This week we are continuing our sermon series called, “Diving Deeper” and Pastor Mark will preach out of Matthew 14, when Jesus calls to Peter to come out and walk on the water with him. One thing I love about this passage is that Jesus sees that the disciples are terrified- and he calls out to them and says, “Take courage! It’s me, Jesus. Don’t be afraid!”. And then Peter tests him out and says, “If it’s you Jesus, call me out to come with you on the water.” And Jesus obliges him and calls Peter out on the water.
We can do the same thing Peter does, when we are praying. We can remember that God is not fearful, anxious, angry, or condemning. We can remember that Jesus says to us, “Don’t be afraid! It’s me Jesus!”.
The following is a prayer from Pastor Jackie designed to help us listen for God’s voice. As you pray and read this, remember Peter: “If it’s you Jesus, call me out to come with you!” Check how you feel as you are praying- am I feeling anxious? God is not anxious, so if you feel anxious while you are praying you can say to God, “God speak truth to me as I listen.” Am I feeling scared? Jesus says, “take courage! It’s me Jesus! Don’t be afraid”. So you can pray, “Jesus, call out to me and give me your peace as I listen for your voice.”
Remember God is good, and God is love.
Here is Pastor Jackie’s prayer:
“There are many types of prayer, and this type focuses on quieting our own thoughts to be receptive to God’s voice. As we do this prayer the way to know that we are hearing from God and not just our own thoughts is that it will align with Scripture. And if we don’t hear from God during this prayer, we can relax in his presence, being still and knowing He is God.
Lord, we come to you today with open minds and hearts, ready to receive your words of love and life. Holy Spirit, will you rest on us and help us quiet our minds and still our hearts? Jesus, just like you asked Peter to “Come”, when the waves were treacherous, you are asking us to come into your presence. To trust you to calm the storms in our lives. You want to speak to us so we can experience your peace. When we are with you, our fears and worries fade into the distance because the light of your love is shining on us.
We want to sit with you now, while listening for your voice, finding strength in your embrace.
Take 5 minutes to listen and talk with God. Write down what you hear.
Thank you for drawing us closer to a place of peace with you. Holy Spirit, will you help us practice stealing these quiet moments with you? We want to dive deeper into the life-giving relationship you have for us. When we listen to you will give us clarity in your purposes for our lives. You give us discernment so we can make better choices. Lord, listening for your voice in our life takes patience and practice. You are constantly speaking to us. Will you help us be patient with ourselves as we strive for deeper intimacy with you through listening?
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”
Come dive deeper with us this Sunday at 10:30 am in-person or online.
See you Sunday church,
Chelsea Maitland
Worship Leader