Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 14:22-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. Verse 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Verse 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. Verse 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. Verse 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. Verse 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Verse 28Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Verse 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Verse 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Verse 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Verse 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Devotion
The gospels point to many instances where Jesus sets aside time for prayer. Here, after the feeding of the five thousand, at the end of a long day, Jesus dismissed the crowds, and went up the mountain by himself to pray. In the gospel of Mark (1:35) we are told that at the beginning of the day, Jesus got up while it was still dark and went out to a deserted place and prayed. We also have the privilege of praying at any time and any place. We can pray in our homes, in our churches, and in our cars. We can pray by ourselves and with others. Prayer is a wonderful blessing that opens our hearts to the overflowing presence of the Lord in our lives.
Prayer
Loving Lord, you have taught us how to pray through the Lord’s Prayer. We know to acknowledge you and seek your will, ask for forgiveness and forgive others, ask for deliverance from evil, and acknowledge that your kingdom and glory is forever. Amen.