Today is September 8.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 8.

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

As we enter prayer today, I’m going to ask you to enter into this story as well. Imaginative prayer helps for us to read scripture not just as familiar stories… but as actual events. Can you call to mind a picture of a small boat? Nothing fancy. Nothing modern. It’s small, handmade, and probably rickety. Imagine the waves picking up, and the wind driving rain into your face. Try to smell the stormy air. Imagine the fear of lightening, as the furious storm pounds you and your friends. Have you ever felt terrified? Have you been out in nature, subject to the elements with no shelter. Imagine that. You’re afraid for your life. Take a few moments to imagine this scene, and to try to become connected to this fear and sense of being out of control, with both your senses, and emotions.

Now comes an interruption. In their desperation, the disciples wake Jesus. Perhaps in their anger: how is this guy sleeping through such an all-hands-on-deck-moment? Save us, they cry. We’re going to drown!, they cry. Have you ever prayed a prayer like this? A prayer that feels like a last-ditch-effort? Listen again… and imagine now the frantic tone of their call to Jesus:

The Greek work that translates to: you of little faith is used multiple times in Matthew. We perhaps read it as an insult. Or a judgement. But read in context it has the ring of a something one dear friend might say to another… like a nickname of sorts. Now keep in mind, Jesus uses this word to describe his disciples – those who would become saints and martyrs. Their faith – though maybe little – was clearly sufficient! As small as a mustard seed, we might say. But the gospels remind us that even the tiniest seed of faith is all we need bring to God. Even the frustrated and frightened cry of ‘Lord save me!’ is sufficient. AS we end our time of prayer today, reflect on the goodness of God, and how Christ is present to all who call on His name: no matter the ‘size’ of faith we bring to Him.

Music Credit:
Peace Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)