The week of prayer for Christian Unity began on Tuesday, January 18th.  This year it coincides with the

 annual March for Life in Washington, DC where hundreds of thousands of people will again march down the streets of Washington as witnesses to the sacredness of human life.  

No doubt the divisions Christians have made to Christ's Body have had their own hand in creating the conditions for abortion to be legalized.  To that end, we propose joining these prayers for the protection of human life and the prayers for Christian unity together this week as we turn to the Father through Jesus and with our Blessed Mother, Mary.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of life.  More than simply creating us, you have redeemed us through the blood of Jesus and brought us together into one family, one Church.  Yet, we have not respected either the gift of life or the life you have given us in Your One Church.  

We turn to you today and ask mercy and forgiveness for all the ways we have colluded in the denigration of these gifts of life.  In your mercy, fill us with the grace and courage to bring life to these places where there has been so much death and disharmony.  Rid our world of abortion and gather us all together into the One visible Body of Your Church.  

We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.