Children's Liturgy Guide

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A · Ordinary Time

Jesus Helps Peter Walk on Water

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Jesus walks on water to reach his friends in a boat during a scary storm. Peter tries to walk to Jesus but gets scared and starts to sink, and Jesus reaches out to save him right away.

Key Points

  • Jesus came to his disciples when they were afraid in the storm
  • Peter had courage to step out of the boat toward Jesus
  • When Peter got scared and looked away from Jesus, he began to sink
  • Jesus immediately reached out his hand to save Peter
  • Jesus asks us to trust him, especially when we feel afraid

Background

In this passage, Jesus walks on the sea toward the disciples' boat during the fourth watch of the night. Peter's attempt to walk on water demonstrates both faith and doubt. The Greek word translated as 'doubt' (distazo) suggests wavering or being of two minds rather than complete unbelief. Jesus's gentle rebuke, 'O you of little faith,' is not harsh condemnation but an invitation to deeper trust. The disciples' confession, 'Truly you are the Son of God,' is a significant Christological moment. For children, emphasize that Jesus reaches out to help us immediately when we call to him, especially when we are scared. Set aside the theological complexities of Jesus's divinity revealed in the sea-walking miracle and focus on the concrete image of Jesus grabbing Peter's hand.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for always being with us, even when we feel scared. Help us to trust you and to know that you will always reach out your hand to help us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever felt really scared and then someone helped you feel safe again? What happened?

Example: One time I was scared of the dark in my room and my mom came in and held my hand and stayed with me until I felt better.

Bridge to the reading: It can feel so good when someone is there to help us when we are scared. In today's reading, we will hear about a time when Peter felt very afraid, and Jesus reached out his hand to help him right away.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Where were Jesus's friends, the disciples, when this story happened?

    Example: They were in a boat out on the water, and it was nighttime and there was a big storm with lots of wind.

  2. What did Peter do that was very brave?

    Example: Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to go to Jesus, which is really amazing and scary.

  3. What happened to Peter when he looked at the scary wind and waves?

    Example: Peter got really scared and he started to sink down into the water because he was not looking at Jesus anymore.

  4. What did Jesus do when Peter cried out for help?

    Example: Jesus reached out his hand right away and grabbed Peter so he would not sink, and he saved him from the water.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you think Peter felt when Jesus grabbed his hand and pulled him up?

    Example: I think Peter felt so happy and safe because Jesus was right there holding onto him and he knew Jesus would not let him fall.

  2. When you feel scared or worried about something, what can you do to ask Jesus for help?

    Example: I can close my eyes and say a little prayer in my head asking Jesus to please help me and be with me.

  3. This week, if something feels hard or scary, how will you remember that Jesus is with you?

    Example: I can remember the story of Peter and think about how Jesus reached out his hand, and I can ask Jesus to help me too.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus walked on the water to be with his friends during a scary storm. Peter was brave and tried to walk to Jesus, but when he got scared, he started to sink. Peter called out, 'Lord, save me!' and Jesus reached out his hand right away to help him. Jesus wants us to know that whenever we are scared, we can call out to him and he will always be there to help us.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all children who feel afraid or worried, that they may know Jesus is always reaching out to help them, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

Just before we receive Holy Communion, we say 'Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.' Like Peter calling out 'Lord, save me!' we ask Jesus for help and trust that he will answer us.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord Jesus, thank you for always reaching out to help us when we are scared. Help us to keep our eyes on you and to trust that you are always with us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Helps Peter Walk on Water

Matthew 14:22-33

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

N M E J E I B W E B W T H Y M
Q R N S S B O V X V Z G D B H
S F U C A L A R K V S H B E T
R B N D V O T R D I T V O K I
U E R A E K U M M E B B T J A
I S T B P Z W A T E R L N A F
E O Q E H D N R W A V E S W Q
B V P E P D V G H H O C A L O
F E L L L R T F U A Z R Y G T
B P S S T O R M T T N X W R F
Y D Q Q E T W M R Y M D N F O
Z E R H T K W Q U G J H I Q E
V E R S N M I R S U V Y Y C U
L U G L N N N R T O K A M X H
Y H N J C O D G Z U J E S U S

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • Peter
  • boat
  • water
  • storm
  • wind
  • waves
  • faith
  • trust
  • help
  • hand
  • save

ChildrensLiturgy.org