Father, we pray for unity and fellowship within your body, your church, because you have called us to oneness before the world we should influence for your cause.  Strip us of all selfishness and empower us to subdue our vanity and pride.  Teach us to search our hearts in humility and to root out foolish ambition.  Protect us from dissension.  Tune our hearts to understand your will and your purpose, giving us discernment with loving attitudes disposed to honor those whose vision guides the ministry of your church.  And let our service bear fruit, as we commit our efforts to your purpose, to the end that the work of our witness will succeed, within this community and beyond, as we strive together in the spirit of joy-filled servants.