Read: Acts 17:22-28
So Paul . . . said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” (v. 22)

Heather, whom I mentioned earlier, talked with me about the Creator. I understood him as God, the Father, and she, a Native American traditionalist, understood him as the Great Spirit, the Great Mystery. But we both could acknowledge him as the Creator. This common ground eventually led to her receiving Jesus before she died.

In Acts 17, Paul met people who worshipped many gods in Athens, but he “found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’” Paul saw common ground, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (v. 23).

Center of Hope’s programs seek common ground, so they often start by meeting people’s felt needs. In the bike shop, we can say something like, “Jim, after working on the bike with you, I see you are mechanical. I’m not good at fixing things, but I can do other things. I think God has made each of us unique.” After affirming people, they may open up and let you also pray for them.

Prayer:
God, you made us in your image, to love you and each other. Bring us together. Through Jesus, Amen.

Author: Fred Wilgenburg