3rd March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. — Mark 4:39

Sometimes we learn something in a storm that we couldn’t learn any other way. In this story Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee in a small fishing boat.

Some of the disciples were fishermen, and they had spent much of their lives on this body of water. From one point of view, they were the experts—and Jesus, who had grown up as a carpenter’s son, was in their care.

Yet their expertise was being tested. While Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat, the wind suddenly blew stronger. Soon the sea came crashing over the sides and swamping the boat. These fishermen knew how dangerous this storm was. They knew that they all could drown.

They woke Jesus from his sleep, saying, “Don’t you care?!” But as soon as he woke up, Jesus said to the wind and the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” And the sea became calm. The disciples were in a state of awe. “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Through this terrifying experience the disciples saw clearly who Jesus was. They were tested in the area of life they knew best, and Jesus showed he is Lord over all things. The storms of life can trouble our souls, but God can reveal more of himself to us through these experiences Lord, teach us more about you through the storms in our lives. Help us to see our weakness and your strength. Calm our hearts by your Word, we pray. Amen.

God of glory, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of blessings and source of life: come and dwell with us, cleanse us from all sin and grant us your salvation. Amen. Liturgy of St John Chrysostom (5th century)

Compassionate God, we are sorry when we fail to see ourselves and others in the light of your love. Transform our inner hostility into hospitality so that we may be ready to welcome you in friend and stranger. Help us to remember that you call all people to eat at your table, and that being chosen by you does not imply exclusion of others, but that your love extends to every human being, and your arms are always open. Amen.

Ukraine

Holy and Gracious God, we pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia, for their countries and their leaders. We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.

We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.

We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.

We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.

Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine. And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son. Lord have mercy. Amen ~ Methodist Church in Birmingham.