FORMATION
FORMATION 2004
THEME NO. 6
“Ecumenism”
Call to Prayer
Leader:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All:
Amen.
Opening Prayer
Leader:
Blessed are you Lord God of all creation, for you care for us with steadfast love and guide us through your Word.
All:
Strengthen us, O gracious God, now and always, that through our reflection on your Word, we may learn your way ever more clearly and witness to your love through care of your people and praise of your Holy Name. Blessed are you, God, forever. Amen.
Word of God
The Gospel according to John 17: 18—26
The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully
As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
"I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
"Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me.
I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the scripture text. Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.
The Sharing
Take 10 minutes now to share your insights from the reading of the Word of God.
Closing Prayer
Leader:
Let us pray.
All:
Gracious God, in this time of prayer and reflection on your Word,
we have been reminded of how we are called to work for the unity of all Christians. Strengthen us in our efforts to remain faithful to your purpose in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
You are encouraged to continue the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ in the weeks between meetings. For your reflection, further Scripture texts relating to the Theme "Ecumenism" are included here.
Ezekiel 36: 24—28; Matthew 18: 19—22; John 10: 11—16; John 17: 1—11;
Ephesians 4:30 — 5:2; Philippians 2: 1—13.
