By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Writer The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, traditionally celebrated every year from 18 to 25 January, will begin this Sunday. This year’s theme will be “That they may become one in your hand” (Ezek 13, 17). The theme was chosen by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. According to the Pontifical Council, they have turned to the prophet Ezekiel for inspiration because he “also lived in a tragically divided nation and longed for the unity of his people." Each day of the Week will have a different theme: 18 January: Christian communities face to face with old and new divisions. 19 January: Christians face to face with war and violence. 20 January: Christians face to face with economic injustice and poverty. 21 January: Christians face to face with ecological crisis. 22 January: Christians face to face with discrimination and social prejudice. 23 January: Christians face to face with disease and suffering. 24 January: Christians face to face with a plurality of religions. 25 January: Christian proclamation of hope in a world of separation. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began with a suggestion at the 1878 Lambeth Conference that a time be set aside every year for “the observance of a special season for prayer of reunion round about Ascension Day.” The Archbishop of Canterbury initiated the first week of prayer in 1894. The following year, at the instruction of Pope Leo XIII, Roman Catholics joined their Anglican neighbors in the effort. The dates were changed to Jan. 18 -25 in 1908.  Christians have joined in prayer for this important cause at this time ever since. This year, on Jan. 25, Pope Benedict XVI will preside at the celebration of Vespers at the basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls to mark the close of the week. © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly/Women of Grace. http://www.womenofgrace.com