this conviction would be shaped in a special way by both their understanding of church and by their pro-Roman beliefs. For Father Paul and Mother Lurana the one Church of Christ was constituted of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and The Orthodox Church. Each was truly church and while each branch was a manifestation of Christ's one church, both the Anglican Communion and The Orthodox Church had suffered because of their break with the See of Rome. Indeed for Father Paul and Mother Lurana the Roman See was the divinely established center of Church unity....

Replying to the Reverend Jones on November 30, 1907, Father Paul wrote, "The 'Peter sermon' suggestion is fine.... In addition to that, what do you think of inaugurating a Church Unity Week beginning with St. Peter's Chair at Rome, January 18th, and ending with St. Paul's Day?" Without waiting for an answer from Jones, Father Paul began writing letters to clergy and friends of Graymoor, both Roman and Episcopal, asking them to participate in the Octave of Prayer for Unity. Over 2,000 persons agreed to do so in this first observance....

On October 30, 1909, the Society of the Atonement acted upon the advice given by the Episcopal Bishop of Delaware. On that day, Father Paul and Mother Lurana, along with another Friar, two Atonement Sisters, two novices, and ten lay associates made their unqualified submission to the Latin Church. Their profession of faith was received by Monsignor Joseph Conroy, Vicar General of the diocese of Ogdensburg, who was the personal representative of Archbishop John Farley.

Due to the influence of Cardinal Merry del Val, who was a faithful reader of The Lamp and Secretary of State under Pius X, the Holy See was quite gracious in its reception of the small Community. It was accepted as a distinct Religious Community, allowed to keep its name, and encouraged to keep as its purpose prayer and work for Christian unity and mission. The corporate reception of the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement into the Roman Church was the first such occurrence since the Reformation....

Several blogs today are associated with this Church Unity Octave:

• Intentions, Themes, and Readings for Christian Unity Octave: Grouped by day.
• Intentions, Themes, and Readings for Christian Unity Octave: Grouped by category.
• Prayers for the Church Unity Octave: In honor of Saints Peter and Paul.
• Prayers for the Church Unity Octave

(The Vatican website also includes "Biblical Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days".)

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Fri. 01/17/03 01:11:43 PM
Categorized as Religious.

Intentions, Themes, and Readings for Christian Unity Octave

Grouped by day.

Day One: January 18

Traditional Catholic Intention: For the return of the "other sheep" to the One Fold of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: East Orthodox, Coptic, and other Eastern Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Matthew 18:19-22.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

We have this treasure in clay jars (2 Cor 4:7)

Hope

Gen 15:1-7
Ps 16
Heb 9:8-12
Lk 24:13-35

Day Two: January 19

Traditional Catholic Intention: For the return of the Eastern Orthodox Christians to communion with the Apostolic See.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 9:49-56.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

We are afflicted in every way but not crushed (2 Cor 4:8)

Faith

Ex 5:6-17
Ps 128
Heb 11:13-27
Mt 2:14-15

Day Three: January 20

Traditional Catholic Intention: For the return of the Anglicans to the authority of the Vicar of Christ.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Anglican, Old Catholic, and allied Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: Ephesians 4:1-6; John 10:11-16.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

So that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies (1 Cor 4:10)

In the image of Christ

Gen 1:26-27
Ps 45
1 Tim 6:11-16
Mt 5:14-15

Day Four: January 21

Traditional Catholic Intention: For the return of all Protestants throughout the world to the unity of the Catholic Church.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Lutheran, Moravian, and Methodist Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 11:45-52.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

That the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh (2 Cor 4:11)

Dignity of human life

Ezra 1:1-4
Ps 50
Rm 6:6-14
Mk 9:33-37

Day Five: January 22

Traditional Catholic Intention: That Christians in America may be one, in union with the Chair of Saint Peter.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: Philippians 2:1-13; John 13:1-5.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

I believed and so I spoke (2 Cor 4:13)

Courage

Josh 1:1-9
Ps 113
Eph 2:11-22
Mk 7:24-30

Day Six: January 23

Traditional Catholic Intention: That lapsed Catholics will return to the Sacraments of the Church.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Baptist, Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite, and Christian (Disciples of Christ) Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: Colossians 3:9-17; John 17:1-11.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

So that grace as it extends to more and more (2 Cor 4:15)

The justice of God's grace

Deut 10:17-22
Ps 103:1-13
Rom 3:21-31
Mt 5:1-12

Day Seven: January 24

Traditional Catholic Intention: That the Jewish people will be converted to the Catholic Faith.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches.

Epistle and Gospel: 1 Timothy 2:5-8; John 17:11-19.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

So we do not lose heart (2 Cor 4:16)

Perseverance

Neh 7:73-8:3, 9-10
Ps 118:5-9, 19-24
Acts 7:54-8:5
Mk 10:28-30

Day Eight: January 25

Traditional Catholic Intention: That missionary zeal will conquer the world for Christ.

Traditional Episcopalian Intention: Other groups, particularly "non-mainstream" ones; theologians and councils seeking to promote Christian Unity while preserving Christian Truth.

Epistle and Gospel: 1 John 4:9-15; John 17:20-26.

Official daily theme and readings, 2003:

Preparing for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor 4:17)

Called to unity on the path to Glory

Is 33:17-22
Ps 42
Eph 4:1-6
Jn 17:20-26

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Fri. 01/17/03 01:10:46 PM
Categorized as Religious.

Intentions, Themes, and Readings for Christian Unity Octave

Grouped by category.

These are traditional Catholic prayer intentions for each day in the Octave (as listed here):

January 18: For the return of the "other sheep" to the One Fold of our Lord Jesus Christ.

January 19: For the return of the Eastern Orthodox Christians to communion with the Apostolic See.

January 20: For the return of the Anglicans to the authority of the Vicar of Christ.

January 21: For the return of all Protestants throughout the world to the unity of the Catholic Church.

January 22: That Christians in America may be one, in union with the Chair of Saint Peter.

January 23: That lapsed Catholics will return to the Sacraments of the Church.

January 24: That the Jewish people will be converted to the Catholic Faith.

January 25: That missionary zeal will conquer the world for Christ.

These are traditional Anglican/Episcopalian prayer intentions for each day in the Octave (as listed here):

(18) East Orthodox, Coptic, and other Eastern Churches

(19) Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches

(20) Anglican, Old Catholic, and allied Churches

(21) Lutheran, Moravian, and Methodist Churches

(22) Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed Churches

(23) Baptist, Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite, and Christian (Disciples of Christ) Churches

(24) Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches

(25) Other groups, particularly "non-mainstream" ones; theologians and councils seeking to promote Christian Unity while preserving Christian Truth

Here are lists of Epistles and Gospels from the Mass for Christian Unity in the Lectionary of the Roman Missal (Editio Typica Altera):

1. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
2. Ephesians 2:19-22
3. Ephesians 4:1-6
4. Ephesians 4:30-5:2
5. Philippians 2:1-13
6. Colossians 3:9-17
7. 1 Timothy 2:5-8
8. 1 John 4:9-15

1. Matthew 18:19-22
2. Luke 9:49-56
3. John 10:11-16
4. John 11:45-52
5. John 13:1-5
6. John 17:1-11
7. John 17:11-19
8. John 17:20-26

Here is the summary of daily themes and readings for this year (from the Vatican website):

Day 1

We have this treasure in clay jars (2 Cor 4:7)

Hope

Gen 15:1-7
Ps 16
Heb 9:8-12
Lk 24:13-35

Day 2

We are afflicted in every way but not crushed (2 Cor 4:8)

Faith

Ex 5:6-17
Ps 128
Heb 11:13-27
Mt 2:14-15

Day 3

So that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies (1 Cor 4:10)

In the image of Christ

Gen 1:26-27
Ps 45
1 Tim 6:11-16
Mt 5:14-15

Day 4

That the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh (2 Cor 4:11)

Dignity of human life

Ezra 1:1-4
Ps 50
Rm 6:6-14
Mk 9:33-37

Day 5

I believed and so I spoke (2 Cor 4:13)

Courage

Josh 1:1-9
Ps 113
Eph 2:11-22
Mk 7:24-30

Day 6

So that grace as it extends to more and more (2 Cor 4:15)

The justice of God's grace

Deut 10:17-22
Ps 103:1-13
Rom 3:21-31
Mt 5:1-12

Day 7

So we do not lose heart (2 Cor 4:16)

Perseverance

Neh 7:73-8:3, 9-10
Ps 118:5-9, 19-24
Acts 7:54-8:5
Mk 10:28-30

Day 8

Preparing for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor 4:17)

Called to unity on the path to Glory

Is 33:17-22
Ps 42
Eph 4:1-6
Jn 17:20-26

(The Vatican website also includes "Biblical Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days".)

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Fri. 01/17/03 01:10:36 PM
Categorized as Religious.

Prayers for the Church Unity Octave

In honor of Saints Peter and Paul.

The Chair of St. Peter, Apostle (Feast)

All-powerful Father, you have built your Church on the rock of Saint Peter's confession of faith. May nothing divide or weaken our unity in faith and love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III, February 22, p. 1390.

The Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle (Feast)

God our Father, you taught the Gospel to all the world through the preaching of Paul your apostle. May we who celebrate his conversion to the faith follow him in bearing witness to your truth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III, January 25, p. 1329.

Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity)

Lord our God, encourage us through the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul. May the apostles who strengthened the faith of the infant Church help us on our way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III, June 29, p. 1502.

The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles (Memorial)

Lord, give your Church the protection of the apostles. From them it first received the faith of Christ. May they help your Church to grow in your grace until the end of time. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. IV, November 18, p. 1571.

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Fri. 01/17/03 01:10:12 PM
Categorized as Religious.

Prayers for the Church Unity Octave

Episcopalian

For the Unity of the Church

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer (1979) Collects: Various Occcasions 14, p. 255

For the Unity of the Church

Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one: Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer (1979) Prayers for the Church 14, p. 818

United Methodist

For Church Unity

O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst pray that thy Church might be one even as thou and the Father are one: Make us who profess one Lord, one faith, and one Baptism, to be of one heart and of one mind. Deliver us from blindness and prejudice, from intolerance and evil-speaking, that, joined in one holy bond of faith and charity, we, whom thou hast reconciled to thyself, may be reconciled to one another, and so make thy praise glorious; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Book of Worship (1964-65) Prayers of Petition and Intercession 4, p. 185

For the Unity of God's People

O almighty God, who didst send thy Son Jesus Christ to break down every middle wall of partition, and who didst create in him one new man by reconciling all men to thyself in one body through the cross: Hear us, we beseech thee, who maintain old walls, and build new ones, so separating ourselves one from the other and bringing the cross to open shame. Remove far from us, we pray thee, all false pride and worldly ambition, that being kindly affectioned one toward another, and in honor preferring one another, we may worship thee in spirit and in truth, one people of God; to the glory of thy holy name. Amen.

Book of Worship (1964-65) Prayers of Petition and Intercession 5, p. 185

Catholic

For the Unity of Christians

God our Father, you send the power of the Gospel into the world as a life-giving leaven. Fill with the Spirit of Christ those whom you call to live in the midst of the world and its concerns; help them by their work on earth to build up your eternal kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 6, p. 1958

For the Unity of Christians

Almighty and eternal God, you keep together those you have united. Look kindly on all who follow Jesus your Son. We are all consecrated to you by our common baptism; make us one in the fullness of faith and keep us one in the fellowship of love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 7, p. 1958

For the Unity of Christians

Lord, lover of mankind, fill us with the love your Spirit gives. May we live in a manner worthy of our calling; make us witnesses of your truth to all men and help us work to bring all believers together in the unity of faith and the fellowship of peace. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 8, p. 1958

For the Unity of Christians

God our Father, you bring many nations together to unite in praising your name. Make us able and willing to do what you ask. May the people you call to your kingdom be one in faith and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 9, p. 1958

For the Unity of Christians

Lord, hear the prayers of your people and bring the hearts of believers together in your praise and in common sorrow for their sins. Heal all divisions among Christians that we may rejoice in the perfect unity of your Church and move together as one to eternal life in your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 10, p. 1959

For the Unity of Christians

Father, look with love on your people and pour out upon them the gifts of your Spirit. May they constantly grow in the love of truth. May they study and work together for perfect unity among Christians. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 11, p. 1959

For the Unity of Christians

Lord, pour out upon us the fullness of your mercy and by the power of your Spirit remove divisions among Christians. Let your Church rise more clearly as a sign for all the nations that the world may be filled with the light of your Spirit and believe in Jesus Christ whom you have sent, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgy of the Hours (1975) Vol. III Appendix III: Additional Prayers 12, p. 1960

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Fri. 01/17/03 01:10:09 PM
Categorized as Religious.