“THE WORDS OF JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Introduction

We are so glad you are joining us for these daily prayer devotionals as together we seek the heart of our God. Over the coming weeks, we will focus on some of the most meaningful words of our savior Jesus Christ from the book of Mark, as we follow his journey with his disciples on the path toward the cross. Our journey of prayer and fasting will culminate on Easter Sunday as we celebrate His resurrection, declaring victory over sin, death and shame.

Each devotion will take less than ten minutes of your time.

  1. We will Engage the Word – looking at some of Jesus’ words in their biblical context.
  2. We will Connect the Heart – considering a truth that is applicable to our lives.
  3. We will Reflect on the Truth, asking a number of questions each day that invite us to look and listen with intent.
  4. And we will Depend on the Spirit – We will pray, for it is in praying that we learn to pray. And it is in praying that the Spirit changes our hearts.

We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us.

Engage the Word

 Mark 4:37-40

 

       37     And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.

       38     But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

       39     And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

       40     He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Connect the Heart

When the disciples face a powerful storm and fear for their lives, they turn to Jesus. But they couldn’t believe Jesus was asleep in the boat while a life-threatening storm was bearing down on them!  Do you think possibly Jesus sleeping was an object lesson for them to better understand a peaceful spirit in the midst of a tumultuous storm? After he commands the sea and the wind to bring about calm, he asks the disciples “Why are you so afraid?”  Didn’t they know to trust him? After all the miracles they had witnessed, did they still have no faith?

 

Reflect on the Truth

  1. Do you find yourself in situations asking that question that the disciples ask of Jesus, “Do you not care?” It’s okay to bring questions to the Lord and engage deeply. He is big enough to handle these questions.

2. Is there something in life right now that feels like a storm to you? Do you find Jesus’ rebuke and command to the wind and sea might help you in times of turbulent trouble: to be still, to find peace, to be calm?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the deeper longings, desires or motives in your heart that these thoughts are pointing to. (for example: you may write down, “But this storm in my life is far bigger than the storm the disciples were facing in the boat. I don’t know that I can handle this. I need your help, Lord.”) The Lord can help us discern the path forward – through His word, His Spirit, His people.

4. Are you comfortable bringing your fears and your worries to Jesus, to let him bear the weight of your burden?

Depend on the Spirit

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you keep distracting fears and worries in perspective with God’s promises and power. Pray to find Jesus’ peace by faith, even when facing life’s fiercest storms and darkest shadows.

 

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