You are invited to take a prayerful walk. Ideally, you should pull on your jacket and shoes, and head outdoors for a half-hour or so with a companion. If you’re unable to do so, sit on your deck or front porch, or simply pull up a chair by the window so you can look outside, as if you were sitting on a park bench. Once you’re ready, do the following:
Read out loud or re-listen to one of the stories about Philip and the Eunuch, or Saul and Ananias. Then off you go! You might want to take along a copy of the story and the following questions, but that’s not required.
As you go, reflect on the story. What questions or feelings emerge for you? What stands out as interesting, or odd? Share those observations with your companion(s). If you’re on your own, feel free to speak those things out loud to God.
At various points, pause for some silence, and in the quiet consider other questions, such as: How does this story connect with your life? Who are the strangers or enemies in your life? What might it look like for you to show hospitality to them? What sorts of hopes or concerns in your life does this story highlight?
Before you return home, take some time with your companion to talk a bit about your lives. What has you encouraged or discouraged? What has you feeling joyful and grateful, or worried and unsettled? Take the opportunity to pray for one another—either silently or aloud.