by Margaret Anthony, St Mark's Church, Utley

TRADITIONALLY the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated between January 18 and 25 by Christians around the world.

This is a time when we are reminded of Jesus' prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17:21).

The Keighley Churches Together group would like to invite you to join them in praying for the work and witness of the church here in Keighley and in the surrounding towns and villages.

Together we are "called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord" (1 Peter 2:9) – the theme for this year.

Jesus' prayer that we would all be one echoes the unity and love between Jesus and his Father. We can work together to share the good news of God’s salvation to those who have never experienced the renewing love of God for themselves.

We are not praying that we will all be or think the same, but that we will not cause our differences to be a barrier to our unity in Christ. God is bigger than our denominations.

If you believe that prayer is important, would you consider joining us at one of the prayer meetings being held next week?

The meetings start at 7pm and last 30 minutes, to be followed by refreshments, at the following venues: Monday – United Reformed Church, Riddlesden; Wednesday – The Shared Church, Keighley, and Thursday – Airedale Church Centre, Keighley.