100
days of Prayer
Day 100
The
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s final 2 R’s of Reconciliation.
The Archbishop of
Canterbury’s Six Rs of Reconciliation.
RECONCILING
My
prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me
through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in
me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that
you have sent me. John
17:20-21
Even with the best research, the strongest
relationships and the most worthwhile risk-taking, there will still be deep
resistance to genuine reconciliation. That’s because genuine reconciliation
requires a completely changed attitude to those who have been our enemies; a
total transformation that is difficult for all of us. So why should we bother?
Because in the Beatitudes, God promises that peacemakers – those who bring the
true peace of reconciled relationships and flourishing of life – will be
blessed.
Peter tells Christians in what is now
Turkey that when the Church is reconciled, it will be a witness to the world.
As we journey towards reconciliation, we can begin to handle diversity
creatively and sincerely. We learn collectively to approach difference with
curiosity and compassion, rather than fear. We begin to flourish together in
previously unthinkable ways. Reconciliation transforms alienation into a new
creation, not only restored but reinvigorated. I think that one of the greatest
challenges of our time is whether we have the courage to seek such a remaking
of our world.
RESOURCING
Carry
each other’s burdens. Galatians
6:2
Outsiders can’t do reconciliation: it has
to be people who are doing the fighting. They are the ones who can bring
ongoing transformation and the daily renewal of relationships. But outsiders
can resource others, strengthening them and building their capacity.
After the ascension, Jesus sent the Holy
Spirit to resource the Church. Reconciliation is never something done by one
hero. It is something done by whole groups of people working together, in the
knowledge that God’s Spirit is with us as we seek to support each other on the
journey towards reconciliation
Prayer
Let
us remember those who have died for their country in war; those we knew, and
all who have given their lives for freedom, justice and the hope of peace. As
we look forward and seek the way of peace and reconciliation, you might like to
say this prayer:
Lord,
strengthen our hearts, hands, and minds, to work together for peace; to see you
in one another, and to seek your kingdom above all things; that your will may
be seen to be done, and your Kingdom come, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of
lords and King of kings. Amen.
[The
Liturgical Commission of the Church of England 2018, © The Archbishops’
Council]
Please
pray and share with your intercessors, Bible Study Groups, Prayer Groups,
Church Prayers, Men & Women’s Groups. Thank you.
Las & Arlene Ratnayake
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