Episcopalians and United Methodists mark Wesley Feast Day with prayer for deeper unity

(L) John Wesley --- (R) Charles Wesley

The Episcopal Church observes the Feast Day of John and Charles Wesley on March 3 by honoring the brothers as influential priests in the Church of England and as founders of the Methodist Movement within the Anglican tradition. This year all United Methodists and Episcopalians are invited to join each other in marking this special day with prayer for each other and for our shared relationship. While many in both communions work toward a day when we can share in a full communion relationship, we offer this prayer:

Loving God, you inspired your servants Charles and John Wesley to sing and speak boldly the promises of our shared faith. You warmed their hearts and filled them with a passion to care for others and to introduce them to you. You endowed them with eloquence, determination, and courage. 
 
Grant those same characteristics to us as well. On this day, we ask you to move us closer to you and closer to each other, even as we speak and sing your truth to a hurting society. May the marking of this day be a means of grace. Kindle within us such fervor that we might be faithful witnesses to your world-changing grace.  Open our minds and hearts to recognize you in each other and in the widow, orphan, and foreigner. Fill our hearts with the courage we need to bring both love and justice into our communities. 

Finally, as we pray for the coming of your kingdom, we seek your guidance for the relationship between The Episcopal Church and The United Methodist Church. We pray for a more visible expression of the bond we share. Make us to be your light and your witness to those who have not known Christ. Make us one, for the sake of the Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Amen.