Where is God when the storm is raging? Through scripture, prayer, and Rembrandt’s powerful painting of Jesus calming the sea, this session invites you to find divine presence in life’s chaos. Step into the boat—and listen for peace in the midst of the winds.

Mark 4:35-41

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Welcome to a time of contemplative prayer.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

There are times when we have no trouble at all seeing God’s action in our lives—in seasons of blessing, peace, and joy. Yet when life becomes chaotic, disordered, burdensome, and troubled, we may cry out to God, asking where God is. In such moments we may even feel abandoned, and it can be most difficult to discern God’s presence and power.

Psalm 90 gives voice to both the lament—“How long, O Lord?”—and the hope that God will answer our plea.

Scripture

Psalm 90 (selected verses)

Fill us full every morning with your faithful love, so we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long. Make us happy for the same amount of time that you afflicted us—for the same number of years that we saw only trouble. Let your acts be seen by your servants; let your glory be seen by their children. Let the kindness of the Lord our God be over us. Make the work of our hands last—make the work of our hands last.

Today we reflect on God’s presence in the storms of life, as we listen to the Gospel story of Jesus calming the storm.

Mark 4:35–41

Place yourself in the boat with the disciples. Enter fully into the story. Notice what rises to your attention, and receive whatever gifts God gives you with gratitude.

Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd and took him in the boat, just as he was. Other boats followed along. Gale-force winds arose and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow.

They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” He got up, gave orders to the wind, and said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down, and there was a great calm.

Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him.”

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee — Rembrandt

Take some time to look carefully at the details of the scene, with your imagination animated by the Scripture. Notice what immediately and powerfully draws your attention. How does the scene in your mind shift or change as you look at this painting?

You may be struck by the dramatic contrast of light and dark that divides the canvas into two distinct parts. The towering mast—resembling a cross—pitches upward in a powerful diagonal. On the left is the brighter, stormier side: wind-whipped waves, foaming spray, and an eerie yellow light illuminating the clouds. The boat is tossed so violently that rigging seems to have snapped and sails flap overhead, while the disciples wrestle to keep the boat from capsizing.

Yet Rembrandt places Jesus in the shadowed side of the painting—present in the darkness, still available, Emmanuel, God-with-us. One disciple shakes him awake; others watch intently, awaiting his response. If you look closely, you may notice what appears to be an unrecognized participant—perhaps the artist inserting himself, or perhaps an invitation for us to enter the scene. Wherever you find yourself in this boat, the painting gives us pause to consider our response to the story.

Reflection Questions

As you imagine yourself in the boat, what were you feeling?

How are you reacting?

What might God be saying to you about your life right now?

What are you afraid of today?

Where is God in the midst of that situation?

What does God tell you about it?

As you look at the painting, where are you in the boat?

Where is Jesus?

If you are the one who shakes Jesus awake, what are his words to you?

How do you respond to him?

What is the message God has for you as you are in the boat, in the midst of the storm—worried and afraid?

When you hear Jesus speak to you, how do you respond? What words do you speak in return?

How does this image speak to you about your life situation?

Closing

Take a few quiet moments to continue your conversation with God. Say any final words you need to say, and listen for any final words God may be speaking to you.

As Psalm 90 moves from “How long, O Lord?” to “Fill us every morning with your faithful love,” may God also give you a growing sense of peace and presence, even as the waves toss the boat of your life.

Peace be with you.