We had a wonderful set of gatherings this year for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! The theme for 2022 was the Epiphany, taken from the second chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew. The material was developed by the Middle East Council of Churches and, in particular, churches in Lebanon. The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “coming forth.” Each year in January, the Church recalls the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem, as they come to see God’s redemptive work in the Incarnation of Christ. Together, we discerned God’s shining light in front of us.
See highlighted photos & videos from the various prayer gatherings below!
In the midst of humanity’s darkness, the star from the East shone. The star’s light was not only an illumination at a particular historical moment but it continues to shine and change the face of human history. Despite the vicissitudes of history and the changing of circumstances, the Risen One continues to shine, moving within the flow of history like a beacon guiding all into this perfect light and overcoming the darkness which separates us from one another.
-Opening prayer from the worldwide worship service for this year’s Week of Prayer
Featured panelists included Christian Grant, Katie Lamirato, Andrea St. Louis, Fugi Acevedo and Jane Kyong Chun with Rev. David Wright as the moderator. They shared about the need for the Church to engage in the collective struggle against correcting oppression, to practice what we preach, to partner with anyone and everyone for the sake of a greater mission, and create space for difference rather than fearing it. There is so much wisdom here that we all can glean from – Click here to watch the full length video and here is a 3-minute highlight version.
This ecumenical prayer service included the intercessions and inspirations suggested in the materials presented by the Middle East Council of Churches on this year’s theme. It was a beautiful time of prayer and song in different languages, led by members of the Boston Focolare community originally from Middle Eastern countries.Three children closed out the prayer gathering singing, “You call us by name to be your own people…come make us one in you. Here we are.” These lyrics were from an original song “You Call Us By Name” written by the Focolare women’s community.
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Mt 2:2). Through melodic singing, scripture, silence, and prayer, the Taize community at MIT hosted a beautiful prayer service. Participants sung songs and and heard scripture read in multiple languages in alignment with Taize’s international message of reconciliation.
Here is a screenshot of the Boston-area pastors who gathered online to pray for God to unite the church. They prayed for His Spirit to heal, comfort and deliver. Pastors on the call, included Revs. Robin Lütjohann, Melinda Watson Priest, Devlin Scott, Barry Kang, Josh Wilson, Samuel Acevedo, Gloria White-Hammond, Wendy Miller Olapade, and Davie Hernandez.
From Pastor Robin Lutjohann: “I was moved by the prayers people shared – and felt that this was well worth our time. I feel strengthened in Christ.”
Wednesday January 25: Listening Prayer and Discernment
What God is speaking for the Church in Boston in 2022? Pastor Devlin Scott and Kika Ghobrials led us in a time of listening to God, discerning, and sharing words to hold onto for 2022. Here is our collective Word of God for the Church in Boston in 2022:
We humbly submit this as a word from the Lord for His Church in Boston recorded on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. May you hold on to it in seasons of plenty and lack, growth and shrinkage, momentum and stagnation.
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