Oh God, as we gather together this morning around the table of our Lord, we recognize and celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Body of Christ around the world. We gather as one body, believing in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank you Jesus for paying the price for our sin, for the gift of redemption, and for the hope of eternal life. We lift up our praise and thanks to you God.
We pray as well for the unity of the Spirit to bind us together in love. We affirm Paul’s words that “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. As the bread and cup is shared today around the world in different cultures and languages, may we together remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, and as such be obedient to His command. Grant us courage to proclaim Jesus to our families and our world through words and actions.
We also pray for believers around our world who are suffering persecution or discrimination as a result of their faith in you Jesus. Grant courage, strength and perseverance; pour out your grace on their lives. May their faith be a holy witness to those who do not yet know you as Saviour and Lord.