Joy Actually
As we step in to Advent – a time when we prepare our hearts in anticipation of Jesus – we will begin with the Gospel of Mark. The book is widely recognized as the first gospel to be written, before Luke and Matthew. There is something special about reading the gospel knowing that it was the very first account of the life of Jesus made available to the world at the time.
We will follow a simple structure of reading where we become aware of the presence of the Lord by being in silence before him, then proceed to read a chapter. We will be using the same reflective questions every day to help open up what we read.
Day 1 – Mark 1
Sit in silence for 2 minutes. As you sit, draw your attention to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Read today’s chapter (Mark 1) slowly.
Reflective questions:
What does this chapter show you about God’s character or his work?
Is there anything in this that prompts you to ask Him for something? Pray and ask.
Is there anything in this that prompts you to commit to doing something? Commit this to God in prayer.
Day 2 – Mark 2
Sit in silence for 2 minutes. As you sit, draw your attention to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Read today’s chapter (Mark 2) slowly.
Reflective questions:
What does this chapter show you about God’s character or his work?
Is there anything in this that prompts you to ask Him for something? Pray and ask.
Is there anything in this that prompts you to commit to doing something? Commit this to God in prayer.
Day 3 – Mark 3
Sit in silence for 2 minutes. As you sit, draw your attention to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Read today’s chapter (Mark 3) slowly.
Reflective questions:
What does this chapter show you about God’s character or his work?
Is there anything in this that prompts you to ask Him for something? Pray and ask.
Is there anything in this that prompts you to commit to doing something? Commit this to God in prayer.
Day 4 – Mark 4
Sit in silence for 2 minutes. As you sit, draw your attention to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Read today’s chapter (Mark 4) slowly.
Reflective questions:
What does this chapter show you about God’s character or his work?
Is there anything in this that prompts you to ask Him for something? Pray and ask.
Is there anything in this that prompts you to commit to doing something? Commit this to God in prayer.
Day 5 – Mark 5
Sit in silence for 2 minutes. As you sit, draw your attention to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Read today’s chapter (Mark 5) slowly.
Reflective questions:
What does this chapter show you about God’s character or his work?
Is there anything in this that prompts you to ask Him for something? Pray and ask.
Is there anything in this that prompts you to commit to doing something? Commit this to God in prayer.