The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international initiative where Christians worldwide are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). Locally, UniteBoston coordinates evening collaborative gatherings of fellowship, prayer and worship from January 18-25 annually.

This Year’s Theme: Drawing from the resilience and liturgical richness of the Christians of Armenia—Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical—this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites us to reflect on Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” As the first nation to officially embrace Christianity in 301 CE, Armenia offers a profound witness to unity that has survived centuries of persecution and displacement. The materials for 2026 highlight that our shared identity is rooted in a ancient covenant, symbolized by the safe arrival of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat and the promise of the rainbow. By focusing on our common vocation and the “one hope” of salvation, we are challenged to move beyond historical divisions toward a conversion of heart, practicing a unity that embraces diversity while remaining steadfast in the love and mission of Christ.

Mark Your Calendars – You are invited to mark your calendars and plan to attend the evening gatherings! In this time of Epiphany, we encourage you to receive the manifestation of Jesus Christ through those of different denominations, races and cultures. Let’s make the most of these opportunities in order to truly be the family of God and serve as the body of Christ in the world. Let’s also pray with our feet – consider how our beliefs can come together in common action and witness.

Spread the Word – We also appreciate help spreading the word to people in your congregation, family, friends, and neighbors. A personal invitation goes a long way.

UB Board Devotionals – This year for the Week of Prayer, the UniteBoston Board and Staff will be sharing video devotional and prayers, which will be shared on our social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Calling to mind our common commitment to ‘love thy neighbor,’ may the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2025 be full of moments of conversion of heart through our encounters, so that “all may be one.”

Resources for Your Week of Prayer Experience

Litany for Christian Unity

Christian Unity Daily Prayer Guide – Created by the Greymoor Institute or The Initiative

Introduction on the Theme from Greymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Initiative

As you are able, please also share this invitation with other churches and communities in your network so that more communities may gather to pray at this pivotal time in our country and city.

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Schedule for Gatherings in Boston & New England

*All events are free and open to all.*

Thurs January 15  – Taizé Prayer with the Sisters of St. Joseph 

7:00 to 7:45pm at Motherhouse Chapel of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 637 Cambridge St, Brighton, MA 02135

Taizé prayer is a simple form of Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence, and song based on the daily prayer of the religious community in Taizé, France. As women rooted in the Gospel whose mission is to deepen relationships with God and neighbor, the Sisters of St. Joseph invite you to join in praying for unity and love in our world and in our own hearts.

Mon January 19 – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

We encourage you to join into many different opportunities to remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Events listed with Meet Boston, City of Cambridge. Various volunteer and service opportunities listed through Boston Cares and City Year.

Tues January 20 – Tuesday Noontime Prayer

12:00 to 1:00pm at Currie Chapel, Tremont Temple Baptist Church, 88 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02108

Based on the model of the 19th century noontime city prayer meetings preceding the Third Great Awakening, the Navigators host a noontime prayer meeting at Tremont Temple Baptist Church every Tuesday. We gather to offer prayers of adoration and supplication with an emphasis on awakening and revival in the city of Boston and beyond.  All are welcome. Contact: Craig Parker, craig.parker@navigators.org

Tues January 20 – ‘It Ain’t Over:’ Music for Hope, Joy and Justice 

6:30 – 8:30pm At First Congregational Church of Wareham, 11 Gibbs Ave, Wareham MA 02571

Join the First Congregational Church of Wareham, UCC and the Arts at the Stone Church ministry for an evening of music, story, and reflection with Rev. Devlin Scott on Tuesday, January 20 in the Greozinger Room (11 Gibbs Ave, Wareham). A singer-songwriter, pastor, worship leader, and choir director, Devlin Scott’s music bridges faith, culture, and justice with honesty and hope, featuring songs from his debut single It Ain’t Over, which speaks to resilience and God’s presence in both joy and struggle. Light meal at 6:30 PM, performance at 7:30 PM. Free and open to all; donations welcome, with free parking available.

Wed January 21 – Forgiveness: An Alternative Account 

 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111

Rev. Dr. Matthew Ichihashi Potts explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness from his book ‘Forgiveness: An Alternative Account.’ Though forgiveness is often linked with reconciliation or the abatement of anger, Potts resists these associations, asserting instead that forgiveness is simply the refusal of retaliatory violence through practices of penitence and grief.  Join us at 6:00 PM for refreshments; the talk begins at 6:30 PM. Free and open to all. Sign up HERE

Thurs January 22 – United as One Body Worship and Prayer Night

6:00 to 8:00pm at NewCity Church, 1135 Walnut Street, Newton MA 02461

Join us for a powerful worship and prayer night hosted by Rev. Devlin Scott from NewCity Church as we focus on the Ephesians vision of one body in alignment with the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Childcare will be provided; contact Rev. Devlin to request, devlin@newcitychurch.cc.

Thurs January 22 – Prayer for Christian Unity

7:00 to 8:00pm online – Zoom Link here

You are warmly invited to join pastors and leaders from the United Methodist and Episcopal Churches in New England for a prayer service for Christian Unity. We are honored that Bishop Thomas Brown, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, will preach and share the gospel with us. Bishop Thomas Bickerton, Bishop of the New England Conference (UMC), will also be present. Join via Zoom here

Sat January 24 – Building Bridges Workshop 

9am to 2:30pm at First Federated Church, 200 Central Street, Hudson, MA, 01749  

Grounded in Ephesians 2:19–22, this gathering celebrates our shared identity as “one household” in God, with Christ as the cornerstone. We are honored to welcome Dr. Virginia Ward as our keynote speaker. A dynamic pastor and educator, Dr. Ward will inspire us to build bridges of grace and unity across our diverse cultures and generations. $30/person or $100 for a group of any size. Register here.

Sun January 25 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service

7:00pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 61 Wood St, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Join pastoral leaders in the Hopkinton area for liturgical prayer using the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship service. Fr. Len Cowen from the Abbey of the Way will be the homilist.

Mon Jan 26 – Taize prayer with The Crossing

 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, 138 Tremont Street,  Boston, MA 02111

Join the Crossing Community for Taize prayer, a simple form of Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence, and song based on the daily prayer of the religious community in Taizé, France.