Song
‘To God be the glory’, courtesy of Emu Music. You can also find this video directly at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIS9fBwOrK8
Prayer
As we gather here, so Christ gathers with us. As we come to this time and place, with our doubts and our hopes, our joy and our fears, Christ is among us.
Let us pray,
Christ of the storm, give us peace; Christ of the hungry, give us nourishment; and Christ of the weary, lift our spirits.
We give thanks for all good things and ways, for all signs of hope and life.
We pray that in our own lives we may be signs of the presence of Christ amongst others. Open our ears that we would hear your word for our lives as we gather today. Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from Matthew 14:22-33. These words are below, and are followed by a dramatic reproduction from Lumo of this Bible passage.
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.
And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Message
The message is brought to you by Rev. Gareth Thomas-Burchell on behalf of Project Reconnect (Year A – Pentecost 11 – “Get Out of the Boat”). Life is about getting out of the harbour and going to ‘the other side’. We need to not be afraid of what we encounter, prepare to have failures and step out with faith and trust. The miracle is taking the first step, keeping our eyes on the goal and not being fearful of what may happen. Have courage, Jesus is there with you.
https://vimeo.com/845797482
What are the big issues for you in the Bible passage and in this message? Recall a time when you had the choice of staying or leaving ‘the harbour’. What happened? Are there parallels in this story and situations in the world today?
Before a time of prayer you may like to spend some time in silence sitting still. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Simply be still and open to God. You may prefer to do this while listening to the ‘Optional reflective music’ below.
Optional reflective music
The reflective music is, ‘Oceans (where feet may fail)’, by Hillsong United. If you have problems connecting, you can also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPHALQ6dChA&t=31s
Prayers for others
Let us pray.
God of the day and night, God of the summer and winter, God of the drought and the rain, we find ourselves in your presence. Christ of friendship, of healing, of bread, wine and fish, we find ourselves in your presence as you come to us. Spirit of the eternal presence of God, you blow amongst us.
To you we pray for your people…..
Where there is suffering, Christ bring healing; where there is hunger, Christ sustain us. And where there is loneliness and fear, Christ be our friend; and where there is hatred and war, Christ bring us peace.
Where there is bitterness, Christ bring forgiveness; and where there is judgement and legalism, Christ bring us the Gospel of life. Where we struggle ourselves, Christ walk beside us along the way, and where we struggle to know how to pray, let us pray together:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
Blessing
Go in peace, and until we worship God together again, may the love of the Father enfold you, the wisdom of the Son enlighten you, and the fire of the Holy Spirit kindle you. Amen.
Song
‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’, from the NBA Big Sing, Westgate Baptist Church, Newcastle upon Tyne. It can also be found via a direct link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqOnjmr9Ah0&t=200s
Resources
The prayers are based on content in the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/pentecost-11-the-unexpected-christ-matthew-14-22-33/