Matthew 14:22-33 from the ESV (English Standard Version):
“22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ 28 And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29 He said, ‘Come.’ So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.'”
Here is a morning prayer inspired by this passage:
Gracious and Almighty God,
As we begin this day, we stand in awe of Your power and might, reflected in Your control over the wind and the waves. We are humbled by Your love, as You reached out to Peter when he began to sink. Like Peter, we too are often caught in storms of doubt and fear.
Help us, Lord, to fix our eyes on You, and not on the storms that surround us. Grant us the faith to step out of our comfort zones, knowing that You are there to catch us when we falter.
May we take heart in the assurance that You are with us, guiding us through the tempests of life. Let us walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in Your words, “Do not be afraid.”
Teach us, O Lord, to recognize Your presence in our lives, and may we, like the disciples, proclaim with conviction and worship, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Guide, we pray. Amen.
I hope this prayer speaks to your heart and the hearts of those with whom you share it.