Friday - The Gospel According To Mark

Welcome to daily prayer!

Today, we finish praying through the 4th chapter of Mark’s record of the Gospel of Jesus.

As we begin our time together, let’s still our hearts and quiet our minds. What things are going on inside of you? Take a moment to surrender them to Jesus.  

A scripture reading from Mark 4:35-41

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 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?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

A Prayer of Adoration & Thanksgiving

Let’s offer a prayer of adoration and thanksgiving.

Jesus, we praise You for your incredible power and authority! You have all power and all authority. You speak, and it is done! Thank you for the times you have spoken to the storms in my life. Thank you for the promise of your peace which is not based on circumstances like the peace that this world offers. We praise you today as the Prince of Peace!

A Prayer of Confession

O Jesus, how often I have forfeited your promised peace. You said: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” I allow my heart to be both troubled and fearful. I am like the disciples, focusing on the wind and waves in my life, instead of calling on You to quiet my storm. Forgive me for thinking I can make the storm go away on my own when your perfect peace is readily available to me. I repent. I change my mind. I need you to speak those same words into my life: Peace! Be still!

A Prayer of Trust

Lord, we trust that no matter what our eyes see and our circumstances shout, You are with us! We are never alone in the chaos of a broken world, nor are we abandoned in the confusion of life’s storms. We declare that because of your perfect blood shed on our behalf, we will never perish. Always with you. You redeemed us to GO, and to give away the victory and healing we have received. We renew our faith in you, the One who still speaks to silence storms, inviting you to send us to those in need of freedom.

A Prayer of Intercession

We pray for those caught in a storm today, asking you to open their eyes to see YOU in their midst. Break off all fear and every lie the enemy has whispered to create doubt over your goodness and care. Awaken their faith to believe you are in absolute control of their circumstances. May your peace invade their hearts and homes. Take a few minutes now and name those you know who are encountering difficult situations. Repeat Jesus’ words over them, “Peace! Be Still!”  (pause)

Scripture Reading

As the Scripture is read again, what do you sense the Holy Spirit impressing on your heart? Pause and read that particular verse again, possibly emphasizing a different word or phrase this time.

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 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?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Now let’s take a moment to meditate on our weekly Scripture memory verse from 

Mark 4:20 & 23

“But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold… If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Closing Prayer

“Peace! Be Still!” Breathe in. Receive the shalom peace of Jesus over every part of your being, releasing all fear and doubt. Be still in God’s great love for you and His power over all that concerns you. Amen.