Pope Benedict departs Washington, DC for New York City.  In the morning, he addresses the United Nations.  In the evening, he gathers with Christians of many denominations for an ecumenical gathering at St. Joseph Church in New York.

Prayer for each day
 
Lord our God,
we give thanks for this land of freedom:
may we use our freedom for the good of all.
We give thanks for this land of opportunity:
may we share our abundance with others,
so that all people may have their fill of your good gifts.
We give thanks for our peace and security:
may we work to establish peace in the world.
May our nation truly be
a land of liberty and justice,
a place where every human life is treasured,
and a beacon of hope to the world.
We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord.
 

Reflection from Pope Benedict XVI:  Christian Unity

“At the beginning of his ministry in the Church of Rome which Peter bathed in his blood, Peter's current Successor takes on as his primary task the duty to work tirelessly to rebuild the full and visible unity of all Christ's followers. This is his ambition, his impelling duty. He is aware that good intentions do not suffice for this. Concrete gestures that enter hearts and stir consciences are essential, inspiring in everyone that inner conversion that is the prerequisite for all ecumenical progress. Theological dialogue is necessary; the investigation of the historical reasons for the decisions made in the past is also indispensable. But what is most urgently needed is that ‘purification of memory’, so often recalled by John Paul II, which alone can dispose souls to accept the full truth of Christ. Each one of us must come before him, the supreme Judge of every living person, and render an account to him of all we have done or have failed to do to further the great good of the full and visible unity of all his disciples.”

From Pope Benedict’s first address to the Cardinals after his election.
Read the whole address here.

Prayer Intentions for Today

Morning: we pray for peace.  As Pope Benedict addresses the United Nations today, let us pray that world leaders will hear and heed the voices crying out for peace and justice around our world:  the voices of those unjustly imprisoned, those suffering the ravages of war, hunger, and disease.  And let us pray that the United States may lead the way in protecting the vulnerable, healing the earth, and bringing peace to the nations.

Evening: As Pope Benedict prays with Christians from many different denominations, let us pray for the unity of Christians, that we may be one in our work and our worship as we are already one acknowledging Christ as Lord, the only hope for the world.