August 9th, Sermon & Ministry Resources
"The Word is Near" (Romans 10:5-15)
Lectionary Readings — Proper14 — August 9, 2026
Genesis 37:1-4,12-28; Psalm 105:1-6,16-22,45b; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
Call to Worship (based on Romans 10:5-15)
Leader: The word of God is not far from us, locked away in heaven or hidden in the depths;
People: it is near—in our mouths and in our hearts.
Leader: We did not climb to find him, nor descend to drag him up;
People: God has come near to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Leader: With our hearts we believe, and we are set right with God;
People: with our mouths we confess that Jesus is Lord.
Leader: Here there is no distinction—no insider, no outsider, no far, no near;
People: the same Lord is Lord of all, generous to all who call.
Leader: For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved;
People: so we lift our voices and call upon his name.
Leader: How then shall they hear unless someone is sent to tell them?
People: Lord, make us messengers; make our feet beautiful with good news.
Leader: Come, let us worship the God who is near, who is Lord, who is generous to all;
People: and let us go from here as those who are sent. Amen.
Opening Prayer (based on Matthew 14:22–33)
Let us pray:
Lord, you sent your disciples out ahead of you onto the water, and then you came to them in the night, walking across the very waves that terrified them. We confess that we know those waters well. We have strained at the oars in the dark; we have rowed against a wind that would not relent; we have wondered, in the fourth watch of the night, where you were and whether you had seen us at all.
Come to us this morning as you came to them. Speak again the words that quiet every storm: take heart, it is I, do not be afraid. When fear convinces us that we are alone, remind us that you are nearer than the wind and stronger than the sea, and that no darkness has ever hidden us from your sight.
And Lord, when we step out toward you in faith and then look down—when we see the wind and feel ourselves beginning to sink—be quick to do what you have always done. Reach out your hand the very moment we cry, “Lord, save me.” You have never once let a sinking saint go under. You caught Peter before the waves could close over him, and you will catch us.
Forgive our little faith. Forgive the doubt that takes its eyes off you and fixes them on the threat. Teach us to walk toward you over waters we could never walk alone, and when we falter, hold us fast in a grip that does not slip.
We worship you this morning, for truly you are the Son of God. Climb into our boat, still the wind, and bring us safely to the shore you have already prepared for us. In your strong and saving name we pray. Amen.
[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]
Sermon Outline: "THE WORD IS NEAR"
Based on Romans 10:5-15
I. The Righteousness We Receive (vv. 5–8)
II. The Rescue We Can Reach (vv. 9–13)
III. The Responsibility We Can’t Refuse (vv. 14–15)
Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers
