Pray for Unity

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In this role I see it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. In working with orientation through the years, one reality that hasn’t changed is that the number one reason missionaries leave the field is conflict. Whether with coworkers, spouses, or leaders, interpersonal conflict remains the leading cause of attrition.

And yet unity is the very thing God places at the center of His reputation. Jesus declared that the world would know we are His disciples by how we love one another (John 13:35). In His final prayer before the cross, He didn’t ask for our comfort or safety. He prayed for unity—that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. (John 17:20-23)

May we follow in His footsteps and be praying for unity as well.

Reading: Psalm 122:6–9; John 17:20–23; Isaiah 62:1–7
Key Verse: John 17:23 — “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”

Scripture Insight:

Ps 122:6-9 David prays for Jerusalem, but I believe we can apply this prayer also to us.  He calls us to pray for peace within our walls and prosperity in our midst. In our context, peace comes through unity, and prosperity comes when God can use us, unhindered by our desires (idols) or sin, to accomplish HIS work here in PNG..

As I read the account of Josaih’s religious reforms in 2 Kings 22, I couldn’t help but think about the correlation with us as NTMPNG.  God commanded Josaih to destroy the pagan idols and shrines previous kings had built and led Israel to sin in worshiping them.  Our desires become idols when we are willing to sin in our attitudes, words and actions, to achieve them.  Is this not one of the root causes for conflict and disunity?  When each side is pursuing their desires, demanding their rights, and willing to sin toward each other to get what they want? 

Isaiah 62:1-2 and 6-7 intensifies this call to pray for peace and unity: “I will not stop praying for her (Jerusalem) until her righteousness shines like the dawn.” God’s vision is for His people to shine so brightly in righteousness that nations are blinded by God’s glory when they look at His people. Isaiah commits to pray without rest, posting watchmen to intercede day and night until God completes His work.

Just as Isaiah recruited others to post watch and pray, I am making this petition to you to pray with me for peace and unity!  The measure of our prosperity is not how much we can accomplish (literacy, translation, support ministries), it’s how God’s righteousness is shining through us to others, and our unity has a large part in that!

Application

• Pray daily for unity in your community and team. (the NTMPNG team)
• Ask God to reveal any out of place desires in your heart; desires you are willing to sin with your brother in order to get… desires that have usurped God’s place.
• Commit to persistent prayer.  “Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work” in you (Isa 62:7)  and in NTMPNG, “…making our righteousness shine like the dawn, and our salvation blaze like a burning torch.” (Isa 62:1)

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the ways I have fractured unity. Teach me to love others as You have loved us. Make us one, so the world will see Your glory and know Your love (1 Jn 4:12). May our righteousness shine like the dawn, and may our unity reflect Your heart. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. Where are you / have you contributed to disunity?
2. What desires are leading you to sin toward your brother in your heart, therefore disrupting peace in our community?
3. Does the way you treat your brother, coworker, leader, display God’s righteousness?  Does it cause others to be blinded by God’s glory shining through your life?
4. Will you commit to persistent prayer for unity today?