Matthew 14:22-33 You of little faith, why did you doubt?

Matthew 14:22-33

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation using your deep breathing to guide you.

  • Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation, allowing your deep breathing to guide you.
  • Imagine that you are are a disciple on the boat.
  • Where are you sitting in the boat?  What do you notice about the boat?  About the sea?
  • Notice that the sea begins raging around you.
  • What fear do you feel?  Where do you feel it in your body?
  • What doubts go you have?
  • Where is Jesus?
  • Imagine that the storm is not over.  Yet you are still afraid.  You notice someone coming toward you.
  • Who is the first to reach you?  A friend?  Or an enemy?
  • Imagine realizing it is Jesus who is coming toward you.
  • What feelings arise in you?  Relief?  Anger?  Both?
  • What do you say to Jesus?
  • Imagine Jesus invites you to get out of the boat and walk toward him.
  • Will you go?  What doubts to you have?
  • Where do you find your courage and strength to follow?
  • Imagine you are stepping out of the boat.  You begin to sink.
  • How does Jesus catch you?
  • Give thanks to God for storm and for the calm.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, August 7 2011,  the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD.

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