Stilling the storms of life, a guided reflection
Text: Mark 4:35-41 NRSV (Lection 5th Sunday of Pentecost, Year B)
Prior to reading the passage, set the scene:
Jesus’s days, filled with healing and teaching by the lakeside, have tired him and the disciples out. In chapter 3 he asks for a boat to stand in while teaching, so the crowds will not crush him. Now he and the disciples set off in the boat, leaving the crowd and shore behind. When a storm arises, the disciples quickly forget all the miracle healings and teachings. Fear of mortality overtakes them.
Reading the text: Mark 4:35-41.
Prayerful reflection after reading the text
- When are you afraid? What storms in life threaten your equilibrium?
- When your faith wavers, what do you tend to do? Does this habit bring you closer or farther from Jesus, from God?
Going deeper… Re-read the text.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- Open your eyes and re-read the passage aloud.
- Listen for words that speak to you. Circle them.
- What are they saying to you?
Reflecting, again:
- Where do you need peace? About what would you like to ‘be still’?
- How solid is your faith? What ‘holy habits’ might you develop to increase your trust in God?
Prayer Points: God, stiller of storms, provider of peace,
- Reassure us/me about those things we/I fear.
- Steady us so that we/I may demonstrate trust and faith to others.
- Encourage us/me to grow in discipleship.
- Remind us/me that our/my job is to paddle the boat and leave the weather to you.
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