We thank God this week for a sudden infusion of wisdom that prevented war in the Middle East. Last Sunday I was likely one of many preachers who discussed the gifts of the Spirit, including the personification of wisdom as Sophia, a woman. This week, one of our lectionary readings is from Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he tells us that in Christ there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, no male or female, for we are all one. In a congregation where we have made a commitment to be an Affirming Church, we pray for continued gifts from the Spirit so we may not only think, but act in wisdom and compassion. May God bless Stephen in his ministry to us this morning, and may we have ears to hear.

Amen.

based on readings for the week: 1 Kings 19:1-15