The Millennium Development Goals and a Prayer for Christian Unity

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Murphy-Dye

(These intercessory prayers were part of the Christian unity service at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Albuquerque on Monday, January 20. The same service, prepared by Christian churches in Canada, was used by faith communities around the world). 

Leader: As today we remember and celebrate the commitment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us unite ourselves with our brothers and sisters throughout the world and prayerfully reflect on the United Nations’ Eight Millennium Goals.

Leader: We pray for all people who suffer day to day in poverty and hunger. Their precarious state often causes divisions; may Christ’s love restore justice and peace. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Leader: We pray for all those striving for universal education. May their thirst for knowledge build bridges between our churches and restore respect in our differences. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Leader: We pray for those striving for equal dignity and rights of men and women. May the image of God be honored in all women and men. We remember especially the need for equal access to jobs, goods, and services. As we become one in Christ Jesus, may we fully receive the gifts of both men and women. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Rev. Donna McNiel & Rev. Greg Henneman

Leader: We pray for the young who are sick and those who seek to improve child health. As we take care of children, may we welcome Jesus himself. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Leader: We pray for women who bear children and for their maternal health. May we take care of these mothers who carry new life and whose love for their children reminds us of God’s uniting love for us. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Leader: We pray for those who combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. May we hear the voices of those denied a life of dignity and work to create a world in which all people are respected and cared for, and where no one is excluded. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Leader: We pray for all who suffer the consequences of the poor stewardship of creation and for all endangered species. Guide us to environmental sustainability, so we can be reconciled with creation. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Denominational symbols (plus Bread for the World)

Leader: We pray for those who practice international solidarity and global partnership. As we favor a fair trade of goods and we cancel debt in the poorest countries, may we also strive for justice. Gracious God, hear our prayer,

Congregation: And in your love, answer.

Leader: And finally we pray, using the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

...In spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident – that all people are created equal.”

This is our hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discord of our nation into a beautiful symphony of sisterhood and brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, and to struggle together...

Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Congregation: And in your love, answer.