To Appreciate that Unity Doesn’t Require Uniformity
Dear Jesus,
As believers, help us remember that unity does not mean uniformity. We pray for unity in carrying out our mission and remaining faithful to biblical doctrine and practice. But we can also appreciate that those priorities will not necessarily look the same everywhere. Different groups and individuals will have a variety of opinions and ideas for how to follow through with those unified priorities. We celebrate that so much in our lives falls under the realm of Christian freedom, which will naturally result in variety from one place to the next. At the same time, being unified doesn’t mean that I abuse my Christian freedom to drive my own agenda. Rather, I put “we” before “me” in your church. Help me rejoice in our unity, while always being able to distinguish that unity from uniformity. Love for you, Lord, and for my neighbor, compels it.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.