Jesus Calms the Storm

Last week, I offered a brief overview of the practice of lectio divina. This week, let’s dive in and walk through this practice together. As a reminder, this isn’t about following a particular set of rules perfectly but rather about creating space to reflect prayerfully on a short passage of Scripture. I’ve offered some guideposts to move you from reading to reading but feel free to go rogue and do your own thing. How might the Holy Spirit want to meet with you today? 

As we begin, take a few deep breaths to help your mind and body settle into this space. Slow, deep breathing is excellent for helping your nervous system relax. When you are ready, read the following Scripture passage. As you read, notice any words or phrases that the Holy Spirit might highlight for you today.  

Luke 8:22-25
Now on one of those days Jesus and his disciples got into a boat, and he said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along he fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And he said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”

After you finish reading, pause and consider the words or phrases that stood out to you. What comes to mind as you think about them? When you are ready, read the Scripture again. Notice if anything different stands out this time.

Luke 8:22-25
Now on one of those days Jesus and his disciples got into a boat, and he said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along he fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And he said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?

After you finish reading, pause and ruminate on those items that stood out to you. Why might the Holy Spirit be highlighting those items today? When you are ready, read the Scripture a third time.  

Luke 8:22-25
Now on one of those days Jesus and his disciples got into a boat, and he said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along he fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And he said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”

After you finish reading, pause and pray about what you have noticed. Write down anything that feels important to remember from this time today. When you are ready, read the Scripture one last time.   

Luke 8:22-25
Now on one of those days Jesus and his disciples got into a boat, and he said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along he fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And he said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”

After you have finished reading, pause for a time of silence, sitting in the presence of God and enjoying this time you have together. There is no rush. Linger for as long as time allows.  

Amen. 

I hope you have a great week. Melissa