Before you begin to prepare your session, pause for a few moments and relax. Take several deep breaths, and be aware of the loving presence of God within you.
Romans 15:15-16
But I have written to you rather boldly in some respects to remind you, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in performing the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the holy Spirit.
Inspired by the grace of God, Paul was compelled to reach out to the Gentiles to include them in his ministry of preaching the Gospel. This caused controversy among the Jewish Christians, who believed that Gentile converts must first be circumcised. Paul knew then what we know today: God is the God of all people. No exceptions. No humanly imposed qualifications. Everyone is saved by Jesus in ways known only to God.
Do my thoughts and behaviors reflect a belief that God is the God of all people?
What can I do today to broaden my understanding of other religious beliefs?
(Speak to God using these words, or ones of your own.)
God of love, teach me to walk with my brothers and sisters to build a world of justice and peace for all.
Amen.