Praying with a Painting: A walk in the woods

Join me for a few moments of prayerful contemplation of this painting of my father’s – you could take a walk in the woods through your imagination. As you do so, you might want to consider this passage from Mark’s gospel:

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Mark 6:30–32 (NIV)

Of course, the story continues and the disciples and Jesus don’t get their rest because Jesus has compassion on the crowds, feeding them miraculously with five loaves and two fish (you can read the whole story here). How do you think Jesus’ friends felt when they didn’t get to go off for their rest? Might their perspective have shifted when they took part in the miracle?

Through your imagination, take a walk in the woods with Jesus. Notice him next to you – what’s he doing? What’s his expression? Might he have something to say to you?