Week of Prayer for CHRISTIAN UNITY

4 May - 11 May 2008

“Pray without ceasing”  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

In 2008 the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity marks 100 years since the first 'Prayer Octave (eight days) for Christian Unity' began in 1908.  These 8 days leading up to the great feast of Pentecost - May 4 to May 11  - are therefore a wonderful historic opportunity to renew and deepen our relationships in the one God in whom we share together through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.  This year's theme appropriately is 'Pray without ceasing' (1 Thess 5:17) and a variety of resources and links wil be found below to assist Australians in joining more effectively in that great wave of prayer begun by Jesus himself when he prayed 'that they may all be one... so that the world may believe' (John 17:21).

The 2008 resources, adapted for use in Australia, have their origin in Graymoor, USA, where the 'Prayer Octave for Christian Unity' began in 1908.  They offer fresh encouragement to churches here to worship together locally, to witness to their unity in Christ, and to pray and act for the greater visible expression of that unity.  Link them into daily and weekly prayers, and with other special occasions (such as the World Day of Prayer on March 7 and National Day of Thanksgiving on May 10) and such prayer will be indeed become unceasing.  For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2008  is also an opportunity to reflect further on the vital importance of what is sometimes called 'spiritual ecumenism', the foundation of all Christian work for reconciliation and unity.

NCCA RESOURCES (click on the underlined blue links to download*)

• A shorter (for congregational use) Order of Worship in PDF format 
  or in Word Format

• A Powerpoint outline of the shorter (for congregational use) Order of Worship

• A full Order of Worship (with guidelines and suggestions for leaders of worship)
   in PDF Format or in Word Format 

• Daily Prayers and Reflections in PDF Format

Printed copies of the above resources and

• A Poster (in colour) for local advertising       $6 each

• Prayer Cards        $8 for 20

Available from: NCCA        
Ph: (02) 9299 2215, email: wopcu@ncca.org.au
or from [your state ecumenical council]

*You will need Adobe Acrobat to view these resources

If you download resources from the NCCA website, it would be greatly appreciated if you could make a donation to the NCCA for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Many thanks!

OTHER RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Praying for Christian Unity throughout a Century of Changes (PDF)
  - a reflection placing this year's Week of Prayer in its historical background and context
  
  
• Notes on the Biblical text and 2008 theme for Homilies and Information (PDF)
  
  
• Students and Youth Call to Prayer and Action for Christian Unity (PDF)
  
  
• walk4one - One Young Australian's Walk Across The World Praying for Christian Unity
  - check out Sam's Journey and join his prayer4one!
  
  
• National Day of Thanksgiving 2008 (Sat 10 May) website
  
  
• World Day of Prayer Australia - another step in the prayer for unity (marked on 7 March 2008)
  
  
• further materials at the Faith & Order website of the World Council of Churches
  
  
• more information and further suggestions for prayer and action at the Graymoor Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2008 website  
  
  
• Contact Your State Ecumenical Council for further assistance and information on local resources and events!