19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

Beautiful God, You revealed Yourself to Elijah as a gentle breeze and You calmed the storm on the lake. Take away our fears and give rest to our souls.

God of all power, Your sovereign word comes to us in Christ. When Your Church is in danger, make firm our trust; when Your people falter, steady our faith. Show us in Jesus Your power to save, that we may always acclaim Him as Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old testament: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a (NLT)

There [Elijah] came to a cave, where he spent the night.
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“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13 (NLT)

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory.
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Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!
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Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
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Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.
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There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 9:1-5 (NLT)

With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed — cut off from Christ! — if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
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Intercessions:

God is our helper, ever-present in our time of need: Lord hear our prayers –

+ That all who are part of the Christian family may find help and hope in praying to our gentle God….
Lord, hear us.

+ That nations who live in mistrust of each other, especially in the Middle Easy, may learn to resolve their differences peacefully….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who go to sea, for work or leisure, may be spared from violent storms….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who staff lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all the people of God may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life, especially those who are refugees of wars and violence…. Lord, hear us.

+ That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House….
Lord, hear us.

+ We also remember those who died recently and especially those whose anniversaries occur….
Lord, hear us.

O God, our help and our refuge, You guide Your people according to Your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Eternal Father, grant, we pray To all Marines, both night and day
The courage, honor, strength, and skill Their land to serve, Thy law fulfill
Be Thou the shield forevermore From every peril to the Corps.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen