The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Day 5—Monday 22nd January 2024

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. (Luke 10: 34)

Lord, help us see the wounds and find hope.

Additional scripture passages

Joel 2: 23-27 Psalm 104: 14-15, 27-30

Reflection

The Good Samaritan did what he could out of his own resources: he poured oil and wine and bandaged the man’s wounds and put him on his own animal. He went further still by promising to pay for the man’s care.

When we see the world through the eyes of the Samaritan, every situation can be an opportunity to help those in need. His example motivates us to ask ourselves how to respond to our neighbour. What can we give, so that we can be part of God’s work of healing a broken world?

This brokenness shows itself in our world through insecurity, fear, distrust and division. Shamefully, these divisions also exist between Christians. Though we celebrate sacraments of healing, reconciliation and consolation, we persist in behaviours that cause division. The healing of our own divisions would perhaps promote the healing of the nations.

We pray for

Dundee Lane URC.

St Andrew’s Church, Ramsbottom.

Our pastoral care groups.

Those who are ill or grieving.

We pray together

Gracious God, You who are the source of all love and goodness; enable us to recognise the needs of our neighbour. Help us to be honest about our need for healing. Change us, so that we can love all, that we might build a world of peace. Thank you for leading us to a future which is full of hope.

Amen

Question

What can we give, so that we can be part of God’s work of healing a broken world?

Go and do

What groups already exist in your area that are actively involved in healing in some way? Explore meaningful ways of engaging with them.