Church of the Ascension

Archives for August 2020

Walking on Water

The Story for the
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 9, 2020

prepared by the Rev’d Adam Brown

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 worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Something to Do

Walking with God

Go for a walk this week and search out places or moments where the calm of God is walking in the midst of the chaos of the world.

Spiritual Gardening

Draw the outline of a boat on a piece of paper.  On another, smaller, piece of paper, write down something about your own life that’s holding you back in your comfort zone. Over the course of the week, either think, write, or draw about ways you can overcome that fear and take that leap of faith.

Something to Wonder

The Boat of Life

The boat in the story was filled with the disciples which has often been interpreted as a symbol of the community of Christians throughout the world.  How do you see yourself contributing to the navigation of the boat through the waters?

Leap of Faith

It wasn’t Peter’s first instinct to jump out of the boat to meet Jesus, but Jesus had to extend an invitation.  How do you listen through your own “stormy weather” in your life to hear the call of Jesus? What is Jesus saying to you that might draw you out of your comfort zone?

Something to Learn

Exploring the Depth of God’s Creation

Learn about the deepest, darkest, places of God’s Creation here on earth: the ocean floor, especially the most remote underwater locations where humans rarely go.

Something to Pray

Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

Psalm 145:8-9,14-25

O Lord, you are gracious and full of compassion, 
slow to anger and of great kindness. 

You are loving to everyone 
and your compassion is over all your works. 

You uphold all those who fall 
and lift up those who are bowed down. 

The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, 
and you give them their food in due season. 

You open wide your hand 
and satisfy the needs of every living creature. 

You are righteous in all your ways 
 and loving in all your works. 

You are near to those who call upon you, 
to all who call upon you faithfully. 

You fulfil the desire of those who fear you, 
you hear their cry and help them. 

You preserve all those who love you, 
but you destroy all the wicked. 

My mouth shall speak your praise, O Lord;
let all flesh bless your holy name for ever and ever. 

from the Liturgical Psalter, Anglican Church of Canada