Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Thursday 11 June 2026

Today is Thursday the 11th of June, the feast of Saint Barnabas, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. Liz Vice and Dee Wilson with Good Shepherd Collective sings ‘All Shall Be Well’. Let these words encourage you in your prayer today. Thank you for the sun Thank you for the moon Thank you for the stars above And the darkness too Bless you for your peace Bless you for your grace Bless you for your perfect love And your perfect ways And all shall be well All shall be well All manner of things shall be well Oh, use me as you will Remove my selfish pride Create in me a servant heart To bless your holy bride And when my work is done And the seeds are sown Please receive my spirit, Lord Welcome me home And all shall be well All shall be well All manner of things shall be well Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts. Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Today is the feast of St Barnabas, whose name means ‘son of encouragement’. Barnabas’ first response on seeing God’s grace at work in Antioch among people he didn’t know was to rejoice and then to encourage them to hold fast to the Lord. Who has encouraged the faith in your own life and how have you been an encourager of the faith of others? It’s striking that the Holy Spirit’s call to mission comes during a time of prayer and fasting, when the community is gathered and attentive to God. Have you ever had a sense of being called by God to a particular work or service, like Paul and Barnabas? How did that call come to you, and how did you respond? As we hear the reading again, notice the movement from joy to encouragement to mission. The grace of God is received and then shared. Where in this dynamic do you find yourself most at home – and where might God be inviting you to go? Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Barnabas was ‘a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.’ That is a generous and beautiful description. Take time now to speak to God about your own desire to be filled with the Spirit and with faith, and to ask for whatever you need to continue the life to which you feel called. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 10 June 2026

Today is Wednesday the 10th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the Benedictus: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people and redeemed them. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old. A saviour who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us. So his love for our ancestors is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered. He swore to Abraham our father to grant us, that free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve him in holiness and justice all the days of our life in his presence.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:17-19 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus insists that he has come not to abolish but to fulfil. He comes to bring to completion what God has always been working towards in human history, embedded in the Covenant and the richness of prophetic tradition. What part of that tradition have you most lived and taught by your life? Over the coming days in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus will take the law and deepen it, moving from external compliance to interior transformation. He is interested not so much in what we do as in who we are becoming. As you think about your own life of faith, where do you feel God inviting you to move beyond outward observance to something deeper? Listen again to these words of Jesus about the law and the prophets being fulfilled. Notice what stirs in you – perhaps reassurance, perhaps challenge, perhaps questions. Allow whatever arises to be part of your prayer. Matthew 5:17-19 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus speaks of those who do and teach his commandments as great in the kingdom of heaven. He is calling us to integrity – a life in which our actions and our words reflect one another. Take time now to speak to God about where you feel that integrity most and least in your own life. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 9 June 2026

Today is Tuesday the 9th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. Veni, lumen cordium, veni sancte spiritus. ‘Come Holy Spirit. Come, light of our hearts.’ When we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays in us. As I begin my prayer today, I pause for a few moments to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten me, to invite the Holy Spirit into my life, into my mind and into my heart. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’ Yesterday Jesus gave us a portrait of blessedness. Today he tells us what that blessedness is for. In calling us salt and light for the world, he affirms what we already are in him. Does it feel true to you that you are salt and light? What makes it easy or difficult to believe this about yourself? Salt’s power lies in enhancing flavour that is already there: it becomes useless when it can no longer bring that flavour out. Jesus is inviting us to ask honest questions about how we are living. Is there any way in which you feel you may have lost some of your ‘saltiness’ – your distinctiveness as a follower of Christ? What would it take to recover it? As the reading is repeated, notice whether the images of salt and light speak to different parts of your life – your work, your relationships, your inner life. Where does God seem to be calling you to shine more brightly? Matthew 5:13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’ Jesus says: let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. The goal is not self-promotion but God’s glory. Take time to speak to God about where your light is shining and where you feel it might be dimmed and why. Ask for whatever grace you need. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 8 June 2026

Today is Monday the 8th of June, the feast of Saint James Berthieu SJ, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Porters Gate and Pray As You Go have been accompanying people’s daily prayers together for almost a decade. The Porter’s Gate will be joining us in London to celebrate our 20th anniversary year this Saturday 13th June with a celebration concert and evening of prayer at Holy Sepulchre Church at 7pm. Tickets are still available and we would love to see you there. We have written an album together called ‘Companion Songs’ and as we enter into prayer today, we will hear our first song, sung by Dee Wilson. It’s called ‘This Present Moment’; it is inspired by the prayer, ‘Patient Trust’, by Jesuit Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ. How does it speak to you? This present moment This present moment This present moment is filled with God. This in between This in between This between is filled with God This silent waiting This silent waiting This silent waiting is filled with God So trust in the slow work, Slow work, Trust in the slow work of God Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' Today is the feast of St James Berthieu, the Jesuit martyr of Madagascar, who was killed in 1896 rather than renounce his faith. Jesus’ Beatitudes describe precisely the kind of person James became: poor in spirit, merciful, a peacemaker persecuted for righteousness’ sake. As you hear these blessings, which of them speaks most directly to where you are in your own life right now? The Beatitudes don’t describe qualities we achieve by our own effort – they describe the character of those who allow God to work in them. They are a portrait of Jesus himself. Which of the Beatitudes feels most challenging or alien to you at this time, and why is that? As we hear the reading again, let the Beatitudes wash over you slowly, one by one. Notice which words or phrases seem to light up for you and why. Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' Jesus pronounces blessings on those whom the world regards as losers, showing us where God’s heart truly lies. Take time now to speak to Jesus from your own heart – perhaps to give thanks, perhaps to ask him for one of the qualities he blesses here, or simply to sit quietly in his presence. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 7 June 2026

Today is Sunday the 7th of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, beginning the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Nuns of St Cecilia’s Abbey sing Cibavit eos, the entrance antiphon for today’s feast, Corpus Christi. ‘He fed them with finest wheat, and he filled them with honey from the rock.’ As I listen, I become aware of how God feeds me, how he cares for my needs and fills me with good things; how everything that is good in my life comes from God. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 6:51-58 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ On this feast-day of the Body and Blood of Christ, the gospel invites us to ponder the meaning of the Eucharist in our own lives. Can you recall a celebration of the Mass, of the Lord’s Supper, has been of particular importance for you? What Jesus is offering here isn’t simply a gift for each of us as individuals but is intended “for the life of the world”. Ponder for a moment or two what “the life of the world” means in this context. How might your own individual life contribute to this wider life? As so often in John’s gospel, those who hear Jesus speak fail to understand him. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” It sounds like an invitation to cannibalism. How might you begin to try to explain to them what Jesus really means? As the passage is read again, listen to Jesus’s own explanation of what he means. What particularly catches your attention in what he says? John 6:51-58 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ Jesus promises twice here that those who receive his Body and Blood will live forever with him. Speak finally with God about what these promises mean to you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 6 June 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This Saturday prayer each week invites you to look back over the last seven days. The purpose is to come to a deeper awareness of how God has been working in and with you, in and with the world, in this past week. Start today’s prayer, then, by asking God to be able to recognise his presence in these days more fully. You might begin by singling out one thing, large or small, that you want to thank God for. Take a moment to express your thanks to God for that before we continue. Now let the days of the past week unfold again before your mind’s eye and see what you notice. Where have you experienced life, and light, and energy? Where have you been most fully yourself, most fully alive? Now notice how you’ve responded to God in these moments, moments when God’s presence is more than usually clear. Have you valued them, used them well? Have you perhaps at times been oblivious of them, or even misused the gifts that God has given to you? Whatever you see here, take a few moments to speak to God about it. Lastly, look forward to the week ahead. In the light of this time of prayer, what gift or gifts from God do you particularly need in the next few days? In these final moments of prayer, ask God for whatever it is that you need from him today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 5 June 2026

Today is Friday the 5th of June, the feast of Saint Boniface, in the 9th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach and Page CXVI sing, ‘Let Nothing Disturb You’. Don't let anything disturb you; Don't let this make you afraid.
 Though the worst is getting worse now, All these things will pass away. Every morning has a sunset; Every dark night has a dawn. Patience tells you you're not done yet: Day will come, and you'll go on. Though you're tired and you're frightened; Though your dreams are full of dread, 
 Ttill, the love of God suffices For whatever lies ahead. Though the world is bent on conquest, All its riches turn to rust.
 You have God, so you have all things: God alone will be enough. For the sands of time are shifting, 
 But God's love will never change.
 When that final veil is lifted, 
 You'll see you've always known his face. God is with you now at midnight; God is with you now at noon. If you fall or if you still fight, God will not abandon you. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, and my suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. Paul spells out the cost of discipleship in no uncertain terms to Timothy: “All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. What’s your first response to this? How far does it match your own experience? Even when he faces this persecution, Paul tells his younger friend and protégé, Timothy shouldn’t panic, but carry on living in the way that he has learned and believed in. Can you recall times when you’ve found that your own best course of action has been simply to move forward by doing what you believe in? Paul points to scripture as a solid foundation for his faith. When have you found the words of the Bible to be particularly important to you? Listening to these words of scripture again, notice especially what Paul says about his own life as a disciple of Christ. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, and my suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. You might like, in these final moments of prayer, to speak with God about the value of scripture in your own life, or of persecutions you’ve experienced and how you have dealt with them. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 4 June 2026

Today is Thursday the 4th of June, in the 9th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 91: ‘It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning, and your truth in the watches of the night.’ As you listen, can you bring your whole self before the God they speak of, the God present here with you, the source of all life, all love, all truth? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. Begin today’s prayer by putting yourself into a situation similar to the one Jesus faces here. Someone comes up to you in the street with a microphone and says to you, “Tell me, in one sentence, the most important thing about your faith!” How do you respond? Now listen to Jesus’s familiar answer. Love God and love your neighbour as yourself. You’ve probably heard this many times before. What particularly strikes you when you hear it today? The scribe addresses Jesus as “Teacher”. Is this how you see Jesus, or is there some other word that best describes what he means to you? As the passage is read again, notice what it tells you about the relationship between Jesus and this scribe. Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” As this prayer draws to a close, talk with Jesus as he speaks these same words to you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 3 June 2026

Today is Wednesday the 3rd of June, the feast of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, in the 9th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach with The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Thank You (If the Only Words I Ever Pray)’. Let these simple words guide your prayer today. If the only words I ever pray are thank you That would be enough That would be enough Thank you Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Paul starts this letter by thanking God for Timothy. He remembers Timothy daily in his prayers. Who are the people you want to thank God for as this time of prayer begins? Timothy is told that he has already received “a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline”. Where can you recognise these same gifts in your own life, or in the lives of the people you are praying for here? Paul writes with great confidence here. As the passage is read again, notice the signs he offers of where this confidence comes from. 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Return, as this prayer ends, to those people who you began by praying for. Speak to God about them and their needs, and about what they mean to you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 2 June 2026

Today is Tuesday the 2nd of June, in the 9th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing 'Venite filii, audite me'. Come, my sons and daughters, listen to me…. Come to the Lord and be enlightened; and your faces will not be put to shame.’ As you enter into prayer now, can you sense that invitation from God? Can you hear those words spoken to you? And accept the welcome, and th2at reassurance that God wants to give you? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 12:13-17 Then they sent to [Jesus] some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him. Begin this time of prayer by getting in touch with the atmosphere of the passage. This seemingly polite questioning by the Pharisees and their allies is actually anything but polite. It’s designed only to trap Jesus, to get him to incriminate himself. What would it feel like to be on the receiving end of this interrogation? Jesus immediately sees through their hypocrisy. What do you imagine is going on in his heart and mind as he confronts his persecutors here? Once Jesus has answered them, we are told that his questioners are “utterly amazed”. How do you think that they might have reacted, both then and there and later on? As you hear the passage again, consider what Jesus’s answer means to you, in your own context. Mark 12:13-17 Then they sent to [Jesus] some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him. “Give to God the things that are God’s”. You might like, in these last moments of prayer, to speak with Jesus about what, for you, those “things that are God’s” are. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 1 June 2026

Today is Monday the 1st of June, the feast of Saint Justin, in the 9th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Da Pacem Cordium: “Give peace to our hearts”. As I listen, I might join in this prayer, asking the Lord for peace in my heart, asking God to help me still myself for a moment so that I can listen to his gentle voice, speaking to my heart. Today’s reading is from the Second Letter of Peter. 2 Peter 1:2-7 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants in the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. The reading starts with a prayer that you receive an abundance of grace and peace. What do this “grace and peace” look like, in the context of your own life just now? Next, we are assured that God has promised to give us everything we need for life and godliness. How do you respond to this promise? Four times the reading speaks of the importance of knowledge of God. What kind of knowledge of God plays an important role in your own daily living? The reading ends by presenting a whole interlocking pattern of the qualities that make up the good life of a disciple of Christ. As the passage is read again, notice which of these qualities you recognise in yourself already, and which you may want to ask God for. 2 Peter 1:2-7 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants in the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. Finally, speak to the God who wants you to enjoy grace and peace about whatever has caught your attention in this time of prayer. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 31 May 2026

Today is Sunday the 31st of May, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, beginning the 9th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach, Liz Vice and Tenielle Neda sing, ‘Trinity Song’. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son”. Something you might have heard countless times in your life. Allow this verse to come alive for you in all its fullness. “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world”. This sentence is often eclipsed by the preceding one, but it carries an enormous amount of hope. How does it speak to you today? Now listen as this passage is read for you again. This time, what really strikes you about it? John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. “Those who believe in him are not condemned”. It’s safe to say that if you’re listening to this prayer today, you believe in Him. Speak to Jesus about your belief... what would you like to say about it and how does He respond? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 30 May 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. At this point in the week, people often find it very helpful to reflect on how the prayer went this week. Perhaps you could think of three moments during the week when you felt God was very close to you. Or can you remember two moments in the week when you turned away from God, or where God seemed to be absent? What was going on here, do you think? In the coming week, is there one area of your life where you think God might be inviting you to develop? What would that be? How will you respond to that invitation, in the next day or so? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 29 May 2026

Today is Friday the 29th of May, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sings 'Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est': Wherever love is true, God is there. This chant expresses the presence of God in every act of goodness, of kindness, of love. What acts of goodness and kindness and love have you seen so far this week? Did you recognise God’s presence there? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of Peter. 1 Peter 4:7-13 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. “Be hospitable to one another without complaining”. You might like to bring to mind a moment you were hospitable recently. Ponder what was going on in your heart as you offered this hospitality. “Serve one another with whatever gift you have received”. What might this mean in your life today? Now listen as the passage is read for you once more. Notice with simple curiosity if there's anything you find challenging... 1 Peter 4:7-13 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. Speak with God, as one friend speaks to another, about anything you have found challenging in this passage, or anything you would like to give thanks for. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 28 May 2026

Today is Thursday the 28th of May, the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Have Mercy On Me’, echoing the scripture we will pray with today. Allow the music to open your heart to the Lord today... Jesus, son of David Have mercy Have mercy on me Have mercy Have mercy Have mercy, mercy on me When I hear you passing by When the crowd ignores my cry With all my heart and soul and mind Louder still, O Lord, I cry Jesus, son of David Have mercy Have mercy on me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 10:46-52 As [Jesus] and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. This is a very striking story. Place yourself in the scene... Hear Bartimaeus' cries: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ What does he sound like? “Throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.” Remembering that Bartimaeus is still blind at this point, can you imagine how the crowds were reacting? Were they helping him? Or perhaps they annoyed after his crying out? As we hear the passage again, notice as Jesus asks Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Was it not obvious what Bartimaeus wanted? Or is there something deeper going on here? Mark 10:46-52 As [Jesus] and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. “He regained his sight, and followed him on the way”. Stay with Bartimaeus in the scene. No more begging... no more sitting by the roadside. What is it like to be part of those following Jesus after this miracle? Speak with Jesus about what is going on for you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 27 May 2026

Today is Wednesday the 27th of May, the feast of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. The Monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Nos autem gloriari: ‘We should glory in nothing other than the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection; through him we are saved and set free. May God have mercy upon us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us and be merciful to us.’ Today’s reading is from the First Letter of Peter. 1 Peter 1:18-25 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you. Peter tells us that we have been “ransomed from futile ways”. Can you think of an example of “futile ways”? We hear that obedience to the truth leads to "genuine mutual love”, a love that moves “deeply from the heart”. Where do you recognise this playing out in your walk of faith? “The word of the Lord endures forever…the good news that was announced to you”. As you listen to the passage again, can you hear it all as “good news” afresh? 1 Peter 1:18-25 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you. What would you like to say now to the Lord, whose word endures forever? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 27 May 2026

Today is Wednesday the 27th of May, the feast of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. The Monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Nos autem gloriari: ‘We should glory in nothing other than the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection; through him we are saved and set free. May God have mercy upon us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us and be merciful to us.’ Today’s reading is from the First Letter of Peter. 1 Peter 1:18-25 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you. Peter tells us that we have been “ransomed from futile ways”. Can you think of an example of “futile ways”? We hear that obedience to the truth leads to "genuine mutual love”, a love that moves “deeply from the heart”. Where do you recognise this playing out in your walk of faith? “The word of the Lord endures forever…the good news that was announced to you”. As you listen to the passage again, can you hear it all as “good news” afresh? 1 Peter 1:18-25 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you. What would you like to say now to the Lord, whose word endures forever? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 26 May 2026

Today is Tuesday the 26th of May, the feast of Saint Philip Neri, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Take Up Your Cross’. How does this song speak to you today? If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ In this reading, Peter is starting to wonder “What’s in it for us?” or perhaps “What is the point of this discipleship?”. Have you ever felt like this? How did you handle it? Jesus replies that everyone who accepted the invitation to discipleship “will receive a hundredfold”. Have you found that to be true in your life? Jesus says, “many who are first will be last”. What does this mean to you? Prepare to hear the passage read a second time, listening with an attentive awareness... Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ Finally, as you look back over these last few minutes, what really stands out for you. Could you turn that into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 26 May 2026

Today is Tuesday the 26th of May, the feast of Saint Philip Neri, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Take Up Your Cross’. How does this song speak to you today? If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ In this reading, Peter is starting to wonder “What’s in it for us?” or perhaps “What is the point of this discipleship?”. Have you ever felt like this? How did you handle it? Jesus replies that everyone who accepted the invitation to discipleship “will receive a hundredfold”. Have you found that to be true in your life? Jesus says, “many who are first will be last”. What does this mean to you? Prepare to hear the passage read a second time, listening with an attentive awareness... Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’ Finally, as you look back over these last few minutes, what really stands out for you. Could you turn that into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 25 May 2026

Today is Monday the 25th of May, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, in the 8th week of Ordinary Time. The Gaudete Ensemble sings Ave Maria by Margaret Rizza: ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 19:25-27 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. Today we celebrate the memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Our reading gives us an agonising picture of that 'motherhood'. The dying Jesus is attended by his mother and Mary Magdalene and 'the disciple whom he loved'. What emotions are going through them at this moment? “Here is your son”…”here is your mother”. Hold the weight of this moment with the Lord now. What is Jesus really saying to them here? “The disciple took her into his own home”. Spend some time imagining their life after this moment... What is it like? What would you like to ask them? Now listen as the passage is read for you once more. This time what do you find touches you most? John 19:25-27 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak with Jesus about what has arisen for you. What is staying with you? Linger there with the Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 24 May 2026

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the 24th of May. Juliano Ravanello sings Veni creator spiritus: Come, Creator Spirit. On this Pentecost Sunday, you might like to invite the Holy Spirit to bring a fresh experience of the God of love today. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 2:1-11 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ Have you ever had the experience of being in a foreign country, or a place where people speak differently, and unexpectedly hearing someone speak your mother tongue, or your local dialect? Can you remember what that felt like? The surprise? The strangely familiar words and cadences? That moment of feeling a little bit “at home”? Is that, perhaps, one way that God speaks to you? When you feel you are being told something that somehow, and perhaps a little strangely, is not alien, not foreign, but from deep within you, “at home” in you, already in your mouth and in your heart? And have you ever had the experience of managing to communicate with someone even though you don’t speak their language? By pointing, perhaps, or signing, or by the expression on your face? ....managing to understand each other because there are basic human experiences we all share – and needs, and desires, and hopes – so that we easily recognise them in others? Might that too be a way in which God communicates with you? Speaking to you not in words, but in your experiences, in your needs, your desires and hopes, stirring feelings in your heart – or, less poetically, in your gut! – reaching you in a way that you just instinctively recognise? The Pentecost scene described here is a vivid and colourful one – tongues of fire, a powerful wind... As the passage is read again, how does the scene play out in your mind’s eye? What did it all look like, and sound like? Acts 2:1-11 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ Our day-to-day lives, on the whole, are probably a little less spectacular than that dramatic scene, but the Holy Spirit is no less present to us now than it was to them, then. There may not be tongues of flame and the sound of a powerful wind, but God’s Spirit is present here now, present in this place, present within you, because you are a temple of the Holy Spirit. Knowing that God’s Spirit is with you right now, what do you want to say to him? Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. Amen

Saturday 23 May 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Ask God for the light to see, beyond your capacities, God's work this week. Start by reviewing the week, day by day, just noticing those things that stand out. How did those moments leave you feeling? Hopeful, trusting, loving? Dry, despondent, frustrated? When you recall those moments, how close or distant did you feel God's presence, pointers or nudges? This week what are you thankful, or grateful for, or what has pleasantly surprised you? Call to mind all those people in your life you have commitments towards; how can you better live out those commitments? Take time to ask God for help living better those commitments next week and express thanks for the week that has been. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 22 May 2026

Today is Friday the 22nd of May, in the seventh week of Easter. The community of Taizé sing, Viešpatie tu viska žinai: “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 21:15-19 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ This scene takes place after the resurrection. We recall how, not long ago, Peter had denied all knowledge of Jesus, in the High Priest's courtyard, by a glowing fire. What do you notice, then, about this scene where Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Peter was a fisherman. He’s been fishing all night long. So, why do you think Jesus asked him to feed his lambs and his sheep? What can he mean? Jesus doesn’t ask Peter for an apology. When I’ve let Jesus down in some way, do I take the hint and say to Jesus, "You know I love you," instead of making excuses or apologies? Listen again to the words of the story. Notice how readily Jesus forgives. Notice how he immediately gives Peter an important job to do, full of trust in Peter's good will. John 21:15-19 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Speak to Jesus now. You know your failures don’t matter. Tell Jesus, if you want to “pick yourself up, dust yourself down, and start all over again”. Ask to be shown the sheep and the lambs that he wants you to feed, the people he wants you to care for. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 21 May 2026

Today is Thursday the 21st of May, in the seventh week of Easter. The University of Johannesburg Choir sings, ‘I Will Lift Mine Eyes’. Can you lift up your eyes today and ask for help from the Lord? Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 22:30, 23:6-11 Since [the Commander] wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them. When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamour arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks. That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’ Paul throws out a statement that divides his enemies. Jesus told his followers not to worry ahead of time about how to answer opponents. Do you take Jesus at his word? Do you manage not to be afraid of people who might ridicule you, or your prayers and faith? Paul was defending what he knew, what he had seen, namely that Jesus had died but was alive, and alive forever. When Jesus speaks to you in consoling words, do you know him, then, to be alive? Paul had not planned what to say, but God gave him this idea of how to divide his enemies. As you listen again to today’s story, notice his confidence – a confidence we can have too. If we are challenged about God, or Jesus, or prayer, the Holy Spirit will provide the answer. We have his word for it. Acts 22:30, 23:6-11 Since [the Commander] wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them. When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamour arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks. That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’ The risen Lord Jesus said to Paul, "Keep up your courage". You might want to ask the same Jesus now to give you courage, the courage of your convictions, and the trust that the Holy Spirit will be with you and give you the words you need. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 20 May 2026

Today is Wednesday the 20th of May, in the seventh week of Easter. Paul Zach sings, ‘All Will Be Well’. When I am troubled By the sorrows I see When the weight of the world is heavy on me Come close and tell me "All will be well" When I am weeping Over what I have done When my heart was asleep to the love of the Son Savior, come tell me "All will be well" All will be, all will be, all will be well You promised all will be, all will be, I will be well Whеn I am frightened Over what lies ahead And I wake in the night to the tremor of dread Draw near and tell me That all will be well All will be, all will be, all will be well You promised all will be, all will be, I will be well Oh, You hold it all in the palm of Your hands All of our sorrow and all of our sin You hold the world and You're letting it spin In Your mercy, all things will be well Oh, all manner of things will be well All will be, all will be, all will be well You promised all will be, all will be, I will be well When I am nearing The end of my days Jesus calmed all of my fears with the sight of Your face Let me hear You tell me Tell me that all will be well Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 17:11-19 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17 gives us the longest moment of Jesus speaking directly to God the Father. What draws you most about Jesus’ prayer? Perhaps there’s something you model in your own prayer life from it? Jesus wants to share his joy with the disciples while he lives. Is your image of Jesus one of joyfulness, or perhaps a bit on the serious side. Perhaps you could ask to grow in this awareness of the joyfulness of Jesus? Joy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, a gift Jesus sends to us still. Listen again to the reading, and sense the peace and joy that is there, even at such an anxious time. John 17:11-19 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. God’s love is unconditional, so everything we really need is ours already. Ask Jesus now, perhaps, to send you the gift of joy. Tell him about the troubles in life that make it difficult to be joyful, praying be cheerful, in spite of difficulties. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 19 May 2026

Today is Tuesday the 19th of May, in the seventh week of Easter. iAmSon sings, ‘Always With Me’. Can you make these your own words of prayer today? I can make through the day When you're with me on the way In my heart and mind you'll stay I can make it through the night When I'm clinging to your light You will make the darkness bright For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the calm and in the storm When it seems I'm all alone It's your hand I find to hold In each hour of unrest When it seems I've nothing left You speak peace in every breath For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the morning, in the evening When I'm waking, when I'm sleeping When I'm arriving, when I'm leaving You will have me in your keeping Even from my mothers womb Never hidden from your view I was always known to you When I fade away in death You will catch my final breath You will take me to my rest For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 20:17-27 From Miletus [Paul] sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them: ‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus. And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace. ‘And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. Therefore, I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.’ This is a moving and heartfelt farewell account, with mentions of tears, imprisonment, faith, the good news of God’s grace... first of all, notice what is staying with you from hearing the passage. Paul refers to himself as “a captive to the Spirit”. Is this something you’ve ever said of yourself? Notice what this idea stirs in you... As you listen to the passage again, try to get a sense of Paul’s “holy indifference”; his openness to lay his life in the hands of God. Acts 20:17-27 From Miletus [Paul] sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them: ‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus. And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace. ‘And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. Therefore, I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.’ How might you “testify to the good news of God’s grace” in the way you live? Speak with the Lord about this now, as one friend speaks to another. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 18 May 2026

Today is Monday the 18th of May, in the seventh week of Easter. Veni, lumen cordium, veni sancte spiritus. ‘Come Holy Spirit. Come, light of our hearts.’ When we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays in us. As you listen to this piece by Margaret Rizza and begin your prayer today, pause for a few moments to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you; to invite the Holy Spirit into your life, into your mind and into your heart. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 19:1-7 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them. John the Baptist offered the ‘baptism of repentance’ – he asked people to admit they needed God's help and forgiveness; to reveal their vulnerability and desire for healing. Could this still be, for me, the best way to prepare for the Holy Spirit to come? When Paul lays his hands on these disciples, this account tells us, they spoke in tongues and prophesied. What must that have been like? And how does it seem to me now? Weird and wonderful? A bit scary? Or an encouraging sign of the Holy Spirit at work? Listen again to the reading. Notice how John's baptism prepares these twelve people for Jesus’s baptism, and for receiving the Holy Spirit. They don’t need any further instructions in preparation. Acts 19:1-7 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them. The Holy Spirit is the gift by which we know God's unchanging love. These twelve new disciples, full of the Holy Spirit, were full of joy. Do I hope that the gift of the Holy Spirit will bring joy to me? I am loved with an Everlasting Love. Speak now to the One called Everlasting Love. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 17 May 2026

Today is Sunday the 17th of May, beginning the seventh week of Easter. The Community of Taizé sing Kristus, din Ande: “Jesus, your Spirit in us is a wellspring of everlasting life.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 17:1-11 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.' Jesus realises he may well soon face suffering and death – so he now prays with great feeling to God his Father – "Father”, he says, “the hour has come, glorify your Son so your Son may glorify you.” Can you get in touch with the feelings of Jesus at that moment, as you hear these words now? Jesus continues with great concern for us as he prays: “(Father) … this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ who you have sent.” Sometimes it’s hard to find meaning in life: eternal life. It’s hard to realise how much God loves us, and other people too. Wait patiently for God to show you how deeply he loves and cares for you. Hear Jesus say, “All mine are yours, and yours are mine…..” Let the example of Jesus’s love for his Father and for others seep into your heart. As the reading is repeated, notice again the closeness of Jesus with the Father. Notice his deep concern for his Apostles (and by implication you). John 17:1-11 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.' Maybe this prompts you to think of someone you know who is searching but seems to have lost touch with God. Or someone who is having a hard time? Perhaps you can ask the Lord to show you how you can be of help today, if an opportunity occurs? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 16 May 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today, we take a moment to reflect back on our week. Don’t worry if you haven’t prayed with us all week or can’t remember much! It is about asking the Holy Spirit to shed light on our time. So, take a few moments to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a deep breath in…and then a releasing breath out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding or frustration? Allow these moments to be witnessed… Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged, invited to transformation? Is there something that calls you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally… Look forward to the days to come, with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 15 May 2026

Today is Friday the 15th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Joy’. Take a moment to get in touch with that joy we find in Christ. What image would you give this joy? My Light and salvation, it's You I've got a firm foundation in You, Lord You hold me daily, daily The hope for my soul I'm ever so safe here with You I got Grace everywhere I be With blessings falling on me There's nothing too hard for the God that I serve Tell me why should I be afraid? No matter what comes my way I'll overcome with a smile on my face I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul I feel like dancing, I feel it in my bones I sing, I sing, Lord It feels like a dream 'Cause with You on my team I'm winning Nothing's going to hold me back Nothing's going to stop my praise Nothing's going to keep me silent I'll say it from the rooftops I got grace everywhere I be With blessings falling on me There's nothing too hard for the God that I serve Tell me why should I be afraid? No matter what comes my way I'll overcome with a smile on my face I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul I feel like dancing, I feel it in my bones Joy like a river flowing down, down, down, down… I got joy like a river flowing down, down, down, down… I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 16:20-23 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Jesus makes strong contrasts in this passage. The most obvious one is between feelings of pain and suffering and feelings of joy. But he also contrasts feelings that pass with feelings that last. What, in your life, have been the joys that were short and fleeting, the joys that didn’t last? What, on the other hand, has given you lasting joy in your life? Jesus talks about a woman giving birth, and how the pain of childbirth passes, but the joy of bringing a human being into the world remains. Perhaps you have given birth yourself. What times of personal pain or suffering can you recall, that, in the end, you thought were worth it? Where was God in those experiences? As you hear the reading again, listen to the promise. Listen to what it is that Jesus is promising to you. John 16:20-23 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. “No one will take your joy from you”. Can you give thanks to God now for the sources of deep and lasting joy in your life? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 14 May 2026

Today is Thursday the 14th of May, the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, in the sixth week of Easter. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Viri Galilei, the Antiphon for the Feast of the Ascension. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? The Lord will return, just as you have seen him ascend. Alleluia.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ All four gospels tell a story which many in today’s world have forgotten or have never even known. It is the story of how Jesus became the king of the world. That’s where we have been going, ever since, back near the beginning, Jesus came into Galilee announcing that ‘heaven’s kingdom is at hand’. Is this how you think of the Gospels? This is the great message of the whole gospel. Jesus is King and Lord, not just ‘in heaven’ (that would be quite a ‘safe’ idea) but on earth as well. But what – on earth, we might say – does that actually mean? If Jesus is really King and Lord, why is the world still in such a mess? How does he exercise this ‘lordship’? How does this sovereignty, claimed so strongly in this passage, work out on the ground? As you hear this short passage read again, ask yourself this question: how did Jesus come to this point of being king? Matthew 28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ We find encouragement in the final words of Matthew’s gospel, picking up neatly the promise made to Joseph at the very beginning. His name will be ‘Emmanuel’, said the angel, which means ‘God with us’. That God-with-us promise, that heaven-on-earth assurance, has come true in Jesus. Millions of Christians know this in their daily experience, their praying, their living, their work for his kingdom. ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ That is a promise you can stake your life on. It is also a challenge: if Jesus himself is ‘with you’, what could you be doing? How then could you live? Easter is a time to ask precisely that sort of question. It is also a time to discover God’s powerful answer. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 13 May 2026

Today is Wednesday the 13th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. The Monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Le Dieu de Vérité: ‘The God of truth, begotten by the Father, came down from heaven.’ As you listen, place yourself now before the God of truth, the God with whom you can be completely open and honest, the God with whom there is no pretension, the God who knows us better than we know ourselves. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 16:12-15 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’ In a world where truth is debated, with AI-generated videos and content being created, discernment becomes even more precious. ‘When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.’ How often do you seek the Spirit of truth in your daily encounters with the world, with media and in your conversations with others? ‘[The Spirit of truth] will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’ Reflect on some of the things you have heard so far this week that glorify Christ. And then, reflect on the things that didn’t. Notice what sifting through moments in this way does to help your discernment. (You might need a little more time with this one, so feel free to pause and come back when you’re ready!) Listen to the reading again and see if anything speaks to you afresh. John 16:12-15 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’ “All that the Father has is mine… the Spirit will take what is mine…” Truth emerges in communion and relationship. Speak now, perhaps with the Spirit of truth, or each member of the Trinity, about this invitation to deeper communion with God and others. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 12 May 2026

Today is Tuesday the 12th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Nkosi Siphe' Amandla': ‘Lord, give us strength’. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 16:22-34 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. We hear so many moments in this passage that could each have their own time of reflection. Take some time to consider each of the characters and moments in this text – Paul and Silas singing after their flogging, the jailer in his panic, then relief, then conversion, and the jailer’s family all coming to baptism. What strikes you? Spend a moment with the jailer...that feeling of utter relief. He has been ushered towards God in an astounding turn of events. Have you ever felt a similar way? As you listen again, try to imagine the scene in all its drama and notice what you are drawn to in it. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. Let your reflections draw you into God’s presence. Talk to God about what strikes you in this scene, or simply rest in God’s presence, aware of how you are and how God is with you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 11 May 2026

Today is Monday the 11th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’. As you enter into prayer today, here in this moment, let your soul rest in the presence of the Lord. Here in this mystery Here in Your majesty I find myself With nothing to offer Your love surrounds me You give me yourself My soul rests, my soul rests In your embrace My spirit sings, my spirit sings All your praise Here in your presence The whole host of heaven Bows down low There’s no higher honour No love that’s greater You make us your own You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. Today we meet Lydia of Thyratira. Join the scene – step into it! You might like to sit down with the women gathered there by the river. Listen to the sounds you hear, the water, the different voices – what can you see? Perhaps Lydia has some purple cloth with her...what does the material feel like? Draw your attention to Lydia. We hear she is a businesswoman. She’s also “a worshipper of God”. Perhaps her heart has been prepared and is already attentive to God’s voice. Is this a posture you have in your life at the moment? “The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly...” Notice that the Lord is the active person here in this moment of consolation for Lydia. We might say that she is moved by grace. As you listen again, pay attention to this movement of grace and see if you can recognise it in your own life in some way. Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. Lydia responds with a generous and immediate “yes” through baptism. A quick discernment! A fruit of this “yes” is her hospitality: ‘come and stay at my home’. As this time of prayer draws to a close, speak to the Lord as one friend to another about where you might let the fruit of hospitality grow in your life; an area where you could bless others. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 10 May 2026

Today is Sunday the 10th of May, beginning the sixth week of Easter. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Deus in adjutorium meum intende: 'O God come to our aid, O Lord, make haste to help us.' Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralysed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. One of the interesting things about this short passage is that it describes a two-stage process that the people of Samaria go through: it doesn’t all happen in one go. First, with Philip, there is a kind of preparatory stage, a preparing of the ground, and then, when the people seem ready, Peter and John arrive to pray for them to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Does that reflect, in any way, your own life, and your own experience of God? - the way “conversion” does not happen all at once? - that God does not come upon us all in one go, but leads us through stages, gradually preparing the ground in us? For the sacramentally-minded, there’s a very explicit connection here, too, with Baptism and Confirmation – Baptism, an initial stage in accepting God’s offer of new life, and Confirmation, the receiving of the fullness of God’s Spirit. If you have experience of those sacraments – your own baptism or confirmation, or one you remember attending – did you make that connection with the preparing of the ground and the receiving of the Holy Spirit in its fullness? Can you make that connection when you reflect on it now? As you hear the reading again, see if you can make that connection with what is described here and the sacraments, or conversions, or Christian initiations that you have witnessed. Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralysed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. It’s striking how straightforward and effective Peter and John’s prayer is here – they pray for the people of Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, and it happens. For us, too, if it is our desire to be filled with the fullness of God’s Spirit, we only have to ask. Is that your desire? Whatever it is you want to ask, whatever it is you want to say to God, whose Spirit is present here now, just say it. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 9 May 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. For Saturdays on Pray As You Go, we are encouraged to look back in gratitude. Maybe even in gratitude for the challenges that we have faced. Ask God for that gift of a grateful heart as you enter into this time of prayer. Now look back at the places where you have spent this week, the people you have met, how you have spent your time. What most stands out as gifts to be grateful for? How have you reacted to God’s presence in your life this week? Where have you been aware of it? Where are you most aware of it now, a little while later? Notice how you’ve responded to God this week, both the highs and the lows. Speak to God for a few moments now about whatever you’re noticing here. Finally, look forward to the week ahead. Perhaps it’s all planned out, perhaps there are surprises around the corner. What do you most need from God in the next few days? Ask for those gifts now. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 8 May 2026

Today is Friday the 8th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. Jon Guerra sings, ‘In The Beginning Was Love’. In today’s passage, we are commanded to love others as we have been loved. As you enter into prayer, spend some time reflecting on the love of God the Father at the beginning of all things. In the beginning was love And the love was with God And the love was God He was with God in the beginning And the world was made through him And so was I And there was light And the light was the light of heaven And there was goodness And the goodness walked the earth And there was beauty And the beauty would sing Like a voice in the wilderness Calling my name And before I knew what love was Love was in the beginning In the beginning was the song And the song was with God And the song was God He was the voice in the beginning And the stars would sing for him And so will I And there was light And the light was the light of heaven And there was goodness And the goodness walked the earth And there was beauty And the beauty would sing Like a voice in the wilderness Calling my name And before I knew what love was Love was in the beginning The light shines in the dark The dark has not overcome it Love was in the beginning Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:12-17 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ Spend some time reflecting on the ways Jesus loved... the listening he did on earth...the healings... the compassion... what stands out to you? Sometimes we can get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives, so busy doing things for the Lord that we forget we are called friends, not servants. How does it feel to hear this reminder that you are Jesus’ friend? As you listen to the scripture again, notice what stands out to you afresh... John 15:12-17 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.' ‘I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.’ It seems this is the main point Jesus wants to drive home in this passage. We are friends, we are chosen and we are called to love one another as He has loved us. Speak to Jesus about anything that is lingering in your mind as this time of prayer comes to an end. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 7 May 2026

Today is Thursday the 7th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. The community of Taizé sing Mane Nobiscum: 'Stay with us, Lord Jesus Christ'. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. We return to the theme of ‘abiding’ today. Does anything remain with you from yesterday? Hear that invitation to abide in Jesus’ love again. How have you already responded to this today? ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you...’ How might this shape your actions towards those around you? How might you pass on to others this love received from the Father and from the Son? As you listen again to the words of Jesus, allow yourself to be at home in God’s love. John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. ‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.’ Spend these last moments noticing Jesus’ joy in you... Perhaps your joy doesn’t quite feel “complete”. Speak with Jesus about this joy, asking for a fresh awareness of it. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 6 May 2026

Today is Wednesday the 6th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. Jonathan Veira sings, ‘Abide With Me’. Become aware of God’s abiding presence as you enter into prayer today. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide: when other helpers fail, and comforts flee, help of the helpless, O abide with me. I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me. Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:1-8 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.' Five times in this passage, Jesus says: “Abide in me.” But it’s rooted in a promise: “Abide in me”, he invites, “as I abide in you.” This is not about being in the same place. It’s about a mutual sharing. Jesus declares his sharing in our lives and invites us to share in his. How do you react to this promise, and this invitation? This gift, however, isn’t forced on us. It is offered, again and again. What opportunities, then, will there be in the coming day to express your wish to “abide in him”, to share Jesus’s life? Listening to the passage again, hear particularly the invitation “Abide in me”, recognising that Jesus makes this invitation because he already abides in you. John 15:1-8 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. In the last few moments of this prayer, take time to tell God what you feel about Jesus’s gift of himself to you. Ask God, perhaps, for what you feel will help you to respond more fully to this gift. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 5 May 2026

Today is Tuesday the 5th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. ‘Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 14:27-31 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. This peace that Jesus speaks of… what is it? It clearly isn’t just a state of untroubled calm. It’s not some kind of floaty detachment, a carefree lack of concern about others, and about the tensions and struggles of today’s world. What is this peace like? How do you imagine it? When we are gripped by fear or agitation, it can immobilise us. To those who want it, Jesus gives a peace which frees us from this grip, from these immobilising effects, and allows us to engage with life in its fullness and complexity. Is this a gift you desire? Accepting that these gifts come from God, listen again to today’s reading. Listen to what Jesus promises. John 14:27-31 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. Speak to God in your own words now. What situations in your life are crying out for that freedom from fear and distress, that peace that only Christ can give? Ask God how you might be a channel for that gift of peace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 4 May 2026

Today is Monday the 4th of May, the feast of the English Martyrs, in the fifth week of Easter. The Cape Town Camerata sings, Ndikhokhele Bawo: ‘Lead me oh Father, lead me. Lead me my saviour in all the sorrows of this world... for you still protect me, you calm my fears.’ Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele (Lead me oh Father, lead me) Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo (Lead me my saviour in all the sorrows of this world, Father) Bawo, Bawo, Bawo (Father, Father, Father) Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me) Mmeli wami Bawo uhlal’ uhlele duzekwami (Father, Saviour, you calm my fears) Bawo ndiyabonga ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me) Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 7:55-60 But filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. St Stephen is often referred to as the protomartyr, or “the first martyr”. Throughout the centuries and right up to our present, people all over the world continue to suffer for their faith in Jesus. Is there a person, a particular group, or a country you would like to pray for today? Take a moment to really pray for them now. So often we hear that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father after the Ascension. Notice as Stephen looks now, in this moment of persecution, he sees “Jesus standing at the right hand of God”. What difference might this make? As you hear the reading for the second time, listen for the voice of Stephen saying, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ Acts 7:55-60 But filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. Stephen’s plea for his killers echoes the words of Jesus on the cross. Forgiveness and reconciliation is often the first step to break the cycle of violence, but it is always a difficult step, a step that costs us something. Is there something in you, some situation in your life, that needs forgiveness or reconciliation? Spend these last moments asking the Lord to help you along this path. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 3 May 2026

Today is Sunday the 3rd of May, beginning the fifth week of Easter. The community of Taizé sing De noche iremos: ‘By night we search for the source of living water. It is only our thirst that guides our way.’ This time of prayer is an opportunity to quench that thirst a little - my thirst for God, the source of life - a chance to drink from the spring, from the source of living water, and be refreshed. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 14:1-12 ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. In today’s Sabbath reading, we return to the scene of the Last Supper. Begin by placing yourself inside this gathering. The room is quiet but heavy with emotion. Notice the moods of the different people as they ask their questions and respond to Jesus’ words. You sit among the disciples. The lamps flicker in the evening light. There is an ebb and flow of intimacy and uncertainty, but Jesus speaks with assurance. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Notice the faces around you — the responses of Jesus’ friends And you are there too. What are your feelings at this time? “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” Does this speak to any uncertainty or need for reassurance within you? Jesus tells Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Where in your life might you feel lost or unsure of the path? How does it feel to hear Jesus say, “I am the way”? As you listen to the passage again, reflect on your willingness to be guided by the Lord. John 14:1-12 ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” Jesus places great trust in us. In this moment of prayer, speak with the Lord about what you have experienced and felt. Notice if there is anything more he may wish to share with you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 2 May 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is the feast day of St Athanasius. We recall the mystery that he defended so fiercely: that in Christ, God truly entered human life so that humanity might share in divine life. Let this truth frame our examen today - God is not distant from your day; He has stepped into it. For today’s examen, begin by placing yourself in God’s presence. St Athanasius taught that Christ entered our humanity fully. Because of this, even the ordinary details of our day can become places where God meets us. Prepare yourself for prayer by focusing on your breath. Notice how the rhythm of your breathing brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom and openness that also weave throughout the scripture for this week. Cast your mind back over the week… where have you experienced this need for the Lord, a call to witness, or a generosity of spirit? Many of the readings this week have held movement — of faith, of understanding, and of presence. How does this speak to you? Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself. Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding, or frustration? Allow these moments to be seen and held. Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged? Has there been something calling you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally. Look forward to the days to come with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God’s grace and guidance to carry the insights you have received into each day. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 1 May 2026

Today is Friday the 1st of May, in the fourth week of Easter. Paul Zach sings, ‘Were You There?’ Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 13:26-33 ‘My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” In today’s passage, Paul continues to speak about salvation. He is addressing a group made up of both Jews and Gentile converts. He recounts how Jesus was handed over by the leaders of his people into the hands of the Romans and executed. Imagine yourself sitting among the crowd, listening to Paul. The room is crowded. People shift, making space, wondering where Paul is leading them. You hear Paul speak of Jesus’ death with honesty… and of the resurrection with certainty and joy. Listen as if he were speaking directly to you. How do his words land in your heart? Paul reassures his listeners that the resurrection was not just an event - it was, and is, a promise kept. He invites them all to become believers and disciples. How are you assured of God’s faithfulness? As you listen to the passage again, reflect on where you experience the Risen Lord in your life today. Perhaps ask yourself: where do you need the spirit of resurrection in your life today? Acts 13:26-33 ‘My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” In this time of prayer, as a beloved child of God, listen quietly for what the Risen Lord may be saying to your heart. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 30 April 2026

Today is Thursday the 30th of April, in the fourth week of Easter. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Ubi Caritas'. Wherever love is true, God is there. This song expresses the presence of God in every act of goodness, of kindness, of love. What acts of goodness and kindness and love have you seen so far today? Did you recognise God’s presence there? And look at the people around you. Outside of this train, or bus, or wherever it is you are right now, what goodness and kindness and love might there be in their lives? Can you recognise God, present in them too? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 13:16-20 'Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfil the scripture, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.’ Today’s passage immediately follows Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet. Enter this space in your mind. We know it as the place of the Last Supper. Imagine this room - meant for hospitality and celebration, the friends already unsettled by Jesus’ actions. The air carries both intimacy and apprehension. Jesus says that no servant is greater than the master, and that those who receive the one he sends receive him — and the Father. What is your reaction to Jesus humbling himself? Do you feel called, challenged, comforted? “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jesus gives service to others a dignity that was unexpected for those times. Perhaps it is still unexpected today. As you listen to the reading again, listen for what Jesus might be asking of you. John 13:16-20 'Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfil the scripture, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.’ “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me.” Spend these remaining moments of prayer with the Lord, sharing your thoughts and desires. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 29 April 2026

Today is Wednesday the 29th of April, the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, in the fourth week of Easter. 'Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy-burdened; you shall find rest.' What are the labours that I am involved with as I try to pray today? What are the burdens I am carrying? As I enter into prayer, I take this moment to place all my concerns and all my burdens in God’s hands. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Today’s feast day celebrates Catherine of Siena. We remember a woman who accepted the invitation of the Gospel with all her heart. Her writings overflow with joyful intimacy with Christ. She once described Jesus as a “gentle bridge” between heaven and earth - strong enough to bear our struggles. How does Catherine’s image of Jesus speak to you? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus rejoices that the Father is revealed not to the powerful or clever, but to little children. He reaches out to those gathered around him - workers, the poor, and those who are persecuted or excluded. “I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Let these words settle in your imagination. What might this invitation mean to you today? As you listen to the passage again, consider what you might wish to place onto Jesus’ shoulders. Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ “Come to me… learn from me… my yoke is easy and my burden light.” In the ancient world, a yoke held two animals together - recalling an image of Jesus walking beside us in the work of life. In this time of prayer, share with the Lord whatever is on your heart today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 28 April 2026

Today is Tuesday the 28th of April, in the fourth week of Easter. Paul Zach with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Spirit Move! (Keep on Moving). The Spirit is moving over the waters of our tears Our bodies are yearning for the joy of coming years But the Spirit turns our empty groaning into prayer Even now we wait in hope for what the Spirit bears Spirit move! Keep on moving Creation is groaning with the pain of giving birth A new life is coming, resurrecting all the earth When we don’t know what to pray the Spirit groans for us For the breaking of the day, that lifts us from the dust Spirit move! Keep on moving So come, Holy Spirit, to the silence of our hearts And sing out within us of the promises of God We are weary with the years, but hope is being born Even through our pain and fear, we’re waiting for the dawn Spirit move! Keep on moving Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 11:19-26 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. Today’s passage has so much movement in it, painting a picture of the time. Take a moment to place yourself inside that picture. Imagine the ancient city of Antioch — like any busy metropolis today. Streets full of traders, languages, and cultures. A small gathering of believers: ordinary people who fled persecution after the death of Stephen. Into this scene arrives Barnabas. He sees the community and, instead of suspicion, he responds with joy. Stay in the scene for a moment. What draws your attention? There is more movement as Barnabas later travels to find Saul and bring him back. And together they teach this young community for a whole year. Where might movement and new life be trying to grow in your life? As you listen to the passage again, notice where the Holy Spirit may be moving in your life… Acts 11:19-26 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” The community receives a new name. Saul, too, will become known in a new way. In the presence of the Spirit, consider what might be being renewed in you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 27 April 2026

Today is Monday the 27th of April, the feast of Saint Peter Canisius SJ, in the fourth week of Easter. Take a moment to arrive here today. Notice what you are carrying into this time of prayer. Notice too the gentle invitation of Christ to rest in this moment. As Salt of the Sound sings ‘How Great Thou Art’, lift your eyes to the Lord. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim: "My God, how great thou art!" Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 11:1-18 Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, ‘Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?’ Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” But I replied, “By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” But a second time the voice answered from heaven, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.” And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?’ When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, ‘Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.’ Today is the feast day of St Peter Canisius SJ. Living during the 16th century, he faced strong disagreements and tensions within Christianity. Yet he chose a path of patience and dialogue, seeking to teach the faith clearly, with respect and charity. In today’s passage from the Acts of the Apostles, we see a Church learning — sometimes painfully — that God’s grace cannot be contained. In Jerusalem, Peter is accused of going into the homes of Gentiles and eating with them. The laws and traditions of generations have been broken. What is Peter thinking? Perhaps there are boundaries you have set in your faith that the Lord is challenging you to reconsider. Peter witnesses the Holy Spirit being given to the community of Gentiles, just as it had been given to him and his friends. Peter realises that God is beyond limits. Consider where you might allow the Holy Spirit to challenge your assumptions. As you listen to the passage again, consider what it would mean this week to welcome someone with the openness that Peter learned to express. Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” But I replied, “By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” But a second time the voice answered from heaven, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.” And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?’ When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, ‘Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.’ “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.” The community responds with humility. Easter is meant to change how we see people. The risen Christ shows us that every door may be opened. Like Peter, we learn to trust that God is already at work in human hearts. In this time of reflection, you may wish to speak with the Lord about anything in your life that needs to change. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Sunday 26 April 2026

Today is Sunday the 26th of April, beginning the fourth week of Easter. Stephen and Fiona Crowther, of the Lee Abbey community, sing ‘Shepherd’. As you hear it, what imagery stirs in you? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 10:1-10 ‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. In this passage, Jesus makes a distinction between “thieves and bandits” and “the gate”, or the “shepherd of the sheep”. Take a moment with each of these: the thieves and bandits, the gate and the shepherd. Notice what draws you to or away from each one... “He calls his own sheep by name…they know his voice”. Spend some time reflecting with the voice of Jesus now – how well do you know it? Now listen as the passage is read once more for you. What really speaks to you this time? John 10:1-10 ‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. “I came that they might have life”. What is different about the life Jesus gives? Spend time with Jesus now, speaking about the life he gives you – notice how you can live from this abundance in a new way... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 25 April 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. At this point in the week, people often find it very helpful to reflect on how the prayer went this week. Perhaps you could think of three moments during the week when you felt God was very close to you. Or can you remember two moments in the week when you turned away from God, or where God seemed to be absent? What was going on here, do you think? In the coming week, is there one area of your life where you think God might be inviting you to develop? What would that be? How will you respond to that invitation, in the next day or so? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen