Here’s an opening prayer based on Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13-32, Mark 16:12-13). It was originally written for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2011, and posted on the World Council of Churches website.
Opening Prayer
(Luke 24:13-32, Mark 16:12-13)
O risen Christ,
On the road to Emmaus you were the disciples’ companion.
Be at our side on the journey of faith
on life’s pathways and at every encounter,
engender our compassion,
so that we may welcome others and listen to their stories.
Kindle anew the desire to proclaim your Word.
May it illumine us and may our hearts burn to bear witness to it.
May your Holy Spirit teach us the art of explaining scripture
and open our eyes to recognize you.
Grant us the courage to become vulnerable
so that our sisters and brothers may know you through us
and that we may know you through them.
Amen.
— from Resources for The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and throughout the year (2010), jointly prepared and published by The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. Posted on the World Council of Churches website.
Or see this revised version, written by Lindsey Sanderson:
Opening Prayer
(Luke 24:13-32, Mark 16:12-13)
Risen Christ,
As you journeyed with the two who travelled the Emmaus Road
travel with us on our journey of faith.
In our encounters on the way
give us compassion to listen to the other’s story,
patience to explain what may seem obvious to ourselves,
and courage to make ourselves vulnerable,
so that others may encounter you through us
and we may rediscover you through them.
Amen.
For more worship resources related to Christian unity, click on Christian Unity in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Resources for Christian Unity Index.
