What happens when we renounce economic wealth, oppressive power in politics, controlling relationships in marriages, and become passionate servants of Christ? Reconciliation and harmonious fellowship open the high road of love and joy, but only when we have a change in conviction and total commitment to Jesus. That is when true reconciliation takes place.
Responsive Prayer for Reconciliation
Across the barriers that divide race from race:
Reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.
Across the barriers that divide rich from poor:
Reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.
Across the barriers that divide people of different cultures:
Reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.
Across the barriers that divide Christians:
Reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.
Across the barriers that divide men and women, young and old:
Reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.
Confront us, O Christ, with the hidden prejudices and fears
that deny and betray our prayers.
Enable us to see the causes of strife, remove from us all senses of superiority.
Teach us to grow in unity with all God’s children.
–Nolan Palsma, Pitcher Hill Community Church, North Syracuse, NY
A Reading from Romans
“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled through the death of God’s Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10 NIV).
Song
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Reflection Questions
- What can you renounce in your life or in your heart?
- How committed do you feel to Jesus today?
- How has your future changed through reconciliation with God?
- Are you ready to cross those barriers that divide us?
Activity
Bible Trivia
Question #1: What was God’s sign to Noah that God would never destroy the earth again?
Answer: A rainbow
Question #2: How did Moses’ mother save him from the Egyptian soldiers?
Answer: He put him in a basket in the river.
Question #3: What were Isaac’s sons’ names?
Answer: Jacob and Esau
Question #4: What is the shortest book in the Bible?
Answer: 3 John
Question #5: Which New Testament book has Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?
Answer: Matthew
Reconciliation is a decision that you take in your heart.
Ingrid Betancourt