Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Friday 24 April 2026

Today is Friday the 24th of April, in the third week of Easter. Juliano Ravanello sings, ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’: Come, Creator Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 9:1-20 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ Our story today offers an encounter with the extraordinary person who will be the hero of the second half of Acts of the Apostles. Later on, he will be known to us as “Paul”; for the moment he is “Saul”, whom we encountered approving of the execution by stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Saul is arresting all the followers of Jesus whom he can find. Imagine Saul for a moment at this point... what is his tone of voice like? His demeanour? How does it make you feel? Saul asks, “who are you, Lord?”. Who does he think he is talking to at this point? Now listen as the story is read once more to you. This time, what do you find most remarkable about it? Acts 9:1-20 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ Saul proclaims “in the synagogues, saying ‘[Jesus] is the Son of God’.” Imagine what has happened to his heart! Speak with the Lord about this change of heart, noticing if there’s anything within yours that needs converting 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

Thursday 23 April 2026

Today is Thursday the 23rd of April, the feast of Saint George, in the third week of Easter. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: This is the time, most Holy Spirit, when you, One with the Father and the Son, come to shed your light in the hearts of your faithful. Pause for a moment, and become aware of the Holy Spirit, present here, come to give life and light. Pause for a moment, and welcome that light into your life. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 8:26-40 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.’ The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. This is really a most extraordinary reading, so take a moment to let it come alive for you... Reflect for a moment on the angel and the Spirit... both moving Philip from one place to the next... one by prompting, the other by snatching! What do you notice as you ponder these? We hear this Old Testament quotation “like a sheep he was led to the slaughter”... What does this stir in you? Now listen as the story is read once more to you. As you follow the story, simply notice all the different words about movement and motion... Acts 8:26-40 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.’ The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. We hear that the eunuch 'went on his way rejoicing’. Can you capture some of this rejoicing after hearing the story today? Speak with the Lord about your experience 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

Wednesday 22 April 2026

Today is Wednesday the 22nd of April, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus, in the third week of Easter. Gillian Fisher and Michael Chance sing Stabat Mater Dolorosa by Pergolesi. ‘By the cross from which hung her son, his mother stood in sorrow and tears.’ As I listen, I can prepare myself to contemplate, today, Mary’s share in the suffering and the sacrifice of Jesus, a sacrifice made freely, and made out of love for the world. 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. Try gazing at this scene: what stirs for you as you gaze upon it? What is the most striking thing about it? Who are you most drawn to? “From that hour, the disciple took her into his own home”. How do you imagine life for them after this moment? Listen again to the passage and place yourself there. Perhaps choose a person to be in the scene this time... 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. Finally, just look back over the last few minutes of prayerful reflection. What was going on inside you? Could you turn all 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 21 April 2026

Today is Tuesday the 21st of April, in the third week of Easter. Jon Guerra sings, ‘I See the Birds.’ Can you rest in the simplicity of Jesus’ care for you today? Do not be anxious about your life I heard you say to me You dress the lilies You leave the weeds The sower of the seed Am I in charge of my own mind Or is it in charge of me? I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again You've held me sturdy You've led me on Through years of joy and grief So don't you leave me All on my own You know me, Lord I'm weak I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again Oh, be my help again Don't you worry, child Don't you worry, child He won't leave you by yourself In times of trouble, he's your help I'm letting go of my own life I'm letting go again I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again Be ever present Lord, won't you be my closest friend In times of trouble Be my help again Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 6:30-35 So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. This is part of a speech that arose from Jesus’ feeding of the multitudes. “What sign are you going to give us?”. This seems like a very bold question to ask Jesus! They almost sound entitled... What is your reaction to it? “Our ancestors ate the manna in the desert”. Why do they mention this, do you think? “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry”. Have you found this to be true in your life? Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Is there anything that leaps out of the passage as you hear it? John 6:30-35 So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Finally, as you look back over this time of quiet prayer, where did you find the presence of God? Or was it an absence? Can you turn that into a prayer to God that sums it all up? 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 20 April 2026

Today is Monday the 20th of April, in the third week of Easter. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 6:22-29 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ We shall be remaining with the Gospel of John for the remainder of the Easter season; John can be quite different from the other gospels, but very rich indeed; and we are breathing quite a different atmosphere. Jesus seems to “go missing” in this portion of the gospel... Maybe you feel this happens to you! Recall a time where you have felt that Jesus is missing.... The crowds are looking for Jesus. Imagine you are one of them now... notice why it is you are looking for him? Because everyone else is? Or maybe you are hoping for a sign or healing. Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Stay in the crowd and notice that by praying today, you too are looking for Jesus... John 6:22-29 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ Perhaps you would like to stay with this today, knowing that this is the work of God.... believing in Jesus. What would you like to say about this to God? Speak 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

Sunday 19 April 2026

Today is Sunday the 19th of April, beginning the third week of Easter. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus... and the things of the earth will fall strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.’ Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of the earth Will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace In the light of His glory and grace Today’s reading is from the First Letter of Peter. 1 Peter 1:17-21 If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 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. Peter is writing to the persecuted church to encourage them in their faith, by firstly reminding them to live with reverent fear, or perhaps we might think of it as “holy awe”, with God as their Father. In which ways do you love and serve God the Father with this “reverent fear”, this “holy awe”? Peter continues by reminding the church of the gift of their salvation, redeemed not with perishable silver or gold, but something more costly, something beyond value. So, ponder now on the sacrifice of Jesus, of his precious blood, of the outpouring of his love for you. As you listen to this reading again, imagine that Peter is addressing you personally and notice which words move you. 1 Peter 1:17-21 If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 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. In this short reading, Peter has reminded us of Jesus’s costly sacrifice on the cross and of the glory of the resurrection, so, take a moment now to offer your faith and hope in Him as an outpouring of gratitude 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

Saturday 18 April 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a few moments to calmly and quietly arrive with the Lord in prayer today. If you can, choose a comfortable position in which to pray. Focus on slowing down your breathing. Then, if you notice any distractions or thoughts on your mind clambering for your attention... try to gently release them. Imagine that you open your diary from the past week, running your fingertip across the pages or screen, showing the Lord the events of each day. Notice which moments most stand out to you? Call to mind any moments you had almost forgotten When did you feel most aware of God’s presence with you? When did you feel most distant from God? Move your thoughts to the coming week, and again, as if mulling over your diary with the Lord. Try offering the coming week to Him, asking for His presence to be with you, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. 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 17 April 2026

Today is Friday the 17th of April, in the second week of Easter. The Porter’s Gate sing ‘New Every Morning’. Can you join in with this song as we prepare for prayer today? You are not what you have done Or what has been done to you You are something like the rising sun Can't you see that you are new You might have your father’s name Or bear the shame he left behind But there's new life flowing through your veins Leave some room to be surprised You are new every morning You are new every morning Each day a resurrection waiting to break through You could try just for a start To put the judge back on thе shelf All the lovingkindness in your hеart Have a little for yourself You are new every morning You are new every morning Each day a resurrection waiting to break through You are new You think hope is lost but it's just underground The flame might be an ember but the fire won’t go out All the evidence is pointing to the truth That daily resurrection is still happening in you You are new every morning You are new every morning Each day a resurrection waiting to break through You are new Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. Today, we will only hear the reading once. John 6:1-15 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. Today, we will step into the scene – immerse ourselves in it as we savour the miracle we find in this passage. Imagine that you have been following Jesus for a couple of days, eager to listen to him. You, like many, have walked a long way. Have a look around at those who are travelling beside you, eager to hear Jesus’ teaching. Perhaps you are unsure of how long you will be travelling - imagine that you are beginning to feel hungry and weary, wondering how long you can keep going. As the crowd approaches Jesus, you feel caught up as the crowd surges forward. You notice Jesus in deep discussion with his disciples. Watch them talking together, what is their mood like? Watch Jesus now as he surveys the extent of the crowd...see a small boy approach him with his lunch. Jesus unpacks the lunch, holds out five barley loaves and two small fish. What are you thinking as you see this? Now the disciple John asks you to sit down. Watch as thousands of people begin to sit. Take a moment to feel the ground beneath your body, feel the relief as you sit and rest. Jesus takes the small amount of food, raises it and gives thanks to his Father in heaven. What do you notice about Jesus? Just minutes later a basket arrives at your feet, full of broken bread and fish. You reach out and take some, what does it taste like? Now look around you at the vast crowds as they share the food, listening to the sounds of their voices as they eat and talk together. What is it like to be part of this picnic? Finally, watch the baskets passing by, containing the leftover food, which people are refusing as they are full. What has most struck you as you have been part of the crowd today? End your prayer by sharing your experience 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

Thursday 16 April 2026

Today is Thursday the 16th of April, in the second week of Easter. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing Ngaza Ngambona: ‘They are blessed who keep his commandments; they will have their eternal place. Come in, all of you, so that you may be happy and be able to say, I’ve seen him on the cross, the one who loves me. Teach me, Father, to love you, praise you and pray to you.’ Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 5:27-33 When they had brought [the apostles], they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. In today’s reading, we hear that Peter and the disciples have continued to teach about Jesus in public despite being warned by the authorities not to do so. Now they stand before the council and the high priest. Picture this scene as if you are one of these disciples. They are accused of filling Jerusalem with their teaching. Imagine this happening now...as the disciples share the joys they have encountered, of healings, of forgiveness of sins, of the death and resurrection of Jesus...of eternal life...imagine people gathering and hearing this for the first time...picture some becoming followers. Peter speaks to the Council, declaring, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority.’ How do you feel as you hear these words? Emboldened? Determined to keep on speaking or perhaps scared, as you wonder what the consequences might be? As you listen to the reading again, notice the confidence in Peter as he continues to speak out. Acts 5:27-33 When they had brought [the apostles], they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. Now imagine the strength of the presence of the Holy Spirit with Peter and the disciples as if you are there with them... Which gift do you most need today? The boldness of Peter, the persistence of the disciples, fresh joy in the gospel or maybe just refreshment? Speak with the Lord about this gift as you come to the end of this prayer time. 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 15 April 2026

Today is Wednesday the 15th of April, in the second week of Easter. The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’ Christe, lux mundi, qui sequitur te, habebit lumen vitae, lumen vitae Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 3:16-21 ‘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. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ We take a moment to ponder these words we might already know so well. We remember the creation of the world, as God fashioned day and night, the seas and land, the heavens, flora, fauna, creatures, human beings, the love and joy with which he created us. ‘For God so loved the world’. Call to mind one way in which you experience this love personally. 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’. Take a moment to reflect on these words, perhaps in wonderment. As you listen to the reading again, notice how John uses the word light to describe the presence of Christ in the world. John 3:16-21 ‘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. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ End this time of prayer today, noticing with the Lord, where you see light and dark and the love of God in the world around 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 15 April 2026

Today is Wednesday the 15th of April, in the second week of Easter. The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’ Christe, lux mundi, qui sequitur te, habebit lumen vitae, lumen vitae Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 3:16-21 ‘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. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ We take a moment to ponder these words we might already know so well. We remember the creation of the world, as God fashioned day and night, the seas and land, the heavens, flora, fauna, creatures, human beings, the love and joy with which he created us. ‘For God so loved the world’. Call to mind one way in which you experience this love personally. '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’. Take a moment to reflect on these words, perhaps in wonderment. As you listen to the reading again, notice how John uses the word 'light' to describe the presence of Christ in the world. John 3:16-21 ‘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. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ End this time of prayer today, noticing with the Lord, where you see light and dark and the love of God in the world around 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 14 April 2026

Today is Tuesday the 14th of April, in the second week of Easter. The Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best, sing 'Cantique de Jean Racine' by Fauré, a hymn to the invincible power and utter goodness of God, whose fire lights up the darkness, whose grace overcomes all evil. As I enter into prayer today, I trust myself to that grace, to that powerful goodness. I place myself in the hands of my loving God. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 4:32-37 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. As you pray with today’s reading, try to imagine that you are part this group of early believers. What is it like to be there with them? Imagine their conversations and the mood of the group. Imagine those who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus and give testimony to others. Can you picture their love and fervour as they discuss and share their accounts with others? Is there something you would like to share with them about Jesus from your own experience? We read that ‘great grace was upon them all’. As you listen to the reading again, notice the ways in which these believers show this grace to those around them. Acts 4:32-37 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. We hear of Barnabas who sold his field and laid the money at the feet of the disciples. Perhaps you possess a gift of some kind, that you would like to lay at the feet of the Lord to encourage the Christians around you. So, ask the Lord for his grace today to enable you to share this with 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

Monday 13 April 2026

Today is Monday the 13th of April, in the second week of Easter. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 4:23-31 After [Peter and John] were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: “Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.” For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servantJesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. Peter and John have just been released after their arrest for speaking about Jesus in public. As the chief priests released them, they ordered them not to do this again. Has there been a time when others have tried to silence you or perhaps embarrass you when speaking about your faith? In our reading, the gathered believers prayed the following prayer: “And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness." Can you ask the Lord for a gift of boldness? Imagine for a moment what you might seek to do or say if you were given this gift. As you listen to the reading again, imagine that you are standing with these early believers. Try to feel their faith and determination to keep sharing their message. Acts 4:23-31 After [Peter and John] were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: “Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.” For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servantJesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. ‘When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken’. The overwhelming presence of God emboldened the believers, so perhaps spend the remainder of this prayer time by opening your heart to the Lord to let him prepare you for an encounter 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

Sunday 12 April 2026

Today is Sunday the 12th of April, beginning the second week of Easter. Paul Zach, Jessica Fox and iAmSon sing, ‘Total Praise’. Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills Knowing my help is coming from You Your peace You give me in time of the storm You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they areforgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. Picture yourself, as this time of prayer starts, gathered with the disciples in that locked room. What’s your first reaction when Jesus suddenly appears? Now imagine yourself trying to convince Thomas. What would you tell him about what had happened that evening? Listen again for those words “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” You yourself are among that number. What is it like to be blessed by Jesus in this way? A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. In the last moments of this prayer, you might want to use Thomas’s words, “My Lord and my God”, to address Jesus. Or choose words of your own. 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 11 April 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During this week we have moved rapidly from the Passion to the Resurrection. Perhaps in everyday life the transition doesn’t happen so fast, or so fully. Ask God to show you, in today’s prayer, the real signs of resurrection in your own life. Now look back gently over the last week. Where do you see signs of new life? Of light, and life, and energy? Of the presence of the risen Christ in your own life? What new invitations or gifts might Jesus be offering you as you continue to celebrate his resurrection in the coming days and weeks? Are there parts of your own life, or of the life of the world around you, that still seem cut off from the new life that this season promises? Take a moment or two to hold those before God. Before this time of prayer comes to an end, ask Jesus for whatever you most need from him to live as a faithful disciple in the coming week. 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 10 April 2026

Today is Friday the 10th of April, in the first week of Easter. Emoni Wilkins with The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘By My Side’. O my friend just stay with me Stay with me, stay with me O my friend just stay with me By my side O my friend just weep with me Weep with me, weep with me O my friend just weep with me By my side Wherever I go, by my side Above and below, by my side You know my faith gets low When the waters rise Please be by my side Hold my hand and walk with me Walk with me, walk with me Hold my hand and walk with me By my side Wherever I go, by my side Above and below, by my side You know my faith gets low When the water rises Won’t you please be By my side Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 21:1-14 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the lake. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. There’s a lot going on in this story. What most captures your attention as you heard it read for the first time? For Peter, James and John, the story has come full circle. This beach on the Sea of Tiberias is where they were first called by Jesus. What would it be like for them to meet Jesus there again, in the light of all that has happened since? Can you imagine Jesus offering to prepare breakfast, or some other meal, for you? How would you want to respond? Listen to the story again, noticing how different disciples take different times to recognise who this stranger greeting them from the shore is. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the lake. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. Some commentators suggest that the 153 fish caught corresponds to the number of people in John’s Christian community. You might like to finish this prayer by speaking with Jesus about your own Christian community and its needs. 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 9 April 2026

Today is Thursday the 9th of April, in the first week of Easter. The community of Taizé sing Frieden, Frieden: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 24:35-48 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Let this time of prayer start, as the passage itself starts, by hearing Jesus welcoming you with, “Peace be with you”. How do you react to that from where you find yourself today? Jesus seems very determined to prove to the disciples that he is flesh and blood, not some disembodied spirit. Why do you think that this is so important to him? The disciples are here described as startled, terrified, frightened, and doubtful. Can you recall a time when you looked for God when you were in that kind of state? What happened? Notice, as you hear the scripture again, what Jesus says and does to calm their fears. Luke 24:35-48 [Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.] While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.' In these last moments of prayer, ask for that peace that Jesus offered as today’s prayer began. 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 8 April 2026

Today is Wednesday the 8th of April, in the first week of Easter. 'In our journeying this day, keep us, Father, in your way.' Let me make this my prayer today; to know God’s closeness to me, here, right now, and never to lose sight of it. To let myself be loved, enlivened and guided by God. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. You are probably familiar with the story chosen for today’s prayer. It’s the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. We will hear it only once, and then you’ll be invited to let it unfold again before your mind’s eye. Luke 24:13-35 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. The story starts with two disheartened disciples, leaving Jerusalem after the crucifixion, and together trying to make sense of the tragedy that has befallen them. Can you get a sense of what it’s like for them, as they trudge along this long road to Emmaus? They’re joined by a stranger who seems to be a good listener. How are the disciples feeling as they pour out their shattered hopes and current fears? The stranger makes sense of what they’ve been going through by putting it in the context of God’s work throughout the whole history of Israel. Later, the two disciples will say that their hearts burned within them as they listened to him. Why? Once they reach Emmaus, they recognise Jesus when he shares a meal with them. It’s a meal clearly modelled on the eucharist. In your imagination, join them as Jesus blesses and breaks the bread. The reaction of the disciples is immediately to hurry back to Jerusalem to share the good news of all that has happened. Speak to Jesus, as this prayer comes to an end, of what good news you can share of all that he has done 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

Tuesday 7 April 2026

Today is Tuesday the 7th of April, in the first week of Easter. 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 that reassurance that God wants to give you? Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 2:36-41 ‘Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. In this reading Peter finishes his attempt to persuade those who called for the death of Jesus to recognise that God has raised him up. Is their reaction here what you would have expected? Those who heard Peter were, St Luke tells us, “cut to the heart”. Why do you think this was so? Peter’s call to repent, to turn back to God, echoes the call we heard at the start of Lent. What does repentance mean in the context of your own life? Those who hear Peter respond with just five words: “Brothers, what should we do?” Can you make those words your own as you hear the passage read for a second time? Acts 2:36-41 ‘Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. Take a few moments now to speak to God about whatever has struck you in this time of prayer, and of your own response to the good news of the resurrection. 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 6 April 2026

Today is Monday the 6th of April, in the first week of Easter. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Praise to the Lord’. Take a moment to draw near to the Lord as you begin this time of prayer... Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near Join me in glad adoration Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning Sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining Ponder anew what the Almighty can do If with his love he befriends you Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him Let the Amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him Let the Amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 2:14, 22-33 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. ‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth,a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death,because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover, my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.” ‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, “He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.” This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.’ Even though he is inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter has quite a task here. He has to explain to the very people who cried out for Jesus to be crucified why they should now believe that God has raised Jesus from the dead. What’s your own first reaction to Peter’s words? Peter talks of himself and those with him as witnesses to the resurrection. How might that be said of you yourself in your own following of Christ? As the second part of this passage is read again, listen for the ways in which Peter uses the Old Testament, the scriptures that his audience would have been very familiar with. But God raised him up, having freed him from death,because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover, my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.” ‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, “He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.” This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.’ Speak, finally, with Jesus about what it means for you this year to be moving from Lent into Eastertide. 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 5 April 2026

Today is Easter Sunday, the 5th of April. A very happy Easter to you! We pray that the joy of this day would come alive in you in a new way, as we hear the University of Johannesburg Choir sing 'Ndisondela Kuwe', “I come to you in prayer, almighty God. You are worthy to be praised.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 20:1-9 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Mary Magdalene, Peter and John take their first confused steps towards belief that Jesus has risen from the dead, even though they don’t fully understand what this means or how it will affect their lives. How do you detect the resurrection of Jesus in your life and in the world? Jesus’ disciples took time to understand the full implications of his resurrection, and Matthew’s gospel tells us that even after forty days of risen appearances, some still doubted. Is there anything that makes it hard for you to believe that Jesus has conquered death and sin forever? As you hear the reading repeated, imagine that you are in the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. Remembering Jesus’ recent death, what is your response to what you see? John 20:1-9 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Jesus pronounced blessed all who would come to believe in him without having seen his risen body. What graces and blessings do you find yourself wanting to ask of the risen Jesus this Easter day? We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross and Resurrection, You have redeemed the world. 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 4 April 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week’s readings can be hard to absorb and yet we are invited every year to walk the road to Calvary with Jesus. It needs courage and generosity to do this, yet we know that these days overflow with grace if we can stay with them as they unfold. St. Ignatius emphasizes the importance of entering into the waiting experience of Holy Saturday. The creeds and ancient icons of Jesus ‘descending into hell’ show him in the dark vault of the underworld, flattening the gates of hell with strong feet in which we see the mark of the nails. Satan is crushed under the gates and lies there, bound and chained as he has previously bound and chained us and all of God’s creation. The vault below is full of the locks and chains with which Satan has imprisoned us, but Jesus pulls Adam and Eve into the light of his love and freedom. St. Paul tells us that he frees the whole of creation from the frustration to which it was subject. Everything and everyone is brought to the fulness of life in Jesus. As you think of this time of waiting, and the liberation brought to our world by Jesus’ death and resurrection, become aware of God’s presence in your life and in the world. What gifts and graces would you want to thank God for, as you remember experiencing God’s liberating love and mercy in your life? Perhaps you can find an icon of this scene to contemplate. If not, how do you feel as you imagine Jesus freeing us and the whole of creation from all that is death-dealing and that frustrates God’s life-giving purposes? Choose one of this week’s readings and remember the gifts that you prayed for. Perhaps you want to express sorrow and repentance. How do you find yourself praying now in this Holy Saturday waiting time? Tomorrow, we celebrate the glorious miracle of Jesus’ rising from death and darkness into eternal light. He takes us with him, even when the circumstances of our life or of the world around us seem empty of hope. What gifts and graces do you want to ask of him for the renewal of the world? We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Friday 3 April 2026

Today is Good Friday, the 3rd of April. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Versa est in luctum by Alonso Lobo. Versa est in luctum: My harp is tuned for sorrow. ‘Tuning your harp for sorrow’ is a conscious, deliberate preparation for sadness to come. As we begin to recall the suffering and death of Christ, how can you prepare yourself for this sorrow? If you find that difficult, let this music help you. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 19:25-37 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. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘None of his bones shall be broken.’ And again another passage of scripture says, ‘They will look on the one whom they have pierced.’ If we had heard today’s Gospel reading in full, we would have heard how different people respond to God’s willingness in Jesus to empty himself completely for our sake: Peter’s fear, Pilate’s prevarications, the stubborn rejection of the religious leaders. But here in this scene, we see the faithfulness of the women, his Mother and the beloved disciple and the resolute love of Jesus himself. Where do you find your mind and heart staying in this scene? The death of Jesus is almost too much for us to stay with for long. Take time to speak to him or to anyone else in this scene, noticing what you are drawn to ask for or to say. As we listen again to part of the reading, ask for the grace to enter as deeply as you can into this solemn moment of Jesus’ Passion. 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. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ It may be difficult to find words to say to God at this point. Take time to respond in whatever way seems best, either with words or in silence or with any other gesture or act that seems right to you. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Thursday 2 April 2026

Today is Holy Thursday, the 2nd of April. The Cape Town Camerata sings, 'Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est': Wherever love is true, God is there. These words, traditionally sung at tonight’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper, during the washing of feet, express 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 Luke. Luke 4:16-21 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ On Holy Thursday we think specially of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and sharing the Eucharist with them for the first time. As we remember the opening of his public ministry, ask him to bring to your mind and heart whatever sign of healing and liberation he gave that is most important to you. What is the poverty within you to which Jesus responds with good news? Is there any compulsion or disordered attachment from which you particularly long to be set free? Now is a graced time to ask this gift of Jesus, anointed by the Spirit to bring us good news. Listen now to the reading as it is repeated. How do the words and actions of Jesus speak to the needs of the world as you see them? Luke 4:16-21 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ On this day when the Church remembers the liberation of God’s people from slavery and the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist, how do you want to become more deeply one with him? Take time now to ask for what you most long for. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Today is Wednesday of Holy Week, the 1st of April. Salt of the Sound sings 'Kyrie Eleison': Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 26:14-25 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ Judas, who betrayed him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’ He replied, ‘You have said so.’ The story of Judas is a challenging one. We can barely imagine what could have brought him to such a betrayal of Jesus, yet we know how easy it is for us to fall short of our best intentions. What do you want to say to Jesus about your own sense of sin at this time? The first gift that the risen Jesus gave to his disciples was peace. Many people find it hard to accept the peace that comes from God’s healing love and forgiveness. How do you find yourself responding to this gift offered by God through Jesus crucified and risen? As we listen again to the reading, notice any words that strike you and any response that rises in you. Matthew 26:14-25 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray him to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’ Judas, who betrayed him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’ He replied, ‘You have said so.’ This is a challenging reading which may raise painful memories of our own betrayal of God’s gifts to us or betrayals by others that we ourselves may have suffered. Whatever memories or feelings it arouses, take time to share your feelings and needs with God. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Tuesday 31 March 2026

Today is Tuesday of Holy Week, the 31st of March. Paul Zach, with IAmSon and Jessica Fox, sings, ‘O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus’. O the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of Thy love Leading onward, leading homeward To Thy glorious rest above O the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread His praise from shore to shore How He loveth, ever loveth Changeth never, nevermore How He watches o'er His loved ones Died to call them all His own How for them He intercedeth Watcheth o'er them from the throne O the deep, deep love of Jesus Love of every love the best 'Tis an ocean vast of blessing 'Tis a haven sweet of rest O the deep, deep love of Jesus 'Tis a heaven of heavens to me And it lifts me up to glory For it lifts me up to Thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 13:21-38 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.' Jesus gives his new commandment of love immediately after one of his close friends has gone to betray him and as another makes a promise of fidelity that he will prove unable to keep. How do you understand this contrast, and why do you think Jesus gives his new commandment at just this time? John tells us that Jesus ‘was troubled in spirit’. Even the Incarnate Son of God is hurt by betrayal. He doesn’t just encourage his followers to love one another as he loves them, but commands it. How do you feel in the face of such a command? As you listen to this reading again, imagine the scene and try to enter into the feelings of Jesus and of his disciples. Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.' This is one of the most poignant scenes in the entire Gospel. Jesus is not feeling sorry for himself, but he grieves for those who will later suffer such deep regret because of their own weakness. What do you want to say to him in response to this scene? We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Monday 30 March 2026

Today is Monday of Holy Week, the 30th of March. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.” Today we will pray with the 'Suffering Servant'. Take this time to place yourself with Jesus, the suffering servant, as we take our first steps through Holy Week. Yya1 Jesuchrixhto, apuk1rui ityaku niyausus1p1 ninait1 sobi. Dulce Jesús mío, mirad con piedad mi alma perdida por culpa mortal. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 42:1-7 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Jesus’ followers came to associate him with Isaiah’s portrait of the Suffering Servant. He is not an embattled Messianic figure, ruling by force. He patiently heals what is bruised in us and nurtures any light within us, however dimly it burns. As we begin Holy Week, what do you want to ask of Jesus, the Suffering Servant? Isaiah tells us that God’s Servant comes to us as light, opening our eyes and freeing us from whatever prison may hold us in darkness. Do you have any sense of being imprisoned or wanting to be set free from inner darkness? What grace or healing do you stand in need of? As we hear the reading again, think of our world waiting for God’s teaching and for the justice that only God can bring. What desires and hopes arise in your mind and heart for the world? Isaiah 42:1-7 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. We are also God’s servants. The same God who created the entire universe promises to take us by the hand and keep us. Take time now to ask for whatever grace you need to fulfil God’s vocation in your life. We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Sunday 29 March 2026

Today is Sunday the 29th of March, Palm Sunday. Juliano Ravanello sings, Hosanna Filio David. ‘Hosanna to the Son of David...Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord....Hosanna in the highest’. Hosanna Filio David Benedictus qui venit In nomine Domini Rex Israel Hosanna in excelsis Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’ On this Palm Sunday, we meet Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds greet him with shouts of ‘Hosanna’. What is your greeting for Jesus this day? What words do you long to say to him? Say them now. People greeting Jesus also spread cloaks and branches on the road before him. What can you offer Jesus today that shows your love and commitment? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what to lay down before Jesus today. As you hear the passage again, listen carefully for what resonates with you today – hold onto this word, phrase or image and aim to sit with it this week. Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’ As this time of prayer comes to a close, commit to staying with Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. Ask for the courage and faith to journey with him through this Holy Week. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Saturday 28 March 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During this fifth week of Lent, we’ve engaged with God through a variety of Old and New Testament scriptures. We’ve explored some of the challenging words of Jesus as his journey towards Jerusalem and the cross intensifies. We’ve also been reminded of God's deep and lasting love for humanity. In the stillness, allow the Spirit to bring to mind what God most wants you to remember from this week’s reflections. Where has the Spirit brought new life and joy this week? What growth in faith has this brought? Give thanks for this. What has challenged, unsettled or disturbed you? When did you feel resistant to God? Tell God about these times. Where have you felt closest to Jesus this week? Why is this? Several times this week, the question has been asked of Jesus ‘Who are you?’ Who is Jesus for you now? Finally, thank God for your time together this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for journeying with Jesus through Holy Week. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Friday 27 March 2026

Today is Friday the 27th of March, in the fifth week of Lent. Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Good to Me’. Can you trace the goodness of God in your life at the moment? I can taste the sweetness of Your mercy But I feel the sting of grief still in my chest Not sure I've known the one without the other So I will cling to the belief I know the best You have been You will be You are so good to me I reach out my hand in hopes You hold on But time and time again find empty space So I will keep open though they're shaking And call to mind the time I felt the grip of grace You have been You will be You are still here with me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 10:31-42 The Judeans took up stones again to stone [Jesus]. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Judeans answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. Imagine yourself in the area of the Temple. See Jesus. See the people wanting to attack him. Where are you in this scene? What do you want to say those holding stones? Say it now. What do you want to say to Jesus? Say that too. Jesus’ words about himself and God challenge the onlookers. What ideas about God do you find challenging? How do you react when your image of God is threatened? How can you ensure that your relationship with God is growing and deepening? Jesus replied, 'I have shown you many good works from the Father.’ As you hear the passage again, identify some of the good works of God that you have seen. John 10:31-42 The Judeans took up stones again to stone [Jesus]. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Judeans answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. End this time of prayer by speaking with God about what has stirred in you. Ask for the grace to recognise and trust God’s work in your life. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Thursday 26 March 2026

Today is Thursday the 26th of March, in the fifth week of Lent. 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 Book of Genesis. Genesis 17:3-9 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.’ Names matter. In the scriptures, encounters with the living God often lead to a change of name to reflect a new direction or a fresh calling given by God. What is the meaning of your name? How does your name reflect your relationship with God? Have you ever been given, chosen, or lived with a new name or identity? What difference has this made in your life or faith? God makes some extraordinary promises to Abraham – promises filled with hope, fruitfulness and a future beyond what seems possible. How are you included in the promises made to Abraham? ‘I will establish an everlasting covenant between me and you.’’ As the passage is read again, linger with these words. Genesis 17:3-9 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.’ What does it mean for you today to be in an everlasting relationship with the living God? In these final moments of prayer, rest in God’s presence - the God who knows you by name, calls you into fullness of life and promises never to let you go. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Wednesday 25 March 2026

Today is Wednesday the 25th of March, the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, in the fifth week of Lent. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing a litany to Mary, the Mother of God. 'O Mary, you have opened for us the gateway of paradise. O Mary, queen of glory, who shares the joy of the angels.' As I listen, can I reflect for a moment on today's feast? How, through this woman – Mary – God brought his Son into the world, and the world was changed, for ever? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. God’s plans come in the most unexpected and surprising ways, as we see today in the meeting between Gabriel and Mary. The angel begins his extraordinary message to Mary with the words: ‘Do not be afraid.’ Has an invitation from God ever surprised or frightened you? Talk with God about that now. Hear those words spoken to you: ‘Do not be afraid.’ Mary was perplexed and questioned the angel. In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to grasp God’s plans? Tell God about those now. Ask for the ability to trust God’s purposes for you and others. For nothing will be impossible for God. As you listen again, ponder how these words apply to you and your community. Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak to God, echoing Mary’s words: ‘Here I am… let it be with me according to your word’. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Tuesday 24 March 2026

Today is Tuesday the 24th of March, in the fifth week of Lent. Paul Zach sings, ‘From the Dust’. How do these words speak to you today as you continue on your Lenten journey? From the dust we came To the dust we shall return From the dust we came To the dust we shall return God everlasting Age unto age, the same We are a moment Then like a breath we fade From the dust we came To the dust we shall return From the dust we came To the dust wе shall return God everlasting Wе are cut down as grass Seeds in the morning Then by the night, we pass O Lord, have mercy Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:21-30 Again [Jesus] said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Today, we hear Jesus speaking of going where others cannot come. What do these words stir in you? Confusion, fear, resistance, longing – or something else... Jesus says ‘you are from below, I am from above.’ Sometimes, we have the tendency to cling to ‘below’ ways of thinking, judging and acting... do you notice this in yourself? In what areas of your life would you like to grow more into the likeness of Christ – born from above? As you hear the passage again, listen for the final words: ‘Many believed in him’. John 8:21-30 Again [Jesus] said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him. In these final moments of prayer, like those in the passage, ask Jesus the question, ‘Who are you?’ Listen in stillness for Jesus’ response within you. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Monday 23 March 2026

Today is Monday the 23rd of March, in the fifth week of Lent. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus’. O the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of thy love Leading onward, leading homeward To thy glorious rest above O the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread his praise from shore to shore How he loves us, ever loves us Changes never, nevermore How he watches o'er his loved ones Died to call them all his own How for them he's interceding Watching o'er them from the throne O the deep, deep love of Jesus 'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me And it lifts me up to glory For it lifts me up to thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:1-11 Early in the morning [Jesus] came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ Imagine the scene described in this passage. Observe who is gathered there... Notice what you can see and hear... What is the atmosphere like as the woman is brought before Jesus? Who do you identify most closely with in this passage? Why might that be? Watch now as Jesus writes on the ground. What do you think he is writing? As you listen to the passage again, pay special attention to the ending. John 8:1-11 Early in the morning [Jesus] came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ Now hear Jesus say, ‘I do not condemn you’. Perhaps he is saying this to you... What might Jesus be asking you to change in your life as he invites you to be free of sin? In these closing moments of prayer, give thanks to Jesus who sets you free and invites you into new life. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Sunday 22 March 2026

Today is Sunday the 22nd of March, the fifth Sunday in Lent. It is the Spirit of love who gives life. God is the source of all life, the one in whom we live and move and have our being. As you look around you now, can you sense the presence of that God? Can you sense God’s Holy Spirit here? In you? Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans 8:8-11 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. Paul here makes a distinction between being “in the flesh” and being “in the Spirit”. Take some time now to ponder the differences... ‘You are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.’ Where have you noticed the Spirit of God making itself known in you this week? Now hear the passage being read for you once more. Is there something that really stands out for you as you listen? Romans 8:8-11 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. Lastly, you might like to look back over these last few minutes. What did you experience going on inside you? Could you turn it into a prayer to God? You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Saturday 21 March 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. On Saturdays we like to look prayerfully and reflectively back at what we have done during this week, both our activities and our praying, to get used to seeing where God has been. Let yourself settle into prayer now... Begin by reflecting on three things, possibly, but not necessarily, three moments in prayer, when you felt the touch of God this week. Now think of just two things for which you would like to tell God that you are sorry. Finally think of just one thing that you are being challenged to work on in the coming week. And ask for God’s help. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Friday 20 March 2026

Today is Friday the 20th of March, in the fourth week of Lent. Jon Guerra sings, 'Jesus'. The wisdom and the word The speaking and the silence The stillness and the stir The Spirit in the quiet The son of God and man The sinner’s lamentation The flesh of the I Am The song of our salvation Jesus, Jesus, Jesus The dawnbird song of life The spring of earth and heaven The water and the wine The everlasting leaven My life, my truth, my way The stone on which I stumble The vineyard owner's wage The shepherd of the humble Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord I have believed That you are the Christ The Son of God It’s true, but who Are you to me You are my life The love of God My Lord, my God Stay close, don’t be far You know how I need you Make in me a heart Pure enough to see you In every speck of dust In dry and lonely places And in every one of us Be light, be kind, be gracious Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 7:1-2, 20, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Jesus went “up to Jerusalem in secret,”. Step inside this scene...What is the mood of this passage? Really get a feel for it... “Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill?... Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah?” There’s a lot going on in this scene... we see how information or misinformation is spreading; crossed wires, rumours...where is the truth? Perhaps you can recognise similarities in the world today. In your day-to-day life, are you able to let the truth of who Jesus is cut through competing narratives? As you hear the passage again, listen for the voice of Jesus... John 7:1-2, 20, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. ‘Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from...’ How would you respond to Jesus here? Perhaps you want to cry back to him... Spend these last moments really recognising Jesus’ voice and speaking back. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Thursday 19 March 2026

Today is Thursday the 19th of March, the feast of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the fourth week of Lent. The nuns of Mary, Queen of Apostles, sing the hymn Te Joseph Celebrent. Te, Ioseph, celebrent agmina cælitum Te cuncti resonent christiadum chori Qui clarus meritis junctus et inclytæ Casto fœdere Virgini. Almo cum tumidam germine conjugem admirans dubio tangeris anxius, afflatu superi flaminis angelus conceptum puerum docet. Tu natum Dominum stringis ad dexteras, Aegipti profugum tu sequeris plagas: amissum Solymis qæris et invenis, miscens gaudia fletibus. Post mortem reliquos sors pia consecrat, Palmanque emeritos gloria suscipit: Tu vivens, superis par, frueris Deo Mira sorte beatior. Nobis Summa Trias parce precantibus: da Ioseph meritis sidera scandere, ut tandem liceat nos tibi perpetim, gratum promere canticum. Let the hosts of heaven celebrate you, Joseph, Let all the choirs of Christendom resound you who, famous for your merits, was joined to the glorious Virgin in chaste wedlock. When your betrothed became great with precious seed, amazement and doubt made you anxious. It is by the breath of the divine Spirit, an Angel tells you, that the son has been conceived. You did embrace the new-born Lord, and to the furthest Egypt coasts you followed Him in exile, Lost in Jerusalem, you sought and found Him, mixing joy with tears. After death most are blest by a loving destiny and, when they have won the palm, they are welcomed into glory. But you, while you lived, like the saints above, were with God, blest more than others by this wondrous lot. Spare us, highest Trinity, as we pray, Grant that through Joseph's merits we may rise to heaven, So that at last we may offer perpetually our grateful songs. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:16-18 And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate the feast of St Joseph, who helped bring up Jesus. Matthew presents us with a family tree for Jesus that presents him as the offspring of 3 x 14 generations, from Abraham, to whom God’s promises were originally made, through David, who seemed to have fulfilled them, to the Deportation to Babylon, to the arrival of Jesus as Messiah. What do you think this gospel reading is trying to tell us? “Before they lived together, Mary was found to be pregnant”. Imagine for a moment that you’re with Joseph as he discovers this...Is this a bit shocking? How might he be feeling? See if you can speak with Joseph about this... “From the Holy Spirit”. Does this make a difference to the shocking news? Continue imagining Joseph’s response as this unfolds... As you listen to the passage again, try and get a sense of God’s careful plan to bring Jesus to us, and Joseph’s place within it... Matthew 1:16-18 And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Finally, just reflect on all the movements that have taken place inside you during this time, and see if you can turn them into a prayer to God. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Wednesday 18 March 2026

Today is Wednesday the 18th of March, in the fourth week of Lent. IamSon sings, ‘Always With Me’. How is God with you today, accompanying you on your journey? 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 mother’s 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 Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 49:8-15 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out’, to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. We might call this “a poem for those who feel abandoned by God”. The people of God insist that “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me”. Have you ever felt like this? God insists to the people that “I have answered you…I have helped you”. Sometimes when we reflect back, we’re able to see that God has been with us in unexpected places and in unexpected ways... take a moment to do this now... “I will turn my mountains into a road”. As you listen again, reflect on what God is offering the people... Perhaps this is being offered to you today... Isaiah 49:8-15 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out’, to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. ‘...yet I will not forget you.’ Hear these words spoken to you today from the Lord. What would you like to say in return as this prayer comes to a close? You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Tuesday 17 March 2026

Today is Tuesday the 17th of March, the feast of Saint Patrick, in the fourth week of Lent. The Porter's Gate sings, ‘The Breastplate of Saint Patrick’. Can you make these words your own today? When my work takes me places I don’t want to go Christ before me And my heart aches with sorrow as I hit the road Christ be with me When the care of my family takes all that I have Christ within me When I’m worn and exhausted, ashamed that I’m mad Christ defend me I rise up today in a strength that is not my own I’m held by the promise of God that I’m never alone When I’m tossed to the side and I want to give up Christ beside me When I’m busting my ass but it’s never enough Christ beside me When I work hard but someone else gets the reward God’s eyes see me I ask for promotion and they shut the door God’s ears hear me When I climb the first steps toward a long-held dream Christ above me And I leap out in faith and I hope to find wings Christ beneath me Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:4-9 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’ Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.’ Jeremiah is reluctant to preach God’s message because of his age. Age, here, seems of little importance for delivering God’s message. How does this speak to you? “You shall go to all to whom I send you”. Imagine these words are addressed to you...to whom might you be sent? ‘Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.’ Is there anyone, or anything, you are afraid of today? As you hear the passage again, notice if this scripture helps to soothe any fear you’re experiencing... Jeremiah 1:4-9 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’ Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.’ ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.’ As this time of prayer approaches its close, spend a moment asking God to put God’s words in your mouth... You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Monday 16 March 2026

Today is Monday the 16th of March, in the fourth week of Lent. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As you start this prayer today, can you join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can you begin by declaring your faith in God, your creator, your heavenly Father? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 4:43-54 When the two days were over, [Jesus] went from that place to Galilee (for Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honour in the prophet’s own country). When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival. Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee. So much of this short scene is about belief; or better, the relationship between signs, desperation and belief. Perhaps this is an invitation to ponder the heart of your own belief today... We meet the belief of the Galileans who welcomed him...This is also the place he turned water into wine, after all! They have seen the works of Jesus. And they believe... Have there been works of the Lord you have seen that helped you believe? We meet the belief of the royal official, who begs Jesus to come and heal his son at the point of death. Imagine this man’s desperation... Recall a time you approached Jesus with desperation...How might this moment speak of your belief? We meet Jesus’ response: ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ We hear one more plea from the royal official before Jesus says, “‘Go; your son will live.”. As you listen to the passage again, notice at which point in the passage the royal official believes... Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee. And finally, we meet the belief of the royal official and his whole household. As you reflect over this scene, the different moments of desperation.... the signs and wonders...the belief... speak with Jesus about all you have encountered today and what is staying with you... You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Sunday 15 March 2026

Today is Sunday the 15th of March, the fourth Sunday in Lent. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing: ‘Baba wethu singenile’: ‘Our father, we have entered in the holy place, as you have invited us. Be close to us. Open our hearts to understand your word. Remove the darkness that surrounds us and give us your light.’ Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 5:8-14 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ As you begin to reflect on our reading from Ephesians today, take a moment to remember where you’ve experienced darkness and light in your spiritual journey. Paul writes, 'For once you were in darkness.' Can you recall a time when this was true for you? What was it like to be in darkness? Perhaps there was a time when you didn’t know Christ, or a season when you felt the darkness of being separated from him. 'But now in the Lord you are in light.' What has been your experience of that change, coming from darkness into light? Or perhaps you can identify a darkness in your life that you need help to bring into the Lord’s light. Bring this to the Lord now, asking for his hand to lift you. As you listen to the reading again, notice Paul’s instructions for those who seek to live in his light. Ephesians 5:8-14 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Paul declares, 'The fruit of the Lord is found in all that is good and right and true.' As you come to the end of your time of prayer today, ask the Lord to reveal to you something in your life that he sees as good and right and true. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Saturday 14 March 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. We began our week of prayer with some words from Psalm 42: 'My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.' As you arrive in prayer today, sit comfortably and repeat these words as an expression of your longing to meet with the Lord today. You may like to breathe in the first line, and breathe out the second: 'My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.' The next line of the psalm is: 'When shall I come and behold the face of God?' Spend time now seeking to behold the face of God. We remember from our readings during the week those who beheld the face of the Lord. The psalmist David... The crowd gathered with Jesus on the Mount... The mute man who was delivered from a demon... Was there a moment this week when you felt that you beheld the face of God? What was happening for you then? And was there a time when did you felt distant from God? What was happening for you then? Try to gather up these moments in remembrance and gratitude of God’s presence with you. Psalm 42 continues with the lines: 'Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.' Try taking these words of praise and make them your own, perhaps exchange the word 'harp' with the word, voice or life or work or something personal to you. Know that the Lord is with you and will continue to be close in the coming week. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Friday 13 March 2026

Today is Friday the 13th of March, in the third week of Lent. Paul Zach with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘The Greatest Commandment’. Love the Lord your God With all your heart and soul and mind And love your neighbour as yourself Love the Lord your God With all your heart and soul and mind And love your neighbour as yourself Let us be known, let us be known By the way we love Let us be known, let us be known By the way we love Love the Lord your God With all your heart and soul and mind And love your neighbour as yourself Love, love, love, the greatest commandment is Love, love, love, the greatest commandment is Love, love, love, the greatest commandment is love 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 [Jesus] 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. Following today’s reading, we are going to meditate on Jesus’ words given in answer to the scribe, with these first two commandments. There will be a short pause after each line to give you space to sit with His words. 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 commandment is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these. Which of these lines is the easiest to relate to? Which is the most challenging? The Scribe’s response to Jesus was, ‘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.’  End your time of prayer today, by responding to Jesus in your own words. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Thursday 12 March 2026

Today is Thursday the 12th of March, in the third week of Lent. Juliano Ravanello sings the Kyrie (Deus Genitor Alme): Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. As we continue on our Lenten journey, take a moment to pause and reflect on how it is going... Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:14-23 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.' Imagine the man in our reading, mute and held captive under the power of a demon. What does this man look like? How does he behave? Picture Jesus, walking towards him as he begins to cast out the demon. Listen to the voice of the freed man as he begins to speak for himself. Look around and listen to the crowd. Some are amazed to hear that this once possessed man can speak for himself, while others are critical, accusing Jesus of working with Beelzebub, the ruler of demons. Notice the mood and the division among the crowd. As you hear the reading again, listen to Jesus’s response to those in the crowd who are testing him and questioning this healing. Luke 11:14-23 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Jesus says to the crowd, ‘But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.’ How has this kingdom of God come to you? Where have you seen the finger of God active in your life? End this time of prayer today by imagining that you are still in the gathered crowd surrounding the healed man, speak with those around you, giving testimony about your own experience of the goodness of the Lord. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Wednesday 11 March 2026

Today is Wednesday the 11th of March, in the third week of Lent. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’ As they sing…. I listen. I listen with my whole attention, with my mind and with my heart, so that I may really hear the word of God, and keep it. 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. In today’s reading we join Jesus on the Mount with the crowds as he has just spoken about the beatitudes. Now, he has shifted in tone from speaking about those who are blessed in the Kingdom of God to underlining the importance of keeping the commandments. Picture him now speaking these words to all those who have gathered. We might see the beatitudes as encouragement for the heart, while the law, with the commandments, is embedded in our minds. Perhaps Jesus is showing us how these two belong together. Where in your journey of faith has your heart needed encouragements and blessings as you seek to honour the commandments? As you listen to the reading again, imagine that you sit with the crowd at Jesus’ feet, looking up to his face, open your heart to his words. 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 says, ‘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.’ Perhaps there is something that the Lord would like to accomplish in you. What might this be? Spend these remaining moments of prayer sitting on the Mount close to him, listening to his voice. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Tuesday 10 March 2026

Today is Tuesday the 10th of March, the feast of Saint John Ogilvie, in the third week of Lent. The community of Taizé sing C’est toi, ma lampe, Seigneur. 'O Lord, you are my lamp. My God, enlighten my darkness.' Today’s reading is from Psalm 25. Psalm 25:4-9 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. In today’s reading the Psalmist, David, writes of God’s leading, teaching, salvation and steadfast love. Picture David sitting beside you now, just as a friend would, who understands both the ways of the Lord and the many difficulties of being human. What does he look like? So, imagine that David encourages you to write a psalm today... Try not to think or analyse, keeping your words simple, let them flow from your heart... What would your first line be? In his psalm, David recalls that God is the God of mercy and steadfast love, so he cries out, ‘Do not remember the sins of my youth.’ Returning to your psalm now, which words do you choose to cry out to God today? Which words might you use in gratitude to God for his mercy to you? As you listen to the reading again, notice which line of David’s psalm most speaks to your heart. Psalm 25:4-9 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. Finally, which simple words do you choose to end your psalm? You might feel like spending more time with your psalm, so maybe return to it later, adding some more lines as part of your prayer today. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Monday 9 March 2026

Today is Monday the 9th of March, in the third week of Lent. The Choir of Westminster Cathedral sing Sicut Cervus by Palestrina: “As the deer yearns for running streams, so my soul is thirsting for you, my God”. Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes aquarum, ita desiderat anima mea ad te, Deus. Sitivit anima mea ad Deum fortem vivum: quando veniam et apparebo ante faciem Dei? Fuerunt mihi lacrymae meae panes die ac nocte, dum dicitur mihi quotidie: Ubi est Deus tuus? As the hart longs for the water springs, So longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul has thirsted for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the face of my God? My tears have been my bread by day and by night, While it is said to me daily: Where is your God? Today’s reading is from Psalm 42. Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, ‘Where is your God?’ O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. ‘My soul thirsts for God.’ What circumstances cause you to thirst for God? Busyness perhaps? Or maybe a feeling of distance or disconnection in your prayer life? Speak with the Lord from your heart about these things. The psalmist writes: ‘My tears have been my food day and night.’ We might wonder what the cause of these tears is. When we are grieving, we can feel closer to God in consolation or sometimes, more distant in desolation as strong feelings become overwhelming. What is your experience of the presence of the Lord with you in difficult circumstances? ‘People say to me continually, “Where is your God”?’ Perhaps a different way of saying this these days is, ‘How can God have allowed this suffering?’ Where is your God today? As you listen to the reading again, notice the petitions of the psalmist in the second half of the psalm. Notice what stays with you... Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, ‘Where is your God?’ O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. ‘O send your light and your truth; let them lead me.' Spend the remainder of your prayer time today in conversation with God, perhaps crying out for the things close to your heart, your griefs, your desires, your thirst, or simply your longing to know that God is near. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Sunday 8 March 2026

Today is Sunday the 8th of March, the third Sunday in Lent. 'The Lord is my light, my hope, my salvation. In him I trust.' We rely on many things in our lives. On other people; on our wealth or our possessions; on our power, or reputation, or status; on our own ingenuity and talents. But as I enter into prayer now, can I put all those things aside for a moment, and place all my trust in God, my light, my hope, my salvation? Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. In this passage from St Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul lists his reasons why we can be assured of God’s grace and love. There are no conditions on God’s love. You can’t earn it, because it is given before you even begin trying to earn it. You can’t be good enough for it, because there is no 'good enough'. How do you respond to God’s grace and love? 'Hope does not disappoint.' Paul’s concept of hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it is knowing. What is your relationship with hope like at the moment? As you listen to the passage again, notice your own response to Paul’s reassurance. Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. In a time of prayer, pay attention to what you are carrying into this day - judgement, fatigue, gratitude, restlessness, hope. Allow yourself to be open to receiving the grace you need. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Saturday 7 March 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. In this second week of Lent we have begun the journey as Jesus follows his Father’s will. Through the Examen we seek to follow his profound trust in the Father and care for us.. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom and openness that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Look back on this week and thank God for the blessings and graces you received. Focus on moments when you felt God’s love and saw opportunities to follow God’s will. Consider moments of consolation, kindness, and beauty… Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Acknowledge any moments when you turned away from God’s invitations or failed to act in love and faithfulness. Take this time to ask for God’s forgiveness and grace to do better tomorrow.… 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 gained into each day. As we continue this Lenten journey, ask for the grace to trust God more deeply. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen