The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle

The Collect

Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Psalm
23


The Readings

Acts 4:8-13     +     I Peter 5:1-4     +     Matthew 16:13-19

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."

~ Matthew 16:16-18

Today marks the beginning of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It is no mistake that it begins on this feast of the Confession of St. Peter. A church so long divided in so many ways needs reminding of our Lord's promise that the gates of Hades will not prevail against her. And though working for that loving unity among the churches is indeed work, I believe that the unity of the church is finally a gift of God. Our God is ever gracious, and will not force us to accept something we do not want--and that is where our own prayers and real struggle for unity come in. But, like the grace given Peter to confess Jesus as the Christ, the grace of Christian unity is a gift revealed by the Father in heaven. In God's time, may we receive it. In our time of brokenness, may we work and pray for it.

Here is a place to start: a week of scriptures, reflections, and prayers jointly offered by the presiding bishops of four churches, including our own Bishop Michael Curry.
"Justice, and Only Justice" Daily Devotions for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019

"Confession of St. Peter" by Alexey Pismenny (see details here)

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, "Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
~ BCP p. 107