Rough Seas

When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:16-27 

Great Creator of vast oceans and seas

you have guided us through rough waters

provided stars and planets to lead us

brought us to safe harbor on the other side.

We live in the rough seas of this season

so much turmoil, change and fear

we dream of the end to our isolation

and shake with anger at rejection's storms.

You came to your friends in their darkness

you calmed the untamable wild seas

they often looked for signs and wonders

while you look at our hearts still today.

Make our hearts open to your love today

guide our feet in the paths of service

let kindness and forgiveness be our ways

and let you love flow through us this day. Amen.