Simple Sunday Service: Prayers and Reading; 9th August

The following prayers and Bible passage can be read as part of the Simple Service which can be viewed on our YouTube channel, or can be used independently for your own personal time of prayer and reflection. God is with you. 

Gathering Prayer

Lord, sometimes life following you can be difficult. We find so many dilemmas and struggle so much, wishing it could be easier. We so want to trust you and see your plan for us. Help us this morning to relax into your presence, to clearly hear your word and be prepared to act on it.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Lord God, I’m sorry for the times I take my eyes off you, and seek to do things in my own strength. I’m sorry for the times I doubt that you can keep me on the straight and narrow. I’m sorry for the times I ask you for signs. Lord, I pray that you will forgive my doubts and hesitations, show me your loving presence, especially when I most need it, and teach me to trust you at all times. Amen

Bible Reading

Jesus Walks on the Water - Matthew 14:22-33

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Reflection

• Do you need to recognise Jesus is the Lord of the storm? - and he can bring you comfort and peace, as you do the things you need to do.
• Do you need to know don’t need to aspire for the sensational and you don’t need to be the ‘Lord of it all’? That’s Jesus’ job.
• Do you need to get out of the boat, and walk with Jesus into the needs and hurts of those around you?

Intercessions

Lord God, we come before you to pray for all those people for whom taking risks is a way of life.
Lord, reveal yourself to them and keep them safe.
We pray for our emergency services – paramedics, the police, the fire service – all who daily face difficult situations as they seek to help to protect us and make our world a safer and more peaceful place.
Lord, reveal yourself to them and keep them safe.
We pray for people who work in troubled areas – the armed forces in war zones, those who bring humanitarian aid into areas of natural disaster, and many more.
Lord, reveal yourself to them and keep them safe.
We pray for people who take risks in your name, Lord Jesus – those who take your word where it is most needed – and for people who grapple with faith and doubt
Lord, reveal yourself to them and keep them safe. Amen.

Some suggestions for interactive prayers

Fill a large bowl with water. Perhaps you have a toy boat to float on it, or can make a paper one.

Use your hand to stir up the water – pray for those facing terrible times, for everyone tossed in stormy waters. Ask for any courage you need to weather the storms in your own life.

Blow on the water to make waves – pray for those feeling they are making no headway at the moment. Ask for any help you need to hold on to hope when the wind seems against you.

Walk your fingers across the water and think of Peter’s leap of faith – pray for anyone jumping in at the deep end at the moment, perhaps facing a challenge, or a change in daily life. Ask for any faith you need to take the plunge when you are called to do so, or reach out for help when you need it.

Sending Out

Peter only knew life as a fisherman. But he got out of the boat and followed you, Lord. Help us to hear your voice, get out of our boats and follow you. In the week ahead, may the world and its problems decrease as you increase in our lives. Keep us focused on your way, looking ahead and trusting you. Amen

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Prayers taken from Roots on the Web copyright © Copyright 2002-2020, ROOTS for Churches Ltd. All rights reserved.