Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 3,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus entreated the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea while he dismissed the crowds. Afterwards, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. He was there alone during the evening.

Meanwhile, the boat was already a few miles offshore and was being tossed about by the waves as the wind blew against it. During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.”

Immediately, Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in response, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately, Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him. He said to him, “O you of little faith. Why did you doubt?”

After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

After the crossing, they came to shore at Gennesaret. When the people of that place learned of Him, they sent word to all the surrounding territory. People brought to Him all who were sick and begged Him to let them touch the hem of his garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly whole.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I sometimes grow fearful in answering Christ’s call to act?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

Today’s gospel recounts Jesus’ walking on water as witnessed by his disciples and Peter’s plea to Christ to call him to walk to Christ. We see Peter’s faith dwindle because of fear and sink. When Christ saves Peter, he questions him as to why he doubted. This is immediately followed by the multitude who sought Jesus for healing and how their faith was instrumental in their being made whole.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, destroy my doubt and increase my faith so that my trust in You will not fail. Truly, You are the Son of God. Grant that I may never let go of that essential truth and faith in You. Amen

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more