Are you able to be calm in a storm? When a stressful situation blows into your life with thunder and pouring rain do you have peace? Jesus and his disciples were in their little fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee when a sudden and fierce storm threatened their lives. The disciples panicked, but Jesus was so peaceful that he was able to take a nap!
Many of us are like the disciples. We worry about our problems. We’re afraid of bad things happening. We may panic in a crisis. Or maybe we row furiously to get out of the storm!
The Peace of Christ
How was Jesus able to sleep in peace during such a terrible storm? How could his body be filled with peace when gale winds were blowing freezing rain on him? Because he had trained himself to be submitted to the Father in all things. He wasn’t just in the storm he was in the Kingdom of the Heavens resting in the loving arms of Abba Father. He trusted the Father to keep them safe — whether they survived or drowned!
“Peace. Be still!” Jesus commanded the storm. The wind ran out. The rain stopped. The lake became calm. Jesus transferred the peace of God from his body into the storm.
A Breath Prayer
Try praying the words of the Prince of Peace into your body and soul: “Peace! Be still.” “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart” (Colossians 3:15) by praying a simple Breath Prayer:
Breathe in and appreciate the word of Christ as you whisper, “Peace…”
Hold your breath momentarily to embrace the Word and the Spirit in your consciousness…
Exhale and let go of stress as you whisper Jesus’ words to yourself, “Be still…”
By repeating this prayer in this physical way you’re renewing your mind in the Word of God and seeking for his words and him to govern your whole person, seeping down from your thoughts into your emotions, your body, your social connections, and your soul.
Watch and Pray
After you’ve rested in Jesus and his words Watch and Pray with Jesus (Matthew 26:41). Consider a storm that you’re going through today or likely to go through soon. Imagine yourself in that situation…
Normally when you’re in a storm maybe your temptation is to row hard to get out of trouble? Complain? Or blame someone?
Instead, in your imagination and in your prayer place yourself with Jesus, not only in the boat at sea but also in the larger reality of God’s kingdom. Return to using Jesus’ words as a Breath Prayer: “Peace… Be still.”
You can also use this prayer to help you intercede for someone who needs to learn to be ruled by the peace of Christ.
More Breath Prayers
To pray a short verse or paraphrase of Scripture as a Breath Prayer is refreshing and empowering. It helps you learn to practice God’s presence all day and stay in tune with the peace of Christ. I’ve selected key verses of Scripture and developed step-by-step instructions for meditation, breathing rhythms, and prayer in “Breath Prayer Guides.”
