Quick to Comfort Us
This good news story lends itself well to imaginative prayer. Place yourself in the story. Engaging all your senses, imagine the scene unfold before you. Give yourself permission to notice what you are observing. Withhold your judgement and instead offer compassion, kindness and gentleness towards what you experience. Allow Jesus to join you in this moment. How is he looking upon you? What does his hand feel like in yours? What do you want to say to him? What do you long for him to say to you?
We have added an audio recording of this passage if you would like to be guided through this scripture meditation.
Matthew 14:22-33 (The Message)
As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart and repeat it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect has it had on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
Imagine yourself in this scene. What is happening in you and around you? Engage your senses and allow them to flesh out this story for you.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
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