Texts for 2027 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity [DPCU] is pleased to publish the texts for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2027. In the northern hemisphere, the Week of Prayer is normally celebrated from 18 to 25 January, while in the southern hemisphere, where January is frequently a holiday period, churches often celebrate the Week of Prayer around Pentecost.

The theme of the 2027 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity comes from Saint Luke’s Gospel: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Lk 12:32). The prayers and reflections for this year’s Week of Prayer were prepared by representatives of the churches in Ireland. An international team appointed jointly by the DPCU and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches gathered with the drafters at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, from 31 August to 5 September 2025 to finalise the materials.

Although the island of Ireland is divided between two political jurisdictions, the churches represented by the bodies responsible for preparing the prayers and reflections, the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, are organised on an all-island basis. These texts invite Christians across the globe to explore what it means to be followers of the Good Shepherd: how letting go of fear and keeping watchful hearts can be powerful catalysts for reconciliation and shared witness.

The materials include an introduction to the theme, an ecumenical worship service and a selection of short readings and prayers for each day of the week. The resources can be drawn upon in many ways, and are intended for use not only during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, but also throughout 2027.