19th Sunday A

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

• The gospel for the day
  
• Some optional questions for reflection
  
• Prayers of Intercession
  
• Cluster Prayer
• The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Matthew 14: 22-33  Jesus walks on the water.

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear.



But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved.

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Prayers of Intercession

In today’s gospel we see the courage of Peter as he steps out of the boat into the water in response to Jesus’ invitation. May we like Peter have the courage and faith to step out of our comfort zone and trust in Jesus, even when faced with the  stormy waters of our lives and we are out of our depth.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

For Pope Francis and all those who will assemble in Rome for the forthcoming meeting on Synodality in October. Grant them open hearts and minds as they listen attentively to each other and work together so that our pilgrim church will be a true gateway to the kingdom of God.             

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

For refugees and asylum-seekers driven by war, hunger and despair to risk their lives on stormy seas. We pray that, just as Jesus reached out for Peter, may we open our hearts and reach out to offer them the opportunities of a better life.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

For our children and young people about to start school or go to a new school. May they be encouraged by their teachers and discover their true gifts and talents for their future. 

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

For people surviving fires, storms, droughts, floods and environmental changes. May we have the courage to find new ways of living and live more simply so that our children and grandchildren will enjoy what we have unknowingly squandered. Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

We remember all who are unwell in mind, body or spirit, at home or in hospital, and all those named in the Prayer Foundation. May they be consoled by the love and compassion of those who care for them. We pray especially for Sadie a 5 and a half month old baby who suddenly became unwell recently.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

We remember all who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. We remember especially, Mary Ferry,Gillian Wright and Mary Fairley (Sr Ninian's sibling). Grant them eternal rest.   

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

We will now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples