Today is Day one of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024 has been prepared by the churches of Burkina Faso.

The theme this year is “Go and Do Likewise.”

Each day there is are bible readings, prayers for the community and the world, a time of reflection, a question and a 'Go and Do'

The details are below are on also on the website www.ramsbottomchurches.org where you can also download a PDF of the week's booklet

DAY 1— THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY 2024

A lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25)

Help us, Lord, to have a life turned towards you.

Additional scripture passages

Romans 14: 8-9

Psalm 103: 13-18

Reflection

“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This crucial question asked of Jesus by a lawyer challenges every believer in God. It affects the meaning of our life on earth and for eternity. Elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus gives us the ultimate definition of eternal life “… that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17: 3).

Knowing God means discovering and doing the will of God in our lives.

Violence, greed and exploitation distance us from one another and from Jesus as “the Way” that leads us to the Father, our ultimate destiny. Speaking from a society that has been torn apart and traumatised by violence and identity based conflict for the last eight years, the churches of Burkina Faso offer us a message of hope in the promise of Christ’s all-embracing love.

We pray for

Ramsbottom Community Church.

Emmanuel Church, Holcombe.

Our local vision for working together in Ramsbottom.

Our brothers and sisters in Christ who are unable to worship freely.

We pray together

God of life, You have created us to have life, and life in all its fullness.

Help your wounded church to be a source of hope and healing.

As we follow the way of Jesus with determination, may we lead others to you.

Amen

Question

How do you see God’s dream for you unfolding in your life?

Go and do

Christians gathering to worship and witness in parts of Burkina Faso have been attacked and murdered, and the threat of violence continues to oppress and scatter that community. As we gather this week, pray for all those facing persecution in Burkina Faso and other parts of the world.