The North Carolina Council of Churches, is asking you to join us throughout the year in prayers for the Council’s member bodies and their leaders.

That might be during your personal prayers. Or it might be included in corporate prayers in your congregation. Or it might be a notice in your church bulletin and/or newsletter. Perhaps a reminder on a church bulletin board. You will know best how to encourage others to join you in these prayers.

During May, please join us in praying for the following:

Seventh Episcopal District,

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Presiding Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

Southern Conference,

United Church of Christ

The Rev. Stephen W. Camp,

Conference Minister

Myers Park Baptist Church
The Rev. Dr. H. Stephen Shoemaker, Pastor

If you wish to use a prepared prayer, we offer the following (adapted from a prayer by the Rev. Dr. Diane C. Kessler, Retired Executive Director, Massachusetts Council of Churches).

A Prayer for Unity

Holy One, whose love

has been poured into our hearts

through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit,

and who by the power at work within us

is able to accomplish far more

than we can ask or imagine,

infuse us with a longing

for reconciliation.

Help us maintain the unity of your Spirit

in the bond of peace.

In these days when people and places

are affected by strife and its threat,

make us light to the world.

When we get tired and confused,

take us by the hand

and show us the way forward.

Help us transform barriers into bridges.

We remember especially this day

[Insert name of judicatory or congregation and its leader]

We give thanks for the spiritual gifts

These sisters and brothers in Christ

share with all your people.

Remind us that these ministries are

for your whole church in your whole world.

This we pray in the name of the One who calls us to be one,

Your Son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.