The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an annual event celebrated from 18th-25th January (in the northern hemisphere), holds a special place in the hearts of many Christians worldwide. This year’s theme focuses on “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). The theme is inspired by Jesus’ conversation with Martha in John 11:17-27, where He declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, inviting all believers to deepen their faith and trust in Him.
WCC Resources and Daily Themes for Reflection
The World Council of Churches has provided a variety of resources for the Week of Prayer, available in multiple languages. (https://www.oikoumene.org/news/as-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2025-approaches-wcc-offers-variety-of-resources).These materials include prayers, reflections, and even a child-friendly version titled “Praying for Togetherness to a God of Togetherness,” designed for households, schools and intergenerational church services. The prayers and reflections for this year were prepared by the monastic community of Bose in northern Italy, known for its dedication to ecumenism and spiritual contemplation. 2025 is particularly special as it marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a cornerstone in Christian history that produced the Nicene Creed, a foundational expression of shared faith. This anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the unity that Christians hold in their common beliefs. 
Members of the Focolare in Ireland were privileged to take part in the RTE televised service to mark the beginning of the Week of Prayer. Rev Steve Stockman (Fitzroy Presbyterian Church) and Fr Martin Magill (St John’s Catholic Parish) offered an overview of the content of the Nicene Creed and restated their commitment to live according to its shared values. Such occasions not only provide moments of shared worship but also foster friendships that transcend denominational boundaries. (https://www.rte.ie/player/series/service/SI0000002989?epguid=IH10008983-25-0002)
The WCC has provided a range of resources for the Week of Prayer, reflecting diverse aspects of unity. The biblical texts for each day highlight key statements of the Nicene Creed:
Day 1: The fatherhood and motherhood of God who rules the universe.
Day 2: Creation as God’s work.
Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son.
Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
Day 5: The Holy Spirit, breath of God.
Day 6: The Church: Community of believers.
Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord.
Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom.
These themes challenge Christians to engage with the realities of division and to seek practical ways to live out the Gospel’s call to unity.
The Legacy of Chiara Lubich
Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement, was a pioneer in building bridges among Christian denominations. Her dialogue with leaders from Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant and Evangelical traditions exemplified her profound commitment to the unity Jesus prayed for: “Father, may they all be one” (John 17:21). Chiara’s collaboration with the World Council of Churches was marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations. In 2002, she addressed the WCC assembly in Geneva, emphasizing the “spirituality of unity” as a pathway to overcoming divisions (https://www.focolare.org/en/spirituality-of-unity/). Her vision of unity, not merely as institutional alignment but as a deep communion rooted in love, continues to inspire.
January’s Word of Life: A Call to Unity
This month’s Word of Life, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26), was chosen to reflect the theme of the Week of Prayer. It invites Christians to reflect on their faith in Jesus as the source of life and resurrection. The Focolare’s practice of living the Gospel in daily life encourages its members to embody God’s love in every encounter. The Focolare Movement participates actively in the Week of Prayer by organizing ecumenical gatherings, prayer services, and dialogues across the globe. Guided by Chiara Lubich’s spirituality, members strive to create “oases of fraternity,” where Christians of different traditions can experience the joy of unity.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity serves as a powerful reminder of the unfinished journey toward full communion among Christians. The focus on faith, as encapsulated by Jesus’ words “Do you believe this?” invites all believers to deepen their trust in Him and to celebrate the unity that comes from shared faith. Drawing inspiration from Chiara Lubich’s legacy and the WCC’s resources, the Focolare Movement remains steadfast in its mission to embody Christ’s prayer for unity. As Christians around the world engage with this sacred week, may the fruits of unity, reconciliation, and shared mission flourish, bringing hope to a fragmented world.
