Sunday 9 August 2026 - Do not be afraid

Sunday 9 August 2026 Today is Sunday the 9th of August, beginning the 19th week of Ordinary Time. The Chamber Orchestra of London, directed by Alistair King play a setting of Psalm 46, God is our refuge and strength: a help in the trials that would crush us. So we will not be afraid... when the earth heaves, and the mountains are thrown into the depths of the seas. As you enter into prayer today, ask yourself what you are afraid of. Can you hear the words of Jesus? Do not be afraid. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans. Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ As you rest in this quiet, gently call to mind your own journey of faith. Over the past year, how has your trust in God grown or changed? Notice where that trust has deepened, and where it may still feel fragile or uncertain. Hold all of this gently before God. Growing in trust is often not straightforward. There are moments when we feel shaken, or surprised by how God comes close to us. Take a moment now to remember a time of uncertainty in your life. What was happening? How did you feel? And as you recall this moment, notice how God was present - perhaps quietly… perhaps unexpectedly… How did that presence give you strength to endure or to move forward? Now, as you listen again to the Gospel story of Jesus walking on the water… Notice Peter. Watch his courage, his hesitation, his fear, his trust. Allow yourself to enter into his experience. Have you known similar moments of stepping out in faith? Have you felt both trust and doubt at the same time? Our God does not rush or pressure but patiently invites us to grow in trust at our own pace. Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak with Jesus as you would with a close friend. Share with him: the ways your trust has grown, the places where you still struggle, the desires you carry in your heart. Ask Jesus to draw you more deeply into a trusting relationship with him - to follow him more closely, and to trust him more fully. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen