Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22-27

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Lord,
You call to us and say,
"Take heart,
it is I;
do not be afraid."

What is, Lord,
that I fear?

The storms of life
that threaten to overwhelm.
The winds
that blow against us.
The surprising presence of my Lord
walking on the sea
in the midst the storms.

Lord you say,
"Do not be afraid.
I am here.
I am with you."

Give us eyes
to recognize your presence
with us in the storm.
Give us ears
to hear your voice.
Give us faith
to believe your message:
"Take heart,
it is I;
do not be afraid."

Help me, Lord.
Amen.