P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
Today, we come to Jesus, remembering that even when the storm is strong, the Savior in the boat is stronger.
Together we will pray (P.R.A.Y.) each day – ‘P’: Pausing to be still as we come into the presence of the Lord. ‘R’: Rejoicing as we remember who our God is and what He has done, and Reflecting on His word. ‘A’: Asking God to help us and others. And ‘Y’: yielding to His will in accordance with His word.
As I come before you to pray, I still my thoughts and quiet my mind. I seek to make you the center of my focus.
Prayer of Approach
Lord, you are the Creator of heaven and earth. You have power over all things. When you speak, all the atoms of the earth obey. Remind me of who you are. In the midst of all of your power, you are still good. Give me trust and belief in you today.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 107…
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:28-29
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Matthew 8:23-27
As I reread the passage, I reflect on the questions, “How is my life touched by this word?” and “How does this passage connect with my life?”
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Matthew 8:23-27
The disciples are caught in a terrifying storm while Jesus sleeps. Their fear is real, but so is his presence. When they cry out, Jesus rebukes the winds and the sea, and there is a great calm. Together, we learn that Jesus is not absent in our storms. He may not always calm everything according to our timing, but he is always Lord over what threatens us. The disciples ask, “What sort of man is this?” The answer is the foundation of our peace: this is the Son of God, the Lord of creation, and the Savior who is with us.
Lord, I ask that you calm the storms of my life today.
Lord Jesus, revive our trust in your presence and power. When storms rise around us, teach us to run to you. Calm our anxious hearts and remind us that wind, waves, and fear are all under your authority.
As I read the passage for the final time, I listen to how the Lord is inviting me to respond to him. Where in my life do I need to yield in obedience to what he has for me?
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Matthew 8:23-27
Yielding Prayer
Lord Jesus, I yield my panic, my anxiety, and my need to understand the storm. Help me obey you with faith amid uncertainty. Teach me to trust that you are with me and that you are Lord over all.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me Isaiah 43…
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2
Closing Prayer
Lord, enable me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love you today with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to serve you today, by loving and caring for others as I do my own self; and, to exalt you today, by telling the people in my world about the abundant and eternal life found only through faith in Jesus