Praying, walking, and working together is highlighted each year as Christians around the world celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU). For us in the southern hemisphere in Aotearoa New Zealand we celebrate the week of 18 – 24 May 2026 (traditionally held 18 – 25 January in the northern hemisphere.) During this time, we join Christian churches and communities of all denominations to celebrate the faith we share in Christ – and to pray that we may be instruments of his great love throughout the world.
From the National Liturgy Office
The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity has provided a resource for celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – access the full resource here, or find a summary of their work below.
Theme for 2026
The chosen theme is drawn from Ephesians 4:1–13, where St Paul urges believers to live “worthy of the calling” they have received.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.
Ephesians 4:4
In this passage, St Paul reminds Christians that unity is fundamentally God’s gift, not something achieved by human effort alone. Rooted in baptism and sustained by the Holy Spirit, Christian unity calls believers to live together with humility, patience, and love. Paul’s vision is not one of uniformity, but of communion — people of different gifts, traditions, and cultures belonging to the one Body of Christ.
This theme also highlights unity as a public witness. When Christians strive to live in peace and reconciliation, they reflect more clearly the life of Christ to the world. The “one hope” shared by all believers points toward God’s promise of renewal and fullness of life. During this Week of Prayer, Christians are invited to deepen their commitment to that hope and to grow together toward the fullness of Christ.
The Significance of the Armenian Apostolic Church
The 2026 Week of Prayer resources were prepared by Christians in Armenia, led by the Armenian Apostolic Church in partnership with Catholic and Evangelical communities. Armenia holds a unique place in Christian history as the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. For centuries, the Armenian Church has protected Christian faith and identity through persecution, genocide, displacement, and the suppression of religion under Soviet rule.
This long and often painful history gives special depth to Armenia’s reflection on unity. For the Armenian Church, unity is not an abstract idea but a lived reality, shaped by suffering, resilience, and trust in God. In recent decades, the Armenian Apostolic Church has been active in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, offering its ancient prayer traditions as a gift to the wider Church. Its contribution this year invites Christians worldwide to rediscover unity as something lived through faithfulness, compassion, and shared hope.
Reflections and prayers for the week
Below you will find daily prayers and reflections for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, prepared by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.
Day 1 - Our Calling
Verse for the day:
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (Eph 4:1).
Additional Scripture passages:
Micah 6:6-8
Psalm 133
Mark 3:13-15
Reflection:
In Ephesians 4:1, Paul emphasizes the significance of living a life worthy of the “calling to which you have been called”, which is intrinsically linked to the unity of the Christian community. In the midst of a divided society, the Gospel calls believers to overcome barriers and foster reconciliation. This divine calling invites us to embody God’s values within the fellowship of believers. By aligning our conduct with this calling, we not only reflect Christ’s teachings but also contribute to the unity and growth of the Body of Christ. Recognizing and embracing this calling is essential for living out the true essence of Christian community and nurturing a harmonious, supportive fellowship.
A question to consider:
How does reflecting on the “calling to which you have been called” as described in Ephesians 4:1 inspire you to actively contribute to unity within your local and wider church communities?
Prayer:
God of light,
you have called us out of darkness into your light.
May our response to your call lead us to actively seek reconciliation
and share your light in the world.
Amen.
Day 2 - Bearing With One Another in Love
Verse for the day:
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love (Eph 4:2).
Additional Scripture passages:
Zechariah 7:8-10
Psalm 25:6-10
Luke 10:30-36
Reflection:
The Apostle Paul exhorts us to live in a manner worthy of our Christian calling by providing profound social guidance. He calls believers “with all humility and gentleness, with patience” to “bear with one another in love” (Eph 4:2). This divine calling is not merely a personal journey but is vividly expressed in our interactions with others. The four virtues Paul highlights – humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance – are all crucial for nurturing loving relationships. To embody these virtues means approaching others with a spirit of genuine humility, extending gentleness even towards those who test our patience, and showing forbearance with those who challenge us. Most profoundly, it involves “bearing with one another” despite our differences, thereby reflecting a love that transcends all earthly divides and embodies the grace of God’s boundless compassion.
A question to consider:
How can the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience and tolerance, as mentioned in the letter to the Ephesians, help us as believers navigate and overcome divisions within our local Christian communities?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ,
you show us how to be patient with one another in humility and gentleness.
May the light you have shined on our path lead us towards unity
and help us heal the wounds of division and indifference
that often break communities apart.
Amen.
Day 3 - The Bond of Peace
Verse for the day:
Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (cf. Eph 4:3).
Additional Scripture passages:
Isaiah 11:6-9
Psalm 86:8-13
John 14:27-31
Reflection:
Peace is a crucial factor in maintaining unity within the Church. In Ephesians 4:3, the “bond of peace” signifies a vital and active principle that not only connects but also sustains the unity of the Christian community. Christ, the Prince of Peace (cf. Isaiah 9:6), preached peace and reconciliation. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), both a gift and a result of the Spirit at work. The “bond of peace” is an active force that maintains church cohesion, holding diverse members together, despite differences in background or opinion. Peace fosters meaningful relationships, allowing believers to interact harmoniously and more readily forgive one another. Paul highlights the fact that true unity requires ongoing commitment to peace. It calls for active cultivation and promotion of peace among members.
A question to consider:
How does St Paul’s teaching that peace is a fruit of the Spirit impact our daily interactions and relationships within our communities, especially where there is need for reconciliation or forgiveness?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ,
you are the Prince of Peace.
Strengthen the bond of peace among us and in our troubled world.
Change the hearts of all who make war; touch the wounds of all who are afflicted by war.
We pray especially for the people of Armenia,
and their kindred throughout the world.
Let the light of your love shine in all the dark places of our world
and hasten the day when all peoples may dwell in peace with justice.
Amen.
Day 4 - Called to One Hope
Verse for the day:
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling (Eph 4:4).
Additional Scripture passages:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Psalm 24:1-6
John 17:20-26
Reflection:
In Ephesians 4:4 the Apostle Paul highlights the profound unity that binds the Church worldwide. This unity is rooted in the one Spirit and the one hope that connect all Christians in their faith. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit ignited the global mission of the Church. This same Spirit empowers us and nurtures our collective mission today, fostering a universal Church that transcends national and cultural boundaries. Our shared hope in salvation through Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of this unity, drawing together diverse peoples into one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. As Christians, we are defined by this singular hope and the one Spirit through whom we are baptized and renewed. Our task is to ensure that this unity is not just a concept but a lived reality, reinforcing our shared mission and love for one another.
A question to consider:
In what ways can we, as a church or community, embrace the challenge of our one calling, while maintaining our unique identity and traditions?
Prayer:
Jesus Christ,
you have brought us together in all our diversity as your family and church.
In the face so many situations on earth where hope has given way to despair and wounded hearts,
renew our hope in the Holy Spirit’s work of changing the world.
Move us to spread this hope to everyone everywhere.
You are the true Light, who casts out the darkness of sin,
and shines into our hearts the joy and hope of your eternal love.
Amen.
Day 5 - One Faith, One Baptism
Verse for the day:
One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph 4:5).
Additional Scripture passages:
Zechariah 14:6-9
Psalm 100
Matthew 28:16-20
Reflection:
In Ephesians 4:5, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that the act of baptism solidifies Christian unity by marking the entrance of individuals into the Church’s fellowship, affirming their shared commitment to the same Lord. Baptism creates the collective identity of the Church since we are one in the Body of the Lord. This sacrament serves as a powerful reminder that, while members may come from varied backgrounds, their unity in faith and baptism transcends all divisions. By focusing on these unifying elements, the Church can celebrate its diversity while remaining steadfastly united. This challenges us to prioritize our shared identity in Christ over our differences, reinforcing the bond that unites all Christians.
A question to consider:
What collaborative initiatives can our various communities undertake to celebrate our shared faith in Jesus Christ and the unity established through baptism?
Prayer:
Spirit of God, and true God,
who descended on the river Jordan, and into the upper-room;
who enlightened us by the baptism of the Holy Font,
we have sinned against Heaven and before you,
purify us again with your divine fire,
as you did the Apostles with fiery tongues.
Have mercy on Your creatures and especially on us.
Amen.
Day 6 - One Lord and Father
Verse for the day:
One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Eph 4:6).
Additional Scripture passages:
1 Kings 8:56-60
Psalm 148:7-13
Matthew 5:44-48
Reflection:
In Ephesians 4:6, St Paul emphasizes the profound oneness of God, declaring that he is “above all and through all and in all”. God is both transcendent, existing beyond all, and immanent, actively present within his creation. This foundational truth calls the Church to embody and live out unity, rooted in the shared belief in one true God who is the Father of all believers. “All” signifies that every person created in God’s image falls under God’s authority. Worshiping one God creates a strong bond of unity among Christians. Just as family members find common ground through their love for a parent, Christians are called to be united in their devotion to the same Father.
A question to consider:
In what ways can the image of God as the loving and caring Father of all be integrated into the mission and ministry of our different church communities so as to promote a more unified Christian witness in the world?
Prayer:
We confess with faith and worship you, Loving Father,
for you are in heaven beyond words, and on earth beyond understanding,
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
In your tender care, you are the beginning and fulfilment of everything.
Glory forever to you, Father,
with the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 7 - God’s Gift Given in Baptism
Verse for the day:
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift (Eph 4:7).
Additional Scripture passages:
Jeremiah 1:4-9
Psalm 131
Matthew 25:14-18
Reflection:
The churches and all local communities are diverse in their God-given unity, with grace given according to the gift of Christ building up God’s kingdom. These spiritual gifts are granted by one Lord, in one baptism, for one purpose. Diversity in unity: this is the unique Christ-centred richness and power of the Church in the movement of the Holy Spirit.
A question to consider:
How will our relations change if we accept that diversity of gifts is not a reason for opposition and competition but for mutual strengthening and sharing?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ,
by the action of the Holy Spirit in the one baptism,
you have bestowed wonderful graces and multiple gifts upon us
for the sake of building up your Body, the Church.
Grant us now the willingness to fully appreciate the richness of their diversity
and use them fully to further the spread of the Gospel.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
Day 8 - Growing into Christ
Verse for the day:
The gifts he gave were for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ (cf. Eph 4:13).
Additional Scripture passages:
Proverbs 9:10-12
Psalm 119:97-104
John 17:3-7
Reflection:
In Ephesians 4:13 the apostle Paul summarizes the vision of the Body of Christ in three key areas: unity in faith, maturity in knowledge, and fullness in Christ. Maturity comes through an ever deepening knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is life-changing knowledge that leads us to renew our minds and put it into practice in actions rather than just intellectual comprehension. We resemble him more and more as we get to know him better. To gain this knowledge, one must both study his teachings and live them in obedience daily. The “full stature of Christ” is the goal of Christian maturity. It means becoming more like Jesus in every way: loving as he loves, serving as he serves, and reflecting his character. We are called to evaluate our spiritual journey, seeking unity with each other, growing in our knowledge of the Son of God, and striving for his fullness in us.
A question to consider:
How are we growing in our knowledge of Christ and allowing that knowledge to shape our actions, thoughts and relationships?
Prayer:
O Christ, True Light of the world,
make my soul worthy to see the light of your glory
with joy on the day of my calling,
and to rest with the hope of good things
in the house of the righteous,
until the day of your great coming.
Have mercy upon your creation,
and on me, a great sinner.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and always and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.