Mothers’ Union Devotion Wednesday 19th January 2022

Today is Day 2 of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022 which has the theme of ‘We Saw His Star in the East’. The material for this year has been written by the churches in the Middle East who see the story of the Magi, as they travel from far-off countries and diverse cultures in search of the new-born king, acting as a metaphor for Christian unity. These intrepid seekers still speak to us today, calling all different Christian people to draw together in their common search to recognise Christ, to know him, to worship him and to witness to the wider need for unity and justice. The story of the Magi is not all peace and light, their very journey resulting in the slaughter of many innocent children. Indeed, the Middle East is still a place of such pointless loss of life, personal tragedy and ongoing darkness, but it is through seeking the peace of Christ as a single body that we are able to help turn on the lights.

So, what can we do to help in this global call for Christian Unity? As a Mothers’ Union we are part of a worldwide organisation which brings light into darkness, hope into despair and love into division. Every day we are called to pray for the countries in our Wave of Prayer, for their members, for their projects and for their communities. We work towards a universal goal of supporting families in need and all our work is upheld through our lives of prayer. The power of prayer can bring about the change in the world we so desperately desire but it will also bring about a change of heart in ourselves. Praying for others, for the truly dreadful situations they find themselves in, leads us to become alert to the needs of others and our conscious and unconscious actions which make us complicit in their suffering.

Christian Unity will only become a reality when we commit ourselves to following the star which leads to Jesus and then acting as he calls us with compassion, non-judgemental, forgiving hearts and self-sacrificing practical aid and service.

Prayer for Day 3

Lord, you led us out of darkness to hope in Jesus.

Unite us in our commitment to establish your reign of love, justice and peace,

bringing light to those living in the darkness of despair and disillusionment.

Shine your light upon us and surround us with the warmth of your love.

Lift us up to you, so that our lives may glorify you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

With all my love and prayers

Revd Sandra