A Prayer About Unity

When I see divisions in the church

DEAR LORD,

Clearly you want your people to be unified, to be one—I find this stated often in Scripture. But the church has been anything but that in our two thousand years of history, with schisms, trials, and even wars. In my lifetime, I’ve heard of or witnessed several church splits. Occasionally theology is the dividing issue, sometimes rightly so. But usually the offense comes from a new worship style, a beloved staff member being dismissed, the way the youth ministry uses a building, or even the color of the carpet in the new addition. I feel th is deeply right now because a few members in my church are stirring things up, trying to move against the pastor. What they are doing is wrong and certainly not how your people should behave. Please bring these individuals to their spiritual senses. I pray against Satan, bitterness, and anger, and I pray for understanding, healing, and love. And show me how I can be a peacemaker here. Unify your church—locally, nationally, and internationally—around our Savior and our common mission. Make us one.

[Jesus said,] “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:20-21