22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.   Luke 8 : 22 - 23

Readings this week Genesis 2 : 4b – 9, 15 - end; Revelation 4 ; Luke 8 : 22 - 25

Thought for this week

The storm the disciples encountered on the lake was clearly something extraordinary, terrifying, exceptional. Even for experienced fishermen, a reminder of how chaos and danger can quickly overwhelm us, make us lose any sense of normality, make us fearful.

Jesus’ calming of the storm reveals His extraordinary authority and power over all things. Yet perhaps more remarkable still was that He was asleep, while the storm raged around Him.

Jesus calls us into His heart of stillness, of peace. Even while the world becomes ever more confusing. Different voices become increasingly more jarring and disruptive, and while there are new dangers appearing almost every day, some not seen before.

Psalm 46 : 10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God”. Whatever the clamouring, the disruption, however intense our fears, we are called to look to the Lord. To Jesus who brings us His salvation, His peace, His assurance and love.

Jesus calls us into His heart of stillness. He touches our hearts and fills us with moments of peace that reach deep within. Can we open our lives to Jesus’ peace today? 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen

Almighty God, give us reverence for all creation and respect for every person, that we may mirror your likeness in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for

For the Mission to Seafarers, their work and witness to seafarers of all nationalities around the world

For those who visit our churches searching for peace in their lives

For our schools at the end of half term