A Prayer from the Fourth Watch

Lord Jesus, you sent your friends across the lake and then went up the mountain to pray, and you saw them straining at the oars. We ask you to see us. Many of us have been rowing for a long time. The wind is against us in our marriages, in our work, in our bodies, in our children. We are tired in a way that sleep does not fix.

Thank you that you were not indifferent during the hours before you came. Thank you that you were praying. Teach us to trust the interval between our crying out and your arriving, and to believe that your delay is not neglect.

When you come, help us to recognize you. Do not let fear turn you into a ghost in our eyes. Speak the words you spoke to them. Tell us to take courage. Tell us it is you. Then climb into the boat, and let the wind die down, and soften our hearts so that this time we understand. Amen.