Opening Prayer
In your light we shall see light, Jesus full of light; you are the true light which enlightens the whole creation; enlighten us with your joyous light, splendour of the Father in heaven.
Pure and holy one, who dwells in the habitations of light, keep from us evil passions and thoughts of hatred and grant us to do deeds of justice with purity of heart.
— BCP of the Syrian Church
TEXT
John 6:16-21 NASB
Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Read
He who rules the lower air
Stirs up the troubled sea,
Tempts and urges to despair,
But cannot conquer me;
Cannot; for my present Lord
(When passion and the world runs high)
Speaks the comfortable word
And tells my heart ’tis I!
— Charles Wesley “It is I: Be not afraid”