Before the Session

• Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
• Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
• Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)
• See special preparation instructions below:

Preparation for An Interactive Prayer Experience

• Set up a focal point in the center of the room with candles, plants, a decorative cloth, a nativity scene, and several pictures and/or news articles about racism, Black Lives Matter, Syrian refugees, poor and homeless people. – Set up five prayer stations around the room as follows:

1. Have available three copies of the text Zephaniah 3:17-20. Print these instructions for this station: “Read the text three times slowly and silently. For the first reading, apply the text to yourself. For the second reading, apply the text to the church. For the third reading, apply the text to one of the groups depicted in the center of the room.

2. Place a bucket of water at this station. Have available about 30 small rocks (these can be purchased at a crafts store). Print these instructions for this station: “If we (our group, our church, our country) were to reach out and extend hospitality and love to a group depicted in the center of the room, what might some of your fears be? As you think of each fear you have, choose a rock to represent that fear. Share the fear with God, and as you ‘release’ the fear into God’s hands, drop the rock in the bucket of water.”