Step Boldly Out of the Boat
On Sunday, August 7, 2005 I served as worship leader at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren. The pastor's sermon was based on Matthew 14:22-33, the story of when Peter walked on the water to meet his Lord on the Sea of Galilee. As part of the service, I gave the following prayer. I also gave the benediction at the end of the service. The poem used in these prayers, is from a hymn that I wrote, entitled, A Ship of Grace to Set us Free.
The Morning Prayer
August 7, 2005
Lord of the wind and wave, we come to you out of the storms of life. We are afraid and so we hesitate to step out of the boat into a raging sea. We live in a world in which the storms seem to increase in frequency and in fury. We are embattled on every side. Yet, through the noise of the storm, we can hear the refrain of that childhood song, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.”
So often we forget to keep our eyes on Jesus. Instead, we cower in the stern of the boat, afraid to move out onto the sea of life, or like Peter, we become distracted by our fear and sink beneath the waves. There is so much that needs to be done. Give us the courage to step out of the boat.
Today, our children are dying at an alarming rate as our nation is embroiled in the war in Iraq. Iraqi civilians are being killed at even higher levels. Prisoners are being held and tortured without the benefit of trial. It is time for the church to speak out boldly against the senseless killing and the cruelty of war. How many must die before we learn to follow the teachings of Jesus and end this cycle of violence? Give us the courage to step out of the boat.
While we live in luxury and struggle with over-consumption issues, most of the world does not even have enough to eat. Many in this country and around the world lack proper medical care, simply because they cannot afford it. Why must they suffer, simply because they are poor? We must speak out for those who have no voice. Give us the courage to step out of the boat.
God of grace, there are some in our boat who are simply too sick or tired to step out on the raging sea. Some are dealing with overwhelming family problems. Some are dealing with the grief that comes through personal loss. Some are dealing with employment issues. We ask that you lay your hand on all of these, and bring them healing and renew their spirits. Give them the courage to deal with their own personal storms, so that they too may again step out boldly onto the sea of life.
Lord, we pray for this church, the ark of refuge for your children. Lord, make her a ship of grace.
Our journey through life is oft periled with gales;
The seas roar and mighty waves roll.
In darkness we tremble as all courage fails;
We're shipwrecked and lost on the shoal.
Imprisoned on islands of sin and despair,
We cry to the Lord of the sea,
"Although we're not worthy, is anyone there
Who somehow might help set us free?"
When out of the darkness there comes a sweet voice,
"You are not alone on this sea.
I made a great ship; won't you make it your choice?
By grace, I will then set you free."
With Christ at the helm, will our ship stand the test?
Through treacherous waters she sails.
Ah, soon we will enter a haven of rest,
Where love dwells and grace never fails. Amen.
Benediction:
Our ship anchored, safe, now the fury is gone;
The master has calmed the wild sea.
But others are lost and our work is not done
Until all are rescued and free.
May we serve as lights to our neighbors who ride
In peril upon the wild sea.
He made us a great ship of grace when we cried;
He surely will help set them free.
Go in peace, and with the courage to step boldly out of the boat. Amen.
Copyright © Jay D Weaver - August 5, 2005
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