Lord,
We confess that we often imagine faith
as standing on solid ground,
but you meet us where the ground itself moves.
You know the winds that push us sideways,
the waves that unsettle our footing,
the moments when nothing stays still long enough
to be trusted.
We are not afraid of depth as much as we are afraid
of losing balance,
of being knocked over,
of not being able to remain upright
when forces press against us from every side.
Teach us to see what truly threatens us,
and not to mistake instability for abandonment.
When fear turns our attention away from you,
when the storm decides our posture,
stretch out your hand before we collapse.
Do not wait for us to be lost in the depths,
but meet us while we are still standing,
even if unsteady.
Be present where we step,
so that chaos loses its claim,
and the ground around us is leveled
by your nearness.
When we are brought back into the boat —
into community, into shelter, into rest —
let your calm enter with you.
We do not ask for seas without storms,
but for orientation when everything moves,
and for the grace to face you
when the wind grows strong.
Hold us, Lord,
and teach us to stand.
Amen.