25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:25-30
Lord, tonight we lift up those who get out of the boat, the Peters willing to test their faith. We pray for the churches in retail centers and bi-vocational pastors, the man holding up the Yeshua sign at Poplar intersections, the prayer lunches, breakfasts, and meetings that are not announced to large audiences, but lived out quietly. Lord, we pray for the men and women who each day get out of the boat to watch over their neighbors and care for the downtrodden. We pray for the men and women who show up to do their jobs, working for You and not for man. Their names are not mentioned in the paper, on tv, or major social media accounts. They just know that Your name is written on their heart. Bless them and hear their prayers.
Lord, we pray for the strength and the courage that Peter displayed, and for the faith You intended him to have when he took those steps towards You. Lord, instead of us asking “Who is going to change Memphis for the better”, may we change the question to “Why not us?” Lord, work in our hearts and minds. Forgive us of our sins. Bring Your people together to love this city and our neighbors. In Christ’s name, amen.