What does unity mean to you? In a divided world, the word “unity” can sound naive, irrelevant, and incompatible with the world we live in. Whether we’re talking about politics, beliefs, or personal opinions, it can often feel like unity is something that just can’t work in a broken world.
What can we do as individual followers of Jesus? Below, you’ll find some practical tips for creating unity, plus some example prayers to help you become a unifier in your community.
We’re Unified in Christ
Division is nothing new. It was a challenge early in church history and something the Apostle Paul addressed head-on.
In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul reported that he had received information about divisions among the believers in Corinth. They were identifying themselves based on who had preached the gospel to them, saying things like, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Christ.” Instead of being united as one body of Christ, they were dividing themselves into smaller groups and factions.
Paul was troubled by the divisions within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:13, he posed a few thought-provoking questions: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to avoid getting caught up in comparisons and divisions. His desire was for them to be united under Christ, with one King and one Gospel.
In a world of fighting and division, the body of Christ, the Church, gets to show the power of the Gospel.
Paul brought them back to their common identity: people who found new life through Jesus Christ. Without Christ, there is no unity. But under Christ, we can be united in a way that the world has never seen or understood. In a world of fighting and division, the body of Christ, the Church, gets to show the power of the Gospel. We are united, focused on Jesus and only Jesus.
We’re Unified In Mission
Almost every successful company or group in history has shared something in common: they all had a unifying mission. Missions are critical in aligning objectives for a single purpose.
As Christians, we all share the same mission. We are unified in following Jesus and making disciples. And yet, even among Christians, there is so much division and disunity.
Part of the division comes from our lack of clarity on what God’s mission is all about—to save the world through Jesus’ sacrifice and share this good news through believers, as they love God and their neighbors. It’s easy to let influential people and our values and opinions add to our understanding of the gospel of Jesus. And when we start to believe that God only cares for people who think, act, or vote the “right way,” we put ourselves at risk of causing division.
Unity in Differing Opinions
The psalmist in Psalm 133:1 reflects on the goodness of unity among the people of God. When Christians are united, something powerful occurs.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 NIV
Christians are called to examine our lives to determine how we can be agents of unity—though not uniformity. Unity does not require us to all sound or act the same; instead, it encourages us to strive for harmony amid diversity.
We’re Unified in the Church
All of us, together, are part of Jesus’ body—the Church. Together, we reflect who He is and what He has done. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to live like Jesus by equipping us with unique gifts we can use to strengthen the body of Christ. When we listen to the Holy Spirit, He draws us closer to God and to each other.
Since the same Spirit operates within each of us, anyone who belongs to Jesus is part of His body and has a unique role to fulfill. Just as a physical body cannot function properly unless all its parts work together, the Church will not operate as intended unless we are open to the Spirit's work in us and committed to prioritizing Jesus.
Division Weakens the Church
Can you imagine living in a house with a cracked foundation? Over time, the walls could collapse, and the ceiling might buckle or even split in two. It may not happen immediately, but eventually, everything will fall apart. In Mark 3:25, Jesus illustrates the consequences of division.
If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:25 NIV
Jesus was not only referring to political parties or physical homes; he was conveying a powerful principle that applies to all areas of life: where there is unity, there is strength. However, when division infiltrates a social structure—such as a family, community, neighborhood, workplace, or church—it weakens the entire environment.
5 Prayers for Unity
Jesus’ power is the only power that can unify humanity. And because Jesus’ great power is at work within the global Church, we can intentionally wait for His return by sharing His love, joy, hope, and peace with everyone around us. Because our hope, strength, and future is in Jesus.
The Church is healthiest when it works together—united in its love for people, causing us to live like Jesus did and serve others the way Jesus did.
Practically, this starts with prayer that leads to action. This action could look like serving the people we see at the store, on the street, or at a church service. Examples of kindness can include inviting someone for a meal, helping someone find employment, providing a safe space for a vulnerable family, or financially supporting a non-profit organization. It could also look like praying for unity in your home, workplace, church, nation, or the whole world.
1. A Prayer for Unity
God, You alone have the power to unite Your children. You cleanse sinful hearts, heal broken families, and bring divided nations back to You. Help me remember Your ability to bring us together and Your desire for unity. Please mend the divisions within me and in the world around us. In Jesus' name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Church Unity
Jesus, because of Your death and resurrection, I am part of Your body—the global Church. Help me take my role in it seriously, knowing that my choices reflect how Your Church is perceived. Use me to bring hope, love, and joy to the world, and empower me to build others up. Bring revival to Your people, so that Your body can represent You authentically and powerfully. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Unity in the World
God, You know how much division exists in this world. I pray that Your Church will serve as an example of the unity that only Your love can bring. Help me promote unity in every environment I enter, seeking to understand others and keeping my focus on Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer for Unity in Christ
Father God, thank You that salvation belongs to You alone! You alone are worthy of all our praise and worship! You have—and You will—rescue and deliver us. As I look forward to Jesus’ return, show me how I can join with Christians around the world in praising You and celebrating Your great name. Make us unified around Your power and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer Against Division
God, please fill me with a spirit of unity. I want to be a uniter, not a divider. Grant me the ability to speak with understanding and compassion, reflecting Your love. Remove my pride in wanting to be right and replace it with a heart that seeks harmony. In Jesus’ name, amen.
How Will You Create Unity?
Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life who are different from you. What steps can you take today to build a greater sense of unity with those around you? Think of ways you can make Jesus known in your life through your relationships and communities.
This could involve overlooking a minor offense (Proverbs 19:11), listening with understanding to someone who holds differing viewpoints (Philippians 2:3-4), redirecting a conversation that is rooted in gossip (Proverbs 20:19), or apologizing for a hasty response (James 5:16). Each day, you have a choice to pursue unity. How is God calling you to foster unity today?