Tag: Take courage. I am here!

Thursday Morning: 26 Sep 2019 – Matthew 14:22-36 ~ “Don’t be afraid. Take courage, I am here!”

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 14:22-36 (NLT)

Jesus Walks on Water

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.

So 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.

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
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Morning Reflection:

“Don’t be afraid. Take courage, I am here!”

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
“You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
– Matthew 14:31 –

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ fear centered on, “I am here!” The disciples could take courage because Jesus was there. The words, “I am,” were a term Jesus used to claim deity.

On one hand, the disciples feared drowning because of the ferocity of the storm. On the other hand, Peter feared drowning because he climbed out of the boat. But in both cases the message is the same – “Don’t be afraid, I am here!” – Jesus stills the storm, and hauls Peter back into the boat.

Courage comes from knowing that Jesus – the One who is “I am” is present.

Questions for consideration:

  • What sort of storms have you experienced in your life? What was  your greatest fear when you were caught up in the middle of it? Please explain.
  • How did Jesus see you through it? Did you experience his encouraging presence in the midst of it? Please explain.
  • Are you currently experiencing a storm in your life, or is there a storm on your horizon? What do you need Jesus to do for you? Do you believe that he will? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer – For Times of Suffering or Weakness

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I hold up all my weakness to your strength, my failure to your faithfulness, my sinfulness to your perfection, my loneliness to your compassion, my little pains to your great agony on the Cross. I pray that you will cleanse me, strengthen me, guide me, so that in all ways my life may be lived as you would have it lived, without cowardice and for you alone. Show me how to live in true humility, true contrition, and true love. Amen.
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“Be Not Afraid” – John Michael Talbot
(Video clips from the 1998 movie The Prince of Egypt)

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – 29 July – Mark 6:45-52 – Take courage! I am here!

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

O God, you are our ever-present help in times of trouble. Pour out your Spirit on your people in every tribe and nation, that we may live courageously and do the work you have called us to do. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Betzet Yisrael” (Psalm 114) – Miqedem


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Gospel Reading: Mark 6:45-52 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
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Prayers of Intercession:

O Lord our God: Nothing escapes your notice; no thought, or word, or deed is hidden from you. Hear your peoples’ cries for help as we pray in faith –

+ For all church leaders, that we might be led by your Spirit and guided by your Word….
+ For all church workers, that we might do our part using the gifts you have given us….
+ For all believers, that we might grow in unity and patience towards one another….
+ For all who are fearful, that we might take courage in your unfailing love….
+ For all who are sick, that we might experience your miraculous healing power….
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they might live in your perfect peace forever….

Strengthen your people, O Lord, and grant our prayers for unity and faith that we might continue to grow into maturity as measured by your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Not Afraid” – Red Rocks Worship

I have this confidence because | I’ve seen the faithfulness of God
The still inside the storm | The promise of the shore
I trust the power of Your word | Enough to seek Your kingdom first
Beyond the barren place | Beyond the ocean waves

When I walk through the waters, I won’t be overcome
When I go through the rivers, I will not be drowned
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid

You keep the promises You make | There isn’t one that is delayed
So I will not lose heart | Here, I will lift my arms
And start to sing into the night | My praise will call the sun to rise
Declare the battle won | Declare that it is done

When I walk through the waters, I won’t be overcome
When I go through the rivers, I will not be drowned
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid
When I am in the fire, I will not feel the flames
I’ll stand before the giant, declaring victory
My God will make a way, so I am not afraid

Before me, behind me | Always beside me
No shadow, no valley | Where You won’t find me
No, I am not afraid
Before me, behind me | Always beside me
No shadow, no valley | Where You won’t find me
No, I am not afraid | No, I am not afraid

My God will make a way, so I am not afraid
No, I am not afraid, no, I am not afraid
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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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

10th Sunday after Pentecost: 13 Aug – Matthew 14:22-33 ~ Take courage. I am here!

10th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer

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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“Be still for the presence of the Lord” – The NBA

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Reading: 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.

So 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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Intercessory Prayer

Lord God: You are our ever-present help in times of trouble; hear us now as we approach your throne of grace –

+ That all who are part of the Christian family may find strength in prayer…. Lord, hear us
+ That nations who live in mistrust of each other may resolve their differences peacefully…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who go to sea may be spared the violence of storms and conflict…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who staff the lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection…. Lord, hear us.
+ That people on vacation may travel safely, by land, in the air or by sea and return home rested and refreshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ That all the members of our worshiping communities may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life…. 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.

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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“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life” – The NBA


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Concluding Prayer – Isaiah 56:1 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says: “Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you.”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Daily Reading: 21 June – The Miracles of Jesus: Walking on Water – Matthew 14:22-36

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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

E100:13.b – The Miracles of Jesus

Walking on Water – Matthew 14:22-36 (NLT)

Jesus Walks on Water

Matthew 14:22  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. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

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

Jesus walks on water Ivan Aivazovsky (1888) Private collection
Jesus walks on water
Ivan Aivazovsky (1888)
Private collection

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

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

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

32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong United

Prayer

Lord Jesus: keep my eyes fixed on you, especially during times when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Hear me when I cry out to you. And when I am at my weakest, strengthen me by your grace. Come to me in times of trouble so that I may find rest for my soul. Thank you for claiming me as your child and guiding me by your Spirit. I am yours, and you are mine. Amen.

Closing Sentence

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:21-23

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