Prayer

“Be of Good Cheer”: A Prayer for Courage in the Presence of Jesus

“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” — Matthew 14:27

Father in Heaven, I come before You in reverence and need, quieting my heart before Your majesty and Your mercy. I bless Your holy name for Your steadfast love, for Your wisdom that never fails, and for Your presence that is not confined by distance, storm, or fear. Today I bring before You the words of Your Son in the King James Version: “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Lord, I hold this verse as a lamp in my darkness and a shield in my weakness. I ask You to make it living and active in me, not only as a memory, but as a voice that steadies my soul.

Lord Jesus, You know how quickly fear rises in the human heart. You know how sudden troubles can feel—how “straightway” a storm can form, how “straightway” anxiety can grip, how “straightway” confusion can cloud my discernment. Yet Your Word says, “But straightway Jesus spake unto them.” Thank You that You do not delay in compassion. Thank You that You speak into chaos. When my mind is racing and my emotions are loud, let me remember that You are able to speak “straightway”—with clarity, authority, and tenderness. Teach me to listen for Your voice above the wind and waves.

You said, “Be of good cheer.” Father, I confess that my cheer is often fragile, dependent on circumstances, tethered to outcomes I cannot control. I ask You to renew my heart so that my courage is anchored in You rather than in comfort. Give me a holy cheer that is not denial, but faith; not shallow optimism, but deep trust; not the absence of hardship, but the presence of Christ. When I am tired, discouraged, or weighed down by the burdens of life, lift my eyes to the One who commands my heart to rise. Help me to obey Your invitation to courage even when my feelings resist.

Lord Jesus, You also said, “it is I.” In that simple declaration, You reveal Your identity, Your nearness, and Your mastery over what terrifies me. When I mistake Your movements for threats, correct my perception. When I interpret Your silence as absence, remind me that You are still Lord. When I assume I am alone in the storm, speak again: “it is I.” Let Your presence be more convincing than my fears. Let the reality of who You are—faithful, mighty, compassionate, and true—calm the trembling places in me.

And You said, “be not afraid.” Father, I confess my fear: fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the future, fear that I will not have what I need, fear that I will not be able to endure. Some fears I can name; others hide beneath my busyness. I bring them all into Your light. I ask You to replace fear with faith, panic with prayer, and dread with devotion. Not because the waves are small, but because Jesus is near. Not because I can control tomorrow, but because You hold it.

God of peace, when I am facing decisions and the path ahead is unclear, speak to me “straightway.” When I am overwhelmed by responsibilities, whisper, “Be of good cheer.” When I feel unseen, remind me, “it is I.” When I am tempted to retreat, command my heart again, “be not afraid.” Teach me to stand firm when the wind is contrary. Teach me to worship in the middle of uncertainty. Teach me to trust Your character when I cannot trace Your hand.

I pray also for those I love and those I struggle to love: family, friends, neighbors, and even those who oppose me. Many are in storms that I cannot fix. Let them hear the voice of Jesus speaking into their nights. Let Your church become a people who carry courage—not arrogance, but humble confidence rooted in Christ. Make us peacemakers, steady witnesses, and faithful servants in anxious times.

Father, seal this verse in my heart. Let it be a cornerstone in my prayers and a refuge in my days. May the voice of Jesus be louder than every fear, and may my life reflect the quiet strength of those who have heard Him say, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.