“Praying for Togetherness to a God of Togetherness”
The resource is provided by the World Council of Churches as a resource for households, schools, and church services where all ages are present.
Centred around the Nicene Creed, the resource provides a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the common faith of Christians, which was put into words in the Creed at the Council of Nicaea, 1700 years ago in 325 AD.
“As we offer this resource for the first time, we hope that parents, pastors, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and all involved in Christian education and worship will find it helpful and inspiring.”
Download the World Council of Churches: “Praying for Togetherness to a God of Togetherness”
This resource is meant to be engaging and interactive.
- Storytelling with questions that are centred around various elements of the Creed.
- The construction of an ‘altar of prayer symbols.’ This can be done if there is an ecumenical worship service for people of all ages. However, it can also be completed over the course of the week of prayer as part of the daily gathering of children within the home or at school. Ultimately, the context will determine usage as the resource is adapted.
- The colouring of icons. For those whose spiritual contexts and faith traditions do not include icons, the question may be asked, what is an icon? The word comes from the Greek language (eikona) and means image. We are living icons because we are all made in the image and according to the likeness of God.
Some Christians use icons in their traditions to represent Jesus, the Virgin Mary, saints, and other biblical stories. Through their usage they helped early Christians, especially those who could not read, to understand many aspects of the Christian faith better.
“… in today’s world, even if one can read and understand the bible, an image can be more helpful than words in aiding one’s understanding of the Christian faith.”
In addition to the icons to be coloured, others have been included in the resource in particular, to show what icons look like.
Each person can use their creativity in colouring the icon ensuring that their imagination is connected with their Christian faith.
Read about the WCC resource project and contributors here.
Further resources for the Nicaea anniversary
Nicaea — The conference that changed the world – ABC listen (ABC Radio National: Soul Search, 17 April 2025)
The 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea: An opportunity to reestablish a common date for Easter? – ABC Religion & Ethics (by Matthew Crawford, 19 April 2025)