Take Heart

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.”
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Matthew 14:22-36 

Take Heart

Dear Lord of the wind and waves
the storms surround us fiercely now
we are so tired and so very weary
at a loss to bring this vessel to shore.

We have been battered and rocked
we are fearful and truly shaken
the world's erupting around us
and we can find no sheltered cove.

Draw near to us in our terrors
stretch out you hand towards all
help us to stay afloat and have faith
in the midst of rising, roiling waters.

Strengthen us to be strong for the weak
guide us to help those who need shelter
break us open to love the stranger
and make us your disciples again. Amen