Korea

Prayer’s message of harmony and unity in Christ offers hope in a time of strife

June 20, 2017

Friends in mission,

On March 22, I visited the Korean Christian Federation (KCF) in Pyongyang to deliver 30 tons of flour to Bongsu Church’s Bread Factory through Shenyang, China. At that time, I also delivered a message from the National Council of Churches in Korea in Seoul to KCF for the 2017 Easter Joint North-South Prayer. It is our pleasure to share this copy of the Joint North-South Easter Prayer, which has relevance beyond the Easter season:

Lord, you who have defeated death and risen,

In this season where we remember the joys of resurrection,

Thank you for showing the marvels of life this spring through the vitality of green life.

 Yes, Lord!
This world was created beautifully in God’s eyes,
Who also sent his one and only son, Jesus,
To save those who have sinned against you.
Lord, you have shown us how to live as God’s children,
And your Spirit has led us not only through life,
But also through history.

 But Lord,
The sorrows of the 70-year ethnic separation
Still linger since the time of our North/South division.
We have lost the hopes of becoming one with God
And have sought after earthly goods instead of peace.

 Pity us, Lord.
Clear away the pain-filled memories of separation
And also the rusty barbed wires.
Help the North and the South fulfill a life of harmony and peace.
As the farmer readies himself to till new land and plant new life,
Prepare us, Lord.

Lord,
Help us first open our firmly closed hearts
So that we can embrace each other with tenderness.
Let us sow the seeds of tolerance, love and service
And with God’s blessings,
May that land bear much fruit,
And bless our people with a life full of joy and harmony.

God of life,
Help the churches of the North and the South
To defeat this cold death-like reality.

God of peace,
Help us work together with one united mind
To fulfill the dreams of unification.
Help us remember the days when the North and the South once were one,
To better live in a world of harmony and peace.

God of life,
In this season of resurrection where we await the signs of spring,
Help us see the hopes of new life,
Sprouting in the cold, barren land.

God of justice,
In this land where your glory awaits,
Let the rivers of justice flow,
Bringing forth your plans for us.

In the name of Jesus, the one who has defeated death and risen again,
Amen.

We share the prayer so that you can have full reflection and hope for Christ’s resurrection. Please use it at any time where it is appropriate. We hope it may be a useful resource for you in praying for reconciliation and peace in your communities, the Korean peninsula, East Asia and the world.

Choon Lim, Regional Liaison for East Asia, and Yen Hee Lim

Today’s Focus:  Korea – 2017 Easter Joint North-South Prayer

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Bridgett Green, PPC                                                                                    
Annette Greer, PMA  

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 42; 146
First Reading 1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
Second Reading Acts 1:15-26
Gospel Reading Luke 20:19-26
Evening Psalms 102; 133