At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah came to a cave…and spent the night there…[God] said, “Go out and stand on the mountain…for the Lord is about to pass by…” the Lord was not in the wind…in the earthquake…in the fire…and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it…and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave…Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus…” [1 Kings 19:9-18]
I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him. [Psalm 85:8]
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. [Romans 10:12]
But when the disciples saw [Jesus]
walking on the sea, they were terrified...But...Jesus...said, "...it is I,
do not be afraid." Peter [said]..."command me to come to you on the
water." He said, "Come." [Peter] became frightened, and
beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately
reached out his hand and caught [Peter], saying to him, "You of little
faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind
ceased. [Matthew
14:26a, 28-, 30b, 31-32]
The constancy of God is a continuing theme throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, no matter the whims and wastes of those God loves. The Psalmist reminds us, among other things in this short piece, to listen to what God is saying and truth shall spring up from the earth.
Paul tells us that God in Jesus is Lord of all, of everyone, whether Jew or Greek or whatever else you may be ~ this was a shocking idea in those times, a notion that God doesn't dismiss or exclude those people who aren't one of us was quite radical ~ no wonder Paul ended up in prison! Imagine if we felt that way today ~ oh, wait, have you read today’s news? This concept is seemingly shocking to many who identify themselves as Christian and yet encourage the violence and irrational hatred which divides families, friends, neighborhoods, and nations. Yet Paul is adamant that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved [Romans 10:13]. Furthermore, we are the ones who are to proclaim the truth of Christ to all.
Just as God is Lord of ALL, regardless of human categorizations of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, status in life, etc., Jesus calls ~ make that requires ~ us all to get our feet wet in the realities of life's unpredictable times, tides, and weather; political and otherwise. Nothing easy about it ~ just ask Peter. But praying for the trust to believe in our hearts, to speak our faith out loud in words and by our actions, and bringing Christ to others, will help us find the strength we need to pull ourselves and each other up from that sinking feeling of fear and doubt. Jesus bids us Come, get out of the boat in faith, and together we will know and share the calmer seas of Christ’s Good News.
Leader: ~ Generous and Merciful God, the Constant who guides us through the calm and chaos of our earthly life, if we believe in our hearts and call upon Your Holy Name. Amplify our faith, relieve our fears and doubts, and quicken our determination to answer Christ’s simple call, “Come.”
~ Generous and Merciful God, renew us in spirit daily to carry the message of Christ on our lips and hearts to the leaders of this Community, this Country, and this World for the peace, health, and well-being of all people everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
~ Generous and Merciful God, soothe the hearts and minds of all who struggle with serious illness, chronic pain, or depression, and revive the stamina of those who give them care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions
~ Generous and Merciful God, we give You thanks and praise for the new life of our loved ones in the glorious eternity of heaven. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
~ Generous and Merciful God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions
Our Strength and Salvation
~ Generous and Merciful God, grant spiritual vitality and an even keel to all who lead us in Your church by Your Word and Wisdom, through the calm and perilous waters of life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Our Strength and Salvation
The Celebrant adds: Almighty and Ever-Living God, You created us all in
Your image and bid us always to turn to You in each hour of life. Empower us to
step into the depths of our faith and answer Your call with courage and
conviction, in tempest and tranquility, for this life and the next. We ask this
through Christ Jesus, our Savior; and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate; who
together with You, are One God forever and ever. Amen.
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