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
If you like high energy drama, Peter is the one who gives it. Here, he boldly steps out onto the water, and starts walking toward Jesus. But as soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he immediately begins to sink. His cry for help, “Lord, save me” is a desperate plea for help. It is often touted as the shortest prayer in the Bible. However, there is another three-word prayer that also speaks volumes: “Lord, help me.” (Matthew 15:24) This prayer is from a mother desperate for help for her daughter. Both of these prayers are powerful and to the point. Both of these prayers call out to Jesus. Both come in times of great need. In each case, Jesus responds by rescuing them. These two three-word prayers can remind us of the importance of prayer that comes from the depth of our hearts in our times of greatest need.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, through the prophet Isaiah we hear your encouragement to pray (41:10): “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” We bring our fears to you in our prayers through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.