Prayer for Mission and Unity

There is great power in this prayer of Bishop Stephen, used widely today in Chelmsford Diocese, if used to slowly and reflectively:

O Holy Trinity,

three persons but One God,

open our minds to know your will;

open our hearts to receive your peace;

open our hands to do your work;

give your church the unity which was Christ’s prayer;

help us live with conscientious difference;

forgive us when we gain the world and put our souls in danger.

You know what is good for us:

come by your Spirit and change us,

let your church reflect the beauty, diversity and hospitality that we see in you,

lead us to a place of graceful concord:

a self-forgetful love,

a turning back to Christ:

for with your grace to help we can be one,

and in your strength can strive to serve and bless,

and by your will can see your kingdom come.

Use us to the full;

and when we are empty, fill us afresh.

We know you love your church,

help us to love each other.

Unite us in the effervescent joy of your declaring,

but not just us – we ask it so the world may believe.

And in these days of uncertainty, we ask it in the name of him

who is our foundation, our salvation and our end, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen