9th - 15th February 2026
It all begins with an idea.
Recently we’ve had a lot of turbulent and stormy weather, haven’t we? The deep crisp snow welcomed us into the new year, reminding me that slowing down is often a good idea. The floods a couple of weeks ago were colossal in places around the Six Mile Valley and beyond and reminded me of the power of nature. Sometimes the circumstances around us can change so drastically and we’re left a little off guard, having to change our thoughts and our plans.
Storms are mentioned a fair bit in the Bible too. From the flood in Noah’s day, to the storm sent by God to cause Jonah to be thrown in the sea, consumed by a fish and spat out after 3 days with a changed mind and willingness to obey God’s direction. Then there are the New Testament accounts of Jesus calming the storm and Paul’s ship running aground because of the pounding surf.
I saw a beautiful piece of artwork recently on Instagram by a man called Dan Kitchener. Some of you may be familiar with his work, including a beautiful portrait of the resurrected, joy-filled Jesus (or at least how he may be imagined). This painting is on the Crown Jesus Ministries outreach hub at Hope Chapel Lane in Belfast.
This more recent piece of art is of Jesus standing in a small boat on a glassy lake, calm around the boat, with a dark wall of ferocious, threatening, frothing water towering on one side. Jesus’ hand is raised toward the storm in a shaft of light, powerful over even the wind and the waves. My description won’t do it justice - have a look for the image yourself!
Let’s hone in on this story of Jesus calming the storm in the Gospels and use this to guide our prayers this week.
Jesus Calms the Storm: Mark 4:35-41 NLT
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Written by Helen Kennedy
MONDAY
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).
Lord, today I thank you that you want to be present with me, just as you were with the disciples when you walked on earth. This thought astounds me - mighty and Holy God, creator of the Universe, seeking to be present with me in my daily life. I take this time to invite you into my ‘boat’ and life this week. As I commune with you I want to hear your voice and direction. Would you give me ears that are open to your instruction today. I know that this may mean leaving some other clamouring voices behind and making choices to say “no” to some things so I can hear you more clearly. Help me to do this. Amen.
TUESDAY
37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Lord, I know that life has challenges and storms, even and especially when I choose to walk the path which you have laid out before me and called me on. Give me the resolve and determination to not give up or drift away from you today when I see high waves and difficulty. Remind me of your constancy and faithfulness as I journey through this day. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
Lord, I want the kind of trust that means I can put my head on a cushion and sleep when storms are around me. I realise that there are some things within my control and so would you give me wisdom to discern choices I need to make today when you want me to act. I also recognise there are things outside of my control. Would I be able to bring those things to you in prayer in confidence right now and leave them with you. And would I be able to take my hands off them and trust you to work in the way that you know is best. Amen.
THURSDAY
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.
Lord, I thank you that you listen to my pleas and petitions. Thank you, Lord, that you do care deeply about me and my needs. Thank you that you have power and dominion over my life and that your timing is best. Thank you that your hands are big enough to carry me today and those whom I bring to you in prayer now …
Through your help, would you bring a great calm in the areas where I have known storms, whether that be in my relationships, work, finances, home life. Help me direct and fix my attention on you throughout the day. We remember those in our church family whose hearts are heavy through grief, loss and sickness. We remember the situations of war and turmoil across our world and bring these before you now. We pray that wars would cease and vulnerable people would know your protection and provision. Amen.
FRIDAY
40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Lord, I admit I can battle with many fears: fears of the future, fears of the past repeating itself, fears that I’m inadequate, fears of the opinions of others, fears of failure, fears of rejection. I know that you know I’m human and you know me better than I know myself. I know you bear with me and care deeply for me in the midst of my anxiety and fear. And yet I know that you don’t want me to stay stuck in those fears. I confess the times when I’ve prioritised others or self rather than giving you Lordship in my life. Help me to bring my fears to you and place them before you with a heart and mind that is open to your renewing power. Amen.
SATURDAY
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Lord, as the disciples looked to you and marvelled, help me, help us, as a church family, marvel today at You. I take time now to intentionally answer that question, “Who is this man?” Who is this God whom I love and serve?
As I reflect, I thank you that You are the Great I AM, you are Creator, Sustainer, Forgiver, Welcomer, Judge, Redeemer, Risen One, Almighty God. Help us all to shape our perspective in the storms of life to remember that you are the God who goes before us and, in you, all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) Amen.
SUNDAY
As I circle back to thinking of the powerful image of Jesus in the boat on the glassy lake with the storm raging on one side and his arm outstretched towards it, it brings to mind this wonderful and challenging verse from Isaiah.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you”.
Lord, show us today what trust in you really looks like. Let us become more acquainted with the fruit of that trust - the peace that comes from keeping our mind stayed on you. We know that often trust is forged in challenges. We often don’t wish for the challenge but we trust you as the one on whom our mind is stayed.
As we call on you today we remember people we know, perhaps including ourselves who are facing a wall of water around them. Keep us, keep them stayed on you and help us to trust you. We know your character: you are faithful and kind, you are worth trusting. Amen.