Praying with Paul: 'Paul's Call'

Dear Father,

Thank you for calling Saul of Tarsus to be your apostle to the non-Jews, and for making him known to us with his new name, Paul. Thank you for revealing to him that righteousness comes by your grace through faith without works of law and that we who are not Jews can become members of the household of faith without assuming the yoke of the law.

Thank you for the integrity and courage Paul showed in defending this position in the early church. Thank you for his desire for unity with those who were apostles before him. Thank you also that he did not give in to those who wanted to limit the freedom of believers.

Thank you that Peter, James, John, and the other apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that each should pursue his appointed missions - Paul and Barnabas to non-Jews, the others to the Jews. Thank you that they agreed to remember and help the poor.

In the name of Jesus I give thanks. Amen.