Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

easter 2015

prayers from north and south korea

 

Prepared by the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and the Korean Christian Federation (KCF)

On March 23 the Korean Christian Federation and the National Council of Churches in Korea jointly issued 2015 Easter North-South Joint Prayer. Every year since 1996 the Easter joint prayer has been jointly worked out by the KCF in North and the NCCK in South.

 

2015 Easter North-South Joint Prayer

 

70 years since the joys of incomplete independence were reduced to the pains of separation

On this morning when we reminisce of the jubilance of resurrection

The voice of forgiveness and reconciliation resonates in our hearts

 

70 years, but still a broken culture rages among us

In the face of the rule of the dead powers of the military industry

We repent for our feeble faith that confessed words instead of actions

 

We see ourselves frightened to meet even before considering forgiveness

Such is rooted in our distrust

We confess that no love and faith for each other had ever existed

 

No blame was put upon the crowd that cried for the cross

Following Jesus who has revealed the path of salvation through forgiveness,

After 70 years of separation, we pray that the fire of forgiveness and reconciliation kindle in every nation of the world

Lord, lead our way

 

Before we fault others,

Help us purify ourselves, as we are filled with hate, anger and violence

Grant us the inner courage to reflect back on our true past

Face the hidden truth

And reunite with those who suffered unrighteous death

 

Give our weak selves the Holy Spirit

Let us not give up on our pursuit for forgiveness, reconciliation and unification

Amidst the despairs of death, you have shown us great hope through resurrection

Bring the new life of resurrection to this dying land

 

In the same way that Jacob, after crossing the Yabok River embraced Esau and danced,

Armed with forgiveness, let us cross the river of hate and enmity to unite, North and South

Wash away the agonies of separation

To give our sons and daughters one, living nation

 

We believe that the road of this journey would save people and give hope to mankind

In the name of Jesus Christ who never ceases to call

Into the world of resurrection,

We pray sincerely, Amen.

 

 

 

 

hands together in prayer
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