Even the Winds and the Sea Obey

Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Matthew 8:18-27

The ocean is a part of my being. I love it in all seasons and all weather. I also respect the power of those waters. Several times in my life I have been caught in a boat when a storm rolled in. The sky darkens quickly, the winds howl and lightening can be seen in the distance. This is the moment when everyone leans in, lends a hand and works to bring the boat into the safer harbor. It is terrifying, trying to outrun a storm, even for the most seasoned sailors and fisherfolk. Prayers are screamed to the winds, and the toughest cry out loud for God to save them.

Gracious Creator, source of all life

we are caught in many storms today

violence and cruelty surround us

the winds of hate are whipped up 

and we are straining to reach safe harbor.

Help us to know you in this small boat

help us to rely on you in our worst moments

give us the faith to know you are in charge

despite the terrors and pains that surrounds us. Amen.