Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:22-33. I usually remove the verse numbers to make reading easier (I think), but this week I’ll leave them in for comparison. Let me know what you think – numbers or no?

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. ²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

This passage tells us that the disciples were having a tough time crossing the lake against the wind. In the midst of their difficulties they see Jesus coming to them, but they don’t recognize Him because they are focused on their own issues. They cried out in fear because His appearance was so unexpected.

However, Jesus comforts them as He is always ready to do – When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. But He said to them “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v. 26-27). When we face difficult times, Jesus is with us as well.

We are all concerned about the current situation and the disruption it is causing in everyone’s lives. We must ask Jesus for strength and wisdom to handle the problem. Only through faith and loving one another as He taught us will be able to conquer our fear and move on with courage.

Gracious God, we are afraid and confused. We haven’t had to deal with anything like this before. Help us to realize what is truly important – our connection to You and each other – and live through these times with Your guidance and love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:22-33. I usually remove the verse numbers to make reading easier (I think), but this week I’ll leave them in for comparison. Let me know what you think – numbers or no?

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. ²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

If the feeding of the five thousand wasn’t enough to convince the disciples, Jesus coming to them across the lake surely was. Verse 25 tells us “shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake”. This is something no one has ever seen before and it is being shown to them as a lesson and a blessing.

Jesus needed His followers to understand who He was in order to be able to carry on His work. They were real, practical people who had hoped for the coming of the Messiah for generations but scarcely dared to believe that He was among them. If He was the savior, why had He sought them out? They were, as one author puts it “nobodies from nowhere”.

This is how God has acted since the very beginning. He rarely chooses those in high positions to do His work. Perhaps it is because He wants us to choose Him of our own free will, rather than any pressure from those in power. God wants each of us to be in a personal relationship with Him and if it takes people telling us about Jesus walking on the water to get our attention, God is willing to do just that.

Loving Lord, we are thankful that You seek us out individually and offer us a connection with You. Let us accept Your forgiveness and share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:22-33. I usually remove the verse numbers to make reading easier (I think), but this week I’ll leave them in for comparison. Let me know what you think – numbers or no?

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. ²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

In this passage, Jesus sends the disciples ahead while He remains to pray alone (v. 22-23). Jesus knows how important regular prayer is and He left us examples that He prayed alone frequently. Have you ever needed time alone to refresh and restore? Parents of young children know this feeling; it’s likely we all hit a point that we feel we can’t be productive again without a break. Jesus was as human as we are and time alone with God was His way of being restored.

Maybe He knew the disciples needed time alone as well. They had just taken part in the miraculous feeding of the crowd and there would certainly be discussion about what that meant in their lives and in the world. Jesus encouraged the disciples to talk about their relationship with each other and with Him to better understand their connection to God.

However, it is also possible that He had another lesson for the disciples and needed them to be on their own in order to teach it. He knows that eventually they will not have Him physically present with them and they need to begin to learn to share God’s love on their own. Whatever the Master’s reason, it is always out of love for us.

Loving Lord, sometimes we don’t understand the lessons You give immediately, we need time to process and make them part of our lives. Help us to share with each other that we may better learn the teaching You give us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The crowds have come a long way to this solitary place. They have come to see and hear His lesson, each for their own reason. Now Jesus calls His disciples to care for them. It is a huge and seemingly impossible task, how could it be enough?

The disciples give what they have, meager as it is, to Jesus and as He blesses it and has them serve the people, it becomes enough for everyone. That’s how God’s love works, we bring what we have to Him and He makes it enough.

Jesus performs this miracle to teach the people of God’s love and care for them. It reminds them of how God led them and fed them in the desert years before. God still leads and feeds us today. Bring what you have to Him and know He will make it enough.

Loving Lord, when we are lost and hungry, You send Your love to save us. Help us to be part of Your work in the world, finding those who need Your love most. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

How do we know when we have enough? If there is a price tag on something we wish to buy, we see if our wallet has that much cash or our credit limit will handle the amount. If we buy that item, will it satisfy our need? The concept of “enough” is a difficult one for humans.

Jesus tells us not to worry, that through Him there will be truly enough. The Apostle Paul writes “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). This doesn’t mean that all our needs will be magically fulfilled, but that when we work with Him in faith, the needs of the world can be met, just as the needs of the people were in this lesson.

Part of this teaching is to show us that our needs are more simple and not as pressing as we often think. We have learned much about “enough” during this time of uncertainty and concern for the well-being of our communities. There were shortages and worry about how our needs would be met, but we also discovered how much we need one another and how connected we are. Let us continue to be “enough” for each other as we trust in the Lord to use us for His work.

Wise and wonderful God, You have created all things for us and provide for us through our connection to You and each other. Help us to see the needs of those around us that we may be Your love in action in our world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus teaches us a pattern that will mean even more to us later – “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves” (v. 19). Jesus reminds us to thank God for what we have been given, no matter how large or small. God is the source of all good gifts and without Him, we have nothing.

Jesus breaks the bread, as is done during the Jewish Passover celebration in order to share it with those attending the meal. Everyone is given a piece of the broken loaf. He shows us that this huge crowd is like the whole world, and we are to treat everyone as a family member at the table and share what we have with them.

Jesus also does something more – “Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people” (v. 19). This is our call to ministry, we are provided for and we must provide for others. Give thanks for the blessings you receive and pass them on!

Gracious God, we are grateful for all our many blessings, and Your loving care for us. Help us to care for all Your children in the same way, sharing the gifts we have received from You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish” we say. We’re always telling the Lord how little we have with which to do the work. We operate from a position of scarcity rather than out of the abundance God has provided us. Jesus wants us to see that the gifts we have been given are enough and more.

The basis of our faith is that through Him all things are possible. He wants us to be a part of His work, but we must be willing to do as He bids, not following our own selfish motives. In order to give as He calls us to, we must be willing to give up what we have.

In verse 18 Jesus tells us “bring them here to me”. When we trust in Him, our gifts can be multiplied to work together for the good of all. By offering ourselves as He did, we are enabled to bring the gift of the Good News to the world.

Gracious God, you have blessed us beyond measure. Help us to use Your gifts wisely for the good of Your children everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

This passage begins with Jesus and the disciples withdrawing to a solitary place (v. 13). He had just received word that King Herod had executed John the Baptist and even Jesus needed time to process this news. He knew the value of time alone with God and time spent with His disciples away from the crowds. Although it didn’t work out that way in this instance, Jesus is telling us to take a break now and then.

We may not see it now, but there has been a blessing of slowing down in this virus we face. It has caused us examine our actions in light of our own safety and that of others. While we may have different feelings about particular protective measures, we have all paused to think about what needs to be done. It has also made us spend time to those closest to us, perhaps rediscovering old activities at home or finding new ones to occupy our time.

My hope is that when the pandemic passes, we will have learned new things about our relationship with God and each other. While it may seem harsh as we go through it, perhaps it can bring us new perspectives about how we treat our brothers and sisters. The “solitary place” that we inhabit now can be the inspiration for better ways of serving.

Loving Lord, teach us Your ways. Let us learn to use the gifts You have given us to better serve Your creation. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The story of feeding the five thousand appears in all four Gospels (here in Matthew, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-15). This account shows the disciples attempting to send the people away and Jesus telling them instead “You give them something to eat” (v. 16). The Lord has some very important points to make to His disciples.

When He tells them to feed the people, He is indicating the huge responsibility His followers bear, to literally care for the whole world, represented by the large crowd. He knows they can’t do this, so it is a lesson in faith – they must believe that Jesus has the power. While Jesus needs no help from them, He calls them to be part of the solution, working with Him to resolve the situation.

Responsibility, faith and participation in the work of His kingdom – these are the lessons Jesus has for us here. They have not changed since the time of the disciples and as the disciples of today, we must answer the call Jesus makes on our lives. We show our love for Him by loving those around us.

Gracious God, we have received marvelous gifts from You to be able to accomplish Your will. Let us use these gifts wisely as we give back through our care for each other. Amen.