Pause for Thought: Facing the Storm
Jesus calms the storm
by Sophie Jelley (video recording by Vita)
Suitable for Whole School (Pri)
Aims
To consider how we face the storms in our lives.
Preparation and materials
- You will need to have the means available to play the video below. It is 1.30 minutes long.
- The Big Bible Story Book is available from: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/big-bible-storybook-hb-94
Assembly
Ask the children whether there is anything that frightens them.
Point out that there is a story in the Bible where Jesus’ friends, the disciples, were very frightened. However, through this experience, they learnt a very important lesson.
Show the video below.
Time for reflection
You may wish to play some quiet music as you ask the children to think about the following.
Sometimes, we have a storm raging inside us.
Have you ever felt angry recently?
Pause to allow time for thought.
Have you ever felt worried recently?
Pause to allow time for thought.
Have you ever felt frightened recently?
Pause to allow time for thought.
It can be hard sometimes to be brave enough to tell someone when we have a problem. However, it is always better to share our worries and this can help to calm the storm inside us.
Christians believe that Jesus is with them throughout their lives. They believe that they don’t face any situation on their own; God is always with them.
You may wish to use the following prayer.
Prayer
Dear God,
Please help us when times are difficult and we feel like a storm is going on inside us.
Help us to be brave and to talk to someone who can help us.
Amen.
Song/music
If you wish to play some quiet music during the ‘Time for reflection’ section, an example is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpxBTgbeMsw (2.17 hours long)
Extension activities
- Why not try making a paper boat like the one that was tossed about during the storm in the story? Some instructions are available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wu5oKy4m5s (1.31 minutes long)
You might also like to make some little people to go in the boat and act out the story. - More craft ideas connected to the story of Jesus calming the storm are available at: https://tinyurl.com/yd7rq2lx
