No doubt about it – there’s enough in the headlines to make anyone feel anxious. We must remember that hard things will come into our lives. Jesus promised it would happen. You can rest assured that you’re not being singled out & you’re not the only one feeling this way. God has given us this amazing thing called prayer as a means of bringing our concerns to Him and ultimately experiencing His peace.

Together, let's walk through Mark 4:35-41 for eight prayer points for navigating difficult storms.

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 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?” 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. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 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?” 

Jesus, thank you for caring about my situation.

Many people wonder whether Jesus cares about their situation. He said in verse 35 ″let us pass over.” The key word is “Us”. Jesus had every intention to cross over with them, and He had every intention of being in the storm with them. In the middle of your storm, you are not alone!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, I confess that there are times I’ve wondered if you were here in the storm with me. Fear has caused me to doubt and I’ve wondered if you’ve cared. Please forgive me, and help me to see you in those moments, and trust You for my wellbeing.

Jesus, grow my faith.

Jesus’s greatest concern was not so much the storm itself, but their faith during the storm. Jesus was not hesitant to call them out about their lack of faith. Those of us who are strong, should encourage others to also exercise their faith.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, in this storm, my faith is being tested. You’ve challenged me to not just have little faith, but to practice a faith that’s big and bold for every storm I encounter. Please grow my faith. Help me understand Your power is greater than any storm I face.

Jesus, make me desperate for You.

Storms can sometimes bring out our best prayers. Many times, it’s those moments of desperation that cause us to turn our attention to God and communicate our concerns. If you’re feeling desperate, turn that real emotion into a prayer.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, you are the God all creation. All creation listens and bows to Your command. You are an amazing and awesome God, there is none like You. There is none as powerful as you. No situation, or circumstance is too big, that You do not have authority over. By faith Lord, I believe and rest in Your authority.

Jesus, I believe that You know what’s best.

While it might seem like Jesus is sleeping, the reality is that He is there with you, and He isn’t worried. You can trust that you’re in the same boat with a loving Father who sometimes uses storms to teach us important lessons about ourselves, and His power.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, You are my refuge and strength, and a very present help in our time of need. Although I cannot see it all, I look to You, because You see me and know what’s best. Thank you for being alert and aware of what I’m going through. Thank you for never leaving me, nor forsaking me, even during the challenging times.

Jesus, teach me Your truth.

Jesus’ approach is often to teach us a lesson in the middle of a storm. Every test of the disciples was to help them grow in a new way. It would be wise of us to ask God for wisdom to see His purpose for every storm we face.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank you for being the example I can follow. Please teach me how to pray. Educate me in your living word. Help me to see Your purpose in this storm and help me obey.

Jesus, I don’t want to walk in fear.

Fear is not the cure for a storm. Just because you are afraid of something, doesn’t mean that it’s going away. Fear can be seen as an indicator. When you begin to sense it, we have the choice to either submit to the fear or submit to our faith.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, You are mighty and never afraid. When storms come, help me be quick to believe Your promises, and not succumb to fear.

Jesus, I believe You are powerful.

Jesus spoke to the storm, and the water became calm. John 1:3 says “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made, that was made.” Jesus showed that He has power over everything – even the storms of life.

Prayer: I believe that You are the Lord of the heavens and have control over everything. Please work through this situation to accomplish Your will.

Jesus, thank you for the people you’ve placed in my life.

The disciples were not alone in the boat. They had Jesus, and they had each other. We to should be prepared to go through the storm with our fellow brothers and sisters. It’s a strange and yet beautiful thing of how God’s people can unite and actually become closer because of the storms of life.

Prayer: Jesus, Your word says others will know that I am Your disciple because of the love that I have for others. Thank you for the others you’ve placed in my life. Thank you for their support, and teach me how to love them more.

by Rickie Bradshaw