⁸ Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. ⁹ But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. ¹⁰ None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.

Acts 6:8-10

Dear God, I need some wisdom. Not only in the words that I speak, but the actions I take–or should not take. I woke up this morning so frustrated with a couple of people. Why are they acting the way they are acting? Why are they making this harder than it has to be? And I’m really afraid they are making decisions now that they won’t be able to undo later and that they will regret. Pain now. Regret later. I can see it now and I can see it coming. And I know that behind it all is pain and injury of some kind. Secrets that are being protected. Shame that is being clung to.

I’m praying about this from this passage because sometimes I am compelled to reach out and say something to them, but I never know whether it is the right thing to say or the wrong thing to say. Should I remain silent? Should I pray for your words to share with them? Should I just pray that you will raise up people in their lives who will give them your words.

Father, I guess I’m praying myself into the serenity prayer from AA and the 12-step programs: Father, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. That is my prayer today. Give me serenity (peace), courage (strength), and wisdom (discernment).

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen