A Prayer for the Consultation on Church Union
Diocesan Press Service. March 6, 1964 [XIX-9]
Sunday, April 12, 1964
Let us pray for the Consultation on Church Union, in session this coming week at Princeton, New Jersey, that its delegates may be led by God to discover His will for the oneness of the Church:
Unto Thee, Lord God, we give thanks at this time for stirring up Thy people to seek peace and unity in Jesus Christ. Thy Holy Spirit reminds us anew that the walls of hostility and estrangement were once and for all broken down by Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. By His self-giving and suffering hast Thou given us healing and reconciliation. By His calling the disciples into faithful community hast Thou set forth Thy Church. And by sending them' forth as witnesses to Thy love hast Thou commissioned us to share the Gospel with all men.
Forgive us, most merciful Father, because we have been careless of our calling and have misused the gift of Thine atoning love. Have mercy upon us for tolerating so long the divisions of parties, races, and churches within Thy one Church. And help us this day to rind Thy will for such form of Thy Church as will enable Thy people to live together in unity, to bear witness in fidelity, and to serve effectively in love. In the name of our one Redeemer and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.