Hello all CU Listers, and especially you, Thomas, Psalm 133:1 (KJV) 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:2 (KJV) 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; Psalm 133:3 (KJV) 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. I can't say how many times this list has lifted my spirit, just to hear so many brothers and sisters in Christ, each with such a desire, and each working so hard in his or her own way, to serve the Lord in His purpose of Christian unity. And here, Thomas, I have to tell you how much your comments have "pricked" my heart. How long have we all been on this list and almost never prayed together for Christian unity? Thomas said: >>The disciples came together in one accord after a period of time praying together. I believe all our efforts toward expressing Christian unity will fall short if we fail to recognize that disunity (factions, party spirit, etc.) are not only an expression of our natural, clannish, human nature, but are also part of the master strategy of the spiritual forces arrayed against the kingdom of God. To prevail in this arena, we must draw upon spiritual resources, spiritual weaponry, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood. My comment: I very much agree, and this is much in the same vein as some earlier, good posts by others: Doug said: >>Well, if Christians unite and apply the spiritual weapons made available to them in Christ, Jesus' prayer that God's kingdom would come about on earth just as it is in heaven begins to be realised. Christians united in this way present the principalities and powers of evil with a spiritual sign that they cannot ignore. Klaus said: >>We are not fighting flesh and blood , but spiritual powers. If we are united , I mean truly united in word and in deed , we would be able to go forward. My comment: So are we really unaware, or do we not ourselves believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us if we pray together for Christian unity? What have we been thinking of? Wouldn't it be a good idea for us on this CU list to make a regular habit of offering prayers for Christian unity? Thomas would you get us started by offering such a prayer? And then all the CU list could help, if we truly believe in prayer for this purpose, by just replying with at least an "Amen" if we agree? Or if we don 't agree, we could state why, and we could discuss that point together, in a considerate and loving way, keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Does anyone think we could find a few prayers to pray together for Christian unity? If someone will get it started, maybe then ANYONE on this list who feels led by the Spirit could offer a prayer for us for Christian unity. Please all you CU listers, if this makes sense, help out. We could still carry on other conversations, but pray as we go along. How about it List: good idea, or bad idea, what do you say? What other ways can anyone suggest how we might call upon all our spiritual resources, and spiritual weaponry for this purpose? Love in Jesus to all, Tim P.S. Thomas, I'll add more comments, later on the rest of your fine, thought provoking post.