During the Week of Prayer for for Christian Unity (WPCU), the NH Council of Churches will post daily reflections from leaders its the ten member denominations. This year’s theme is “Justice and only justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

Day 5: To bring good news to the poor

Amos 8:4-8
Luke 4:16-21

Reflection

The goal of Christian Unity is not only worthwhile, it is inevitable. What we celebrate is something God has planned all along. The question for us is how will we navigate this unity in the coming weeks, months, years and decades. We are moving in that direction, however ploddingly the pace may be.

Prayer

God our Father,
forgive our lust for power
and free us from the temptation to oppress others.
By your Holy Spirit of communion,
help us to live in solidarity with our neighbor,
and so share together with your Son Jesus
in fulfilling your promise of freedom from poverty and oppression.
We pray in his name. Amen.

About the Author

Bishop Jim Hazelwood is the bishop of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which has 14 congregations in New Hampshire.