MCCC Prayer Vigil for Unity
Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”
As members of the Disciples of Christ we have a rich history in our tradition of promoting unity amongst Christians. Barton Stone said, “Unity is our polar star.”
The MCCC sanctuary space will be open on Sunday evenings for silent prayer
– come and go as you feel led –
Sundays, September 8th thru November 10th from 6-7pm.
Please join us if you feel a tug on your heart to pray for peace and unity in this weary world.
Bring a friend and share the word with the community.
November 10, 2024
- Quote: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
- Bible Verse: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Opening Thoughts: As we gather tonight, we remember that each of us is called to the work of renewal and rebuilding relationships, understanding, and trust. May God’s spirit lead us to help restore what is broken so we can be part of God’s healing work. May we commit ourselves to encouraging one another and seeking the common good, knowing that together, we can be a force for peace and hope.
Closing Prayer: God of unity and love, we come before you tonight with open hearts and willing spirits. In a time that often feels divided, we seek your guidance to be builders of peace and bearers of hope. Grant us the strength to persevere in kindness and the courage to reach across divides. Help us, like Nehemiah, to see what is broken and to join together in the work of repair, not for our own gain, but for the common good and your glory. Lord, let your Spirit be the mortar that holds us together, uniting us in purpose and in love. May we leave here tonight ready to serve, ready to listen, and ready to be the light you call us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
November 3, 2024
- Quote: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu
- Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Opening Thoughts: As we gather on this final Sunday before the election, we’re reminded of the power of hope and the resilience that comes when we stand together in unity. The days leading up to change can be filled with uncertainty, but our faith is rooted in the assurance that God is present in every outcome and every season. We pray tonight with hopeful hearts, trusting that, no matter what lies ahead, God’s light will continue to shine and guide us. Together, as one, we seek peace, justice, and unity.
Closing Prayer: Almighty God, we come before you with hope in our hearts and unity on our minds. As our nation prepares for this election, we pray that you fill each one of us with peace, strength, and resilience. Help us to see beyond differences and to recognize the light within each of us that comes from you. May our prayers serve as a reminder that we are one people, held together by your grace and love. Strengthen our resolve to be peacemakers and bridge builders in the days to come. Let your Spirit move in our hearts, giving us hope that shines brighter than any darkness. Guide us, God, as we walk together toward a future rooted in your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
October 27, 2024
- Quote: “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein
- Bible Verse: Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Opening Thoughts: Bridges are powerful symbols of unity. They connect places that were once separated, allowing people to cross boundaries and reach common ground. As we gather in prayer this evening, let us reflect on the bridges we need to build—both in our nation and in our personal lives. It takes courage to cross divides, but in doing so, we can create lasting peace.
Closing Prayer: Loving God, you call us to be peacemakers in a world full of divisions. Help us to build bridges where there are gaps, to offer understanding where there is discord, and to seek peace where there is strife. As we prepare for this upcoming election, may our prayers serve as stones in the foundation of unity. Strengthen us to reach across boundaries and heal the wounds that divide us. Let your love be the bridge that brings us together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 20, 2024
- Quote: “In all things that are purely social, we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.” – Booker T. Washington
- Bible Verse: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Opening Thoughts: Unity is a journey, not a destination. It requires perseverance and patience. As we near the end of our vigil, let us pray for the strength to continue working for unity, even when the road is long and challenging.
Closing Prayer: Lord of all, we know that the path to unity is not always easy, but we trust in your guidance and strength. Help us to persevere in our efforts to bring about peace and goodness in the world. Give us wisdom, patience, and strength
October 13, 2024
- Quote: “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” – Helen Keller
- Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:13 – “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Opening Thoughts: Our faith is a powerful force for unity. As we pray for our nation and world, we also pray that our faith will guide us toward greater commitment to follow Christ’s teachings wherever we are.
Closing Prayer: Faithful God, we turn to you in faith, trusting in your love and guidance. Help us to grow in our faith, that we may be united in our commitment to follow you. Let our faith be a source of strength and unity, drawing us closer to be your hands and feet in the world. Inspire us to work together for justice, peace, and servanthood. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
October 6, 2024
- Quote: “The way to achieve unity of spirit is to join the community in which we are called to work together.” – Dorothy Day
- Bible Verse: James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Opening Thoughts: Unity is more than just an ideal; it is something we must actively pursue. Let us pray for the strength to put our faith into action, working together to bring about the unity we seek.
Closing Prayer: Lord, you have called us not just to believe in unity but to actively pursue it. Give us the strength to put our faith into action, to work together for the unity we long to see. Let our actions be guided by love and justice, and may we be instruments of your peace in all that we do. Unite us in our efforts, that we may bring about the change we seek in our world. Amen.
September 29, 2024
- Quote: “Compassion is the basis of morality.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
- Bible Verse: Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Opening Thoughts: Compassion is at the heart of unity. When we reach out to others with empathy and understanding, we create bonds that transcend our differences. Let us pray that our hearts be filled with compassion as we seek not to be understood, but to understand.
Closing Prayer: Merciful God, you have shown us the power of compassion through the life and teachings of Jesus. Fill our hearts with that same compassion, that we may see the needs of others and respond with love. Let our compassion lead to unity, as we strive to create a world where all are valued and loved. May our actions be a reflection of your love and may your peace dwell in our hearts and in our world. Amen.
September 22, 2024
- Quote: “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- Bible Verse: Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Thoughts: In a world often divided by differences, we are called to be bridge builders. Let us pray for the courage to reach out to others, to listen with open hearts, and to work together for unity.
Prayer: Lord, you have called us to be peacemakers in a divided world. Give us the strength to build bridges where there are walls, to foster understanding where there is division. Let our words and actions be guided by love and grace, and may we be agents of your peace in all that we do. Help us to see the humanity in one another and to work together for the common good. Amen.
September 15, 2024
- Quote: “Unity is not something we achieve by putting our differences aside, but by celebrating those differences as one.” – Steve Maraboli
- Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:12 – “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
Thoughts: Unity does not mean uniformity. It means embracing our diversity and recognizing that each person’s unique gifts contribute to the whole…even when it’s hard to see. Let’s work together to find me more understanding and grace between us.
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for the rich diversity that makes up our nation. Help us to see each person as a valuable part of the whole, each voice as a contribution to an experiment of unity. As we face the challenges of division, remind us that we are stronger together, bound by the love and grace you have given us. May we seek understanding and peace in all we do. Amen
September 8, 2024
- Quote: “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek
- Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Thoughts: As we begin our prayer vigil, let’s reflect on the importance of unity in our lives and in our country. Unity is not merely the absence of division but the presence of a shared purpose. It is a call to stand together, despite our differences, and to work toward the common good.
Prayer: God of Love, as we come together in this sacred space, we ask for your guidance and grace. Unite our hearts as one, that we may see beyond our differences and work together for the greater good. May your peace be upon our land, and may our leaders be filled with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. As we pray for the unity of our nation, help us to be instruments of your love and peace. Amen.
