Please join the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement for a

Mass of Christian Unity

in observation of the 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Sunday, January 19, 2025
11 AM Eastern

Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel
40 Franciscan Way
Garrison, NY 10524

 Fr. Jim Gardiner, SA – Preacher

The 2025 theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is “Do you believe?” (John 11:26): the theme honors the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, at which the question of common belief was upheld as a paramount pillar for church integrity, while also drawing us into the gospel episode of the resurrection of Lazarus, offering a promise of hope in times of communal fragmentation and death-dealing power. For more information about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the 2025 theme, or materials to aid in observing the WPCU in your home community, visit geii.org/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity.

“It is my hope that you will join us for these opportunities to pray, in the spirit of our Founders, that Christ’s prayer ‘That all may be one’ will be realized.” – V. Rev. Fr. Emil Tomaskovic

Daily Scripture and Prayer Guide

Day 2 – Creation as God’s work

Scripture Readings
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 148:1, 3, 9-14
Romans 8:19-23

Meditation
The first book given by God to rational beings is the nature of created things. Instruction by means of ink was added after the transgression. – Isaac of Nineveh (7th century), First Collection, 5.

We believe that God is present in all of creation although his presence is sometimes difficult to perceive. Creation is a gift of God subjected to suffering, often inflicted by human beings. How can we better recognize our responsibility for its care and preservation? If possible, spend some time in nature and contemplate how it connects us with the Creator.

Prayer
Lord God, Father of lights, strengthen our hearts in expectation and hope as we work for unity and together seek the harmony of all creation. Let us be burning lamps, until the day of the coming of your Son in glory, with all his saints in the everlasting kingdom. Blessed are you, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

For more daily prayers visit the Daily Scripture and Prayer Guide at geii.org.