Jesus, your Son, taught us to love one another as a sign of being his disciples. Reader 2: Loving God, you have gathered us as members of your flock. These deeds have caused some people to turn away from your church. We are aware that in our ministry, we sometimes behave unjustly towards the people whom you have entrusted to us by: prioritizing those who are close to us or those who have higher social status ignoring strangers, the poor and the least in society fearing to defend the oppressed misusing church resources. Jesus, your Son, taught us to act justly.
Reader 1: Compassionate God, you have chosen us to shepherd your flock. L: Beloved sisters and brothers let us confess before the Lord that we have sinned and ask for forgiveness so that our worship will be pleasing to God. Our unity in Christ empowers us to take part in the wider struggle for justice and to promote the dignity of life. As we pray together, we are reminded that our calling as members of the body of Christ is to pursue and embody justice. This year, the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity chosen by the churches in Indonesia is “Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20) This theme is imperative due to the recurring situations that bring divisions and conflicts. L: As Christians from separated communities, we gather here to pray for unity. The response to the invocation may be sung. L: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. L: Holy Spirit, you inspire our hearts to act justly L: Jesus Christ, your cross brings new life and justice. God, our Father, you crown your creation with justice and mercy. “A” refers to the assembly gathered for worship. “L” refers to the leader(s) of worship and is chosen from those churches present at worship.