Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Thursday 11 December 2025Today is Thursday the 11th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. One Hope Project sings, ‘What Child is This?’ How would you describe this child Jesus, the one for whom we are waiting in this season? What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:11-15 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! In the Second Week of Advent, our passage brings us to John the Baptist. What we know of John recalls the great prophets - those who spoke out against the people’s failings and pointed them toward God’s promise. Despite his recognition of who Jesus is, John never becomes a disciple of Jesus. What is your response to John and his role in the Advent journey? Time seems to twist as we witness the relationship between John and Jesus unfolding in the weeks leading up to the Incarnation. Despite the greatness of John, Jesus reminds us that we are in a more privileged position. As believing Christians, we have our place in the Kingdom of God. How does this assurance feel to you? “Let anyone with ears listen!” As we listen to this very short passage again, we listen for the passion in Jesus’ voice - his desire to burst into our lives. Matthew 11:11-15 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! In a time of prayer, ask the Lord for guidance: how to let go of the old ways and turn toward the new. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Wednesday 10 December 2025Today is Wednesday the 10th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium: Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always. Entering into prayer today, pause to recognise that you too, are seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in your life, gently guiding you in truth and peace and love. Laetetur cor quaerentium Dominum: quaerite Dominum, et confirmamini: quaerite faciem eius semper. Confitemini Domino, et invocate nomen ejus: annuntiate intergentes opera eius. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 40:25-31 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Today’s passage begins the second part of Isaiah, sometimes called the Book of Consolation. It offers the Advent message of comfort and encouragement, and a promise of salvation. Is this a message you need to hear today? “To whom then will you compare me?” How often do we reflect on the mystery of God’s power and care? Or are the priorities of the day a constant distraction? The Lord invites us to look up - to see the stars in the heavens, the stars the Lord has named and set in place. There is always a moment of awe connected with the bright placing of the constellations. Do you take time to lift your eyes from the “everyday” to the glory of the stars and the world around you? “Even youths will faint and be weary.” As we approach the end of the year, take a moment to recognise where you need renewal - physically, emotionally, spiritually. “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might practice hope in your daily life... Isaiah 40:25-31 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. “They shall mount up with wings like eagles.” I don’t have to do it all myself; I am lifted by the Lord. In these final moments of prayer, respond to the Lord - letting God know what you want or need today. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Tuesday 9 December 2025Today is Tuesday the 9th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. Josh Garrels sings ‘Shepherd’s Song’. As we prepare to pray with the scripture of the Good Shepherd today, let your mind settle on a field of sheep – perhaps one you have seen recently... or go there in your imagination. Notice what draws your attention... This begins with a breath From the waters You were blessed Pushing through the pain and blood Into the arms of love And Your mother's face above Before You came she was afraid In the night she cried and prayed "Oh, God am I strong enough?" To be the arms of love To be the mother of this son O beautiful one My child, my son We rejoice From generation To generation We rejoice And magnify the Lord All, like sheep, have gone astray But You will call them back one day By the marks of pain and blood Back to the arms of love The good Father's face above O beautiful one My child, my son We rejoice From generation To generation We rejoice Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 18:12-14 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. Today’s passage is the well-known account of the Good Shepherd. As Jesus paints the picture, let us take an imaginative journey into scripture to find a deeper meaning. Imagine the early morning light settling on a rugged hillside. Feel the warming breeze. Hear the scattered bleating of sheep, the rising birdsong. The shepherd counting quietly; recognising the stance of each animal - then notices one is missing. You see his attention shift - not toward the ninety-nine - but toward the empty space. How does this moment reflect Advent, as God call you towards the Incarnation? Perhaps you may recall times when you have felt distant, scattered, or unsure of the path? Perhaps there is a part of you that needs to be found? In Advent, God does not wait for us to make our way back. The Gospel emphasises not the “lostness” but the rejoicing when found. As you hear the passage again, notice how the Lord sees you and draws you to him - with joy. Matthew 18:12-14 What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. In this time of prayer, talk with the Lord, with the Good Shepherd, about whatever is needed. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Monday 8 December 2025Today is Monday the 8th of December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 2nd week of Advent. The Brilliance sing ‘Mother of God’. Mary, full of grace The Lord your God is with thee Blessed are you to bless all the world Mary, peace is yours The Spirit is upon you You will be with child, do not fear Mother of God Your baby boy will grant us peace Your baby boy will grant us peace Word made flesh Born of virgin Mary Hope is in the world, Emmanuel The Lamb of God Born to die, He came He would show the world a better way Emmanuel God with us, God with us Emmanuel God with us, God with us Son of God Hear Your people calling All cry out for peace, can you hear? In our despair We doubt in Your return Messiah, will You come once again? Emmanuel God with us, God with us 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. Today’s passage recounts the Annunciation: the angel Gabriel visits Mary, announcing that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. On this feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate Mary’s unique gift of grace—enabling her to freely and fully say “yes” to God. What is your understanding of this young woman who will become the Mother of God? One way of praying is to experience a piece of Scripture through the senses. We meet God in the freeing spirit of our own imagination. This reading from Luke is so evocative that it has inspired countless works of art. Where would you place Mary? How warm or cool is it? How is Mary dressed? Wrapped in rugs and sheepskins? Or dressed in homespun, maybe walking thoughtfully... Perhaps she is in a comfortable corner somewhere, praying over the Scriptures, asking God to be with her as she anticipates her forthcoming marriage? Is she prepared for the request the angel will make of her? Are you prepared, in your everyday life, to encounter the divine? How does Gabriel come to Mary? By simply appearing, as if from nowhere? As a stranger with an even stranger request? How might you recognise encounters with the Divine in your life? How ready are you to say “yes” to what God asks of you? As you listen to the passage again, consider what it means to know God’s love with such intimacy. 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. “Nothing is impossible to God.” Take a moment to rest in the intimacy of God’s love for you—and respond in your own way. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Sunday 7 December 2025Today is Sunday the 7th of December, the Second Sunday of Advent. The Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir sings, ‘This Is The Truth Sent From Above’. This is the truth sent from above, The truth of God, the God of love. Therefore don’t turn me from your door, But hearken all, both rich and poor. The first thing which I do relate Is that God did man create; The next thing which to you I tell, Woman was made with man to dwell. And we were heirs to endless woes, Till God the Lord did interpose; And so a promise soon did run, That he would redeem us by his Son. And at that season of the year Our blest Redeemer did appear; He here did live, and here did preach, And many thousands he did teach. Thus he in love to us behaved, To show us how we must be saved; And if you want to know the way, Be pleas'd to hear what he did say. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. In this passage, we are introduced to the figure of John the Baptist. Let’s go out to see him and listen to what he has to say. We see John the Baptist wearing rather odd clothes (“camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist”) and eating a... peculiar... diet of “locusts and wild honey”. How does his appearance strike you? It’s baffling to behold and perhaps it even makes you feel uncomfortable. How does this affect the way you hear his words? “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” As you look at John, how do these words sit with you? What are you going to do about it? As the story continues, notice the Pharisees and Sadducees in the crowd and listen to what John has to say to them. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ These challenging words may stir anyone out of indifference. Yet John says, “One who is more powerful than I is coming after me”. How does it feel to know that one even “more powerful” is coming? Notice what has stirred in you during this time of prayer. What might God be asking of you? Take a moment to speak with God about this. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Saturday 6 December 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Each week, we try to look back over the prayer of the last few days, so as to try and hear what God has been saying to you during these days. As you look back, can you see where and how God has been speaking to you? When did you find yourself really lifted up to God? We call this moment 'consolation', when you are keen to be doing whatever God is asking. What might God be saying to you here? Were there any moments when you felt utterly cast down, unenthusiastic about where God might be inviting you to go, unattracted by what God appeared to be offering you? What is the best way of responding to this 'desolation', do you think? Was there any time this week when you were consciously resisting God’s invitation? How can you put that right? Where does God want you to go from here? O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Friday 5 December 2025Today is Friday the 5th of December, in the 1st week of Advent. Gungor featuring All Sons and Daughters sing 'Oh Light'. Oh light Come to reconcile Come in like a child Holy night Oh light Our hopes and all our fears Met within your sight Holy night Hallelujah God is with us Hallelujah A light has come Oh light God and man entwine Of earth and of divine Holy night Oh light Mending fractured earth The soul now felt its worth Holy night Hallelujah God is with us Hallelujah A light has come Hallelujah Holy God is with us Love is always born within Hallelujah Light will chase and find us Love is facing us again Hallelujah Holy God is with us Love is always born within Hallelujah Light will chase and find us Love is facing us again Hallelujah God is with us Hallelujah A light has come A light has come Oh a light has come Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:27-31 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. In this time of reflection, seek out Jesus with your listening. Try to recognise Jesus as the blind men do in today’s reading. Notice how these “two blind men” follow Jesus. They do not wait for his gaze to fall on them, nor do they sit waiting for Jesus to approach. Rather, they follow him and call out: “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” What does it feel like to follow Jesus knowing that you can’t see him? Jesus asks “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”. What kind of faith do we encounter in these blind men? How might they teach us to see with eyes of faith? After restoring their sight, “Jesus sternly ordered them: ‘See that no one knows of this’.” Why does he say this? What might Jesus be inviting them to do next? Now listen, again, imagining yourself in the place of the blind men whose sight has been restored. How do you see Jesus now? Matthew 9:27-31 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. Finally, just look back on what you have received during this time of prayer. Stay with Jesus and share with him all that has happened. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Thursday 4 December 2025Today is Thursday the 4th of December, in the 1st week of Advent. One Hope Project sings a version of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child. He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and His shelter was a stable, and His cradle was a stall: with the poor, and meek, and lowly, lived on earth our Saviour holy. And our eyes at last shall see Him, through His own redeeming love; for that Child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heav'n above, and He leads His children on to the place where He is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see Him, but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; when like stars His children crowned all in white shall wait around. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace— in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy. This is a song about the great things that God will do for an Ancient City. A “strong city” with walls and bulwarks is not easy to hide; but you might have difficulty seeing what happens within its walls. God is setting up for victory, in a mysterious way, yet in a place that is not hard to find. Where is the “strong city” that God is preparing for victory in our world? Perhaps God is mysteriously at work in you. In the Lord God you have an “everlasting rock.” How does it feel to know that this “everlasting rock” is within your gates? “He has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low”. What is God doing here? What does this say about the kind of place that God chooses to dwell? Now listen to this scripture once more. On listening a second time, is there anything that strengthens or encourages you? What might God be doing in this time of prayer? Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace— in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy. Finally, look back over these last few moments. What remains with you? Speak with God about this. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Wednesday 3 December 2025Today is Wednesday the 3rd of December, the feast of Saint Francis Xavier, in the 1st week of Advent. The Gaudete Ensemble conducted by Eamonn Dougan sing 'Veni Jesu' by Margaret Rizza. As we begin the Advent season of waiting, you might like to begin praying today by repeating the phrase, 'Come, Lord Jesus'. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:21-24 At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’ Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’ How blessed are we to hear what we have heard! In today’s reading we encounter Jesus rejoicing. Hear him rejoice! How does this make you feel? “No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son – and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him”. Who does the Son choose to reveal the Father to? Why do you think this is cause for rejoicing? “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” What might Jesus be wanting you to hear and see in this scripture as you listen again? Luke 10:21-24 At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’ Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’ Finally, just reflect back over what you have heard and notice what has emerged during this time of reflection. As Jesus turned to his disciples, turn to God now and share all that you have heard and seen in this time of prayer. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Tuesday 2 December 2025Today is Tuesday the 2nd of December, in the 1st week of Advent. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Advent Song’. God of wisdom Lord and ruler Root of Jesse King of David Rising sun King of the nations Immanuel Immanuel Immanuel Immanuel Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. This is a lovely reading; just sit with it, mull it over, slowly drink it in. Perhaps you can savour this reading with a few thoughts. This poem is an expression of Israel’s disappointment in their monarchy, and their hopes for a new king, on whom “the Spirit of the Lord shall rest”. What do you think this king might be like? How would it feel to have a king like this? “The wolf shall lie down with the lamb”. What kind of a world does this describe? Can you see it? “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea”. What might that be like? Does it resemble the world we live in today? Notice what longings may be stirring within you as you listen to the passage read once more. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. Finally, reflect on this time of prayerful reflection; what has been stirring inside you? How might you share the hope expressed in this poem? Express this to God in your own words. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus