Share a prayerful discussion that focuses on an appreciation for people of all races, creeds, colors, and beliefs. You need a Bible and a multi-colored soft koosh ball for the activity. Follow the directions below.
- Gather the students in a large circle (on the floor or in chairs). Remind the students to maintain a quiet atmosphere of prayer. Read with clarity and care the parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:30-37.
- After the reading say:
It would be drab to live in a world where people all looked and sounded alike. It would be drab to live in a world where people were all of the same nationality and culture. We need a variety of colors to brighten the world and our view of the world. A brightly-colored spring day certainly images more life than the plain gray of winter. (Hold up the multi-colored koosh ball.) Just as it is enjoyable to embrace a koosh ball because of its color and texture, so too we need to embrace a variety of colors and kinds of people that God has made.
We are made in God’s image. We do not make God in our image. God created us to be unique among all others God offers wondrous variety.
When the koosh ball is tossed to you, hold it and offer a prayer out loud. You may:
- offer a prayer of thanks for a person you know who has taught you about loving all people
- offer a prayer asking God’s help in being more merciful of others
- offer a prayer for a personal need or the need of someone you know to be more tolerant of all people.
- After each prayer, the group should respond, “Loving God, hear us.” Offer your own personal prayer. Then gently toss the ball to the person across from you. Continue in the same format until the end of the prayer time.
