Reconciliation is possible because we are made in God’s image; alienated people can find their common roots in God. We are redeemed by the divine love of God through God’s son, Jesus Christ, who reconciled us to God through the sacrifice of his life for our sins.
Prayer for Reconciliation
Loving God,
you have reconciled us in Christ Jesus
and have given us the ministry of reconciliation.
We pray for all those from whom we are estranged.
Bring healing to strained or broken relationships.
Forgive us for the times we have wronged others,
whether by ignorance, neglect, or intention.
Grant us the courage and the grace to seek their forgiveness
and opportunity to make amends.
Where others have wronged us,
grant us a gracious spirit,
that we might forgive
even as we have been forgiven in Jesus Christ.
Amen.
–Written for this collection by faithward.org
A Reading from Genesis
“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created humankind in God’s own image.” (Gen 1:26-27 NIV).
Song
Reflection Questions
- Does reconciliation change you?
- Do you think reconciliation can change our society?
- Do you feel worthy of receiving God’s grace?
- Can society find their roots in God?
Activity
Forgiveness Word Search
purification clean slate forgiveness absolution
compassion affection listening remission
kindness sympathy absolve apology
confess asking pardon clear
grace mercy sorry God
Reconciliation requires changes of heart and spirit, as well as social and economic change. It requires symbolic as well as practical action.
Malcolm Fraser, Former Prime Minister of Australia