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Contents : ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS PRAYER SERVICES Prepared by The Commission on Ecumenism And Interreligious Affairs Diocese of Phoenix January 1 2009 INTRODUCTION Pope John Paul II in his encyclical letter That They May Be One (Ut Unam Sint) expressed an earnest desire that the call for Christian unity made by the Second Vatican Council be renewed with deep commitment. the quest for Christian unity is not a matter of choice or expediency but a duty which springs from the very nature of the Christian community. (#49) He emphasized the importance of prayer in this renewal. In this journey which we are undertaking with other Christians prayer must occupy the first place. (#102) Every parishioner in the Phoenix diocese is encouraged to pray alone and with others for Christian unity and interreligious harmony. This prayer guide can be used with the various groups which already meet in the parish at a time of prayer specifically for Christian unity or interreligious relationships and/or by individuals at home or at church for private prayer. The baptism we share with all our sister and brother Christians calls us to ongoing conversion and lived discipleship. As people of faith we are called to respect the religious traditions of others. As stated in the Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio) from the Second Vatican Council This change of heart and holiness of life along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement and merits the name spiritual ecumenism. (8) In its Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate) the Council stated the Church therefore urges her sons (and daughters) to enter with prudence and charity into discussion and collaboration with members of other religions. (2) And We cannot truly pray to God the Father of all if we treat any people in other than brotherly (or sisterly) fashion for all are created in God s image. (5) Note: (All psalms from The Psalter Translated by International Commission on English in the Liturgy. Readings from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament 1986 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.) 1 Psalm 67 OPENING PRAYER (Litany of the Presence of Christ) NOTE: TO BE USED WITH ALL TWELVE SERVICES L. Jesus Risen Lord Favor and bless us Lord. Let your face shine on us revealing your way to all peoples salvation the world over. Let nations sing your praise every nation on earth. All We gather in your name. L. Jesus Good Shepherd The world will shout for joy for you rule the planet with justice. In fairness you govern the nations and guide the peoples of earth. All We gather in your name. L. Jesus Word of life All We gather in your name. L. Jesus friend of the poor Let the nations sing your praise every nation on earth. All We gather in your name. L. Jesus source of all forgiveness The land delivers its harvest God our God has blessed us. O God continue your blessing may the whole world worship you. All We gather in your name. L. Jesus Prince of peace All We gather in your name. All Lord Jesus Christ You call us together in faith and love. Breathe again the new life of your Holy Spirit among us that we may hear your holy word pray in your name seek unity among Christians (and harmony with all men and women) and live more fully the faith we profess. All glory and honor be yours with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. Litany 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 2 Reading: Acts 2: 42-47 The first Christians devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. 35 12. INTERFAITH DIALOGUE CLOSING PRAYER Furthermore in her rejection of every persecution against any man the Church has always held and holds now Christ underwent His passion and death freely because of the sins of men and out of infinite love in order that all may reach salvation. It is therefore the burden of the Church's preaching to proclaim the cross of Christ as the sign of God's all-embracing love and as the fountain from which every grace flows. We cannot truly call on God the Father of all if we

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