August 3 Prayer

August 3 Prayer-PS..61, Matt.14:22-33
‘Hear my cry, O Merciful One, listen to my prayer; From the depth of my being I call to You, for my heart is faint.’
Read the story in Matthew when Jesus appears walking upon the stormy waters toward the boat where his friends were battling the waves against them.
They were afraid and terrified when they saw Jesus coming. His very words to them were ‘Take heart, be brave, it is I.’ And that was just enough for Peter to hear to be able to walk out into those stormy seas with Jesus.

Sometimes we are called to rest and shelter in the bow of the boat with Jesus and sometimes we are called out to join him right in the middle of the storm.

Where is he calling you right now as you face the wind and waves against you?
Where is Jesus in the midst of all the troubles we are facing in our world today?
What do we all need to be able to walk through these times?
Are we open enough to see Jesus and hear his call of faith for us to arise, take our place with him in the middle of the storm and speak the words take heart, be brave, these storms will surely pass. Can we ask for the faith to believe and the authority to speak to the wind and waves of disease and conflict and say, be still, be gone, In Jesus name?
Think of all the times God has provided a miracle for you and met you in your direst need.
Now listen to hear the words of Jesus to you, where you are, in the middle of this storm.

After the great miracle of provision Jesus performed by feeding the five thousand hungry followers he went to be alone and prayed.
Let’s pray now ,
‘O Merciful One, you listen to our distress and worry about all that is going on around us. You see the wind and waves that batters against our faith. We listen to your voice now and look for your coming and calling us out to join what you are doing.
We pray in agreement with you to eradicate this pandemic all around the world. For the fear and confusion and division to be stilled.
Give us eyes to see you in our midst and to take heart, your heart of courage into our hearts.
May we be bold enough in our faith to walk right into the storm with you and speak to the wind and the waves to be still.
We are afraid and have little faith. Fill us with your spirit of courage and hope and the power to love one another this day.
Help us to come out where you are and not to hide in our fears.
May we be the face of compassion and confidence that you are the Merciful One toward others. May we lead them to the rock that is higher and stronger and surer than what the world structures can offer. For you alone are our refuge, your steadfast love conquers all fears. Let our minds be clothed by trust, our hearts informed by Mercy to know your peace and joy.
Grant us help to answer the call, strengthen us with pure resolve. With You, our Beloved, we shall triumph and be free!

Amen