Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Friday 9 January 2026Today is Friday the 9th of January, in the season of Christmas. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Jesus’. Can you turn the words of this song into your own prayer today? 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 First Letter of John. 1 John 4:11-18 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. It always begins with God’s love: God’s love for the world, and God’s love for you. Take a moment to breathe in God’s love, just as you are, right now... And as you breathe out, share with God how you are in this moment... Take another three deep breaths. Breathe in God’s love again and this time, breathe that love of God out into the world... John tells us that God’s love drives out fear. Can you bring to God an area of fear and let God love you in that part of your life? As we listen to the reading again, notice the ways that John speaks of abiding in God’s love... 1 John 4:11-18 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. John is clear in his message today: “Love one another”. What does this beloved disciple want you to know? Speak to the Lord about what has been prompted in you 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 8 January 2026Today is Thursday the 8th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings a setting of Ubi Caritas, by Paul Mealor: “Wherever love is true, God is there.” Where can you see love around you today? Where can you find God? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. A self-confessed believing Christian who doesn’t love, does not really know God. And "everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”.. What’s the implication of John’s teaching here? Are there any people, individuals, groups, or even nations you can think of who really exemplify knowing God through this love of one another? Those who are, “belovers”... You might like to really thank God for these people. Perhaps there are people or groups who you are concerned don’t quite match the description of knowing God in this passage... you might like to offer a prayer for them. Be like a leaf! Leaves can’t manufacture anything without sunlight. If they are receptive to that gift of light, they grow in themselves and then give of themselves to the tree and the world. As you listen again, how does this passage remind us that our love for others flows from God’s love for us? 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ generous, sacrificial love brings us home to God. Notice that there’s no mention of God’s wrath or a need for punishment here. Take a moment now, just to let God love 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

Thursday 8 January 2026Today is Thursday the 8th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings a setting of Ubi Caritas, by Paul Mealor: “Wherever love is true, God is there.” Where can you see love around you today? Where can you find God? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. A self-confessed believing Christian who doesn’t love, does not really know God. And "everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”.. What’s the implication of John’s teaching here? Are there any people, individuals, groups, or even nations you can think of who really exemplify knowing God through this love of one another? Those who are, “belovers”... You might like to really thank God for these people. Perhaps there are people or groups who you are concerned don’t quite match the description of knowing God in this passage... you might like to offer a prayer for them. Be like a leaf! Leaves can’t manufacture anything without sunlight. If they are receptive to that gift of light, they grow in themselves and then give of themselves to the tree and the world. As you listen again, how does this passage remind us that our love for others flows from God’s love for us? 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ generous, sacrificial love brings us home to God. Notice that there’s no mention of God’s wrath or a need for punishment here. Take a moment now, just to let God love 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 7 January 2026Today is Wednesday the 7th of January, in the season of Christmas. The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. John the Baptist has been arrested by Herod for criticising Herod’s marriage arrangements. We can imagine the arrest as very sobering for his cousin Jesus. Watch him as he hears the news... Jesus could have been tempted to keep a low profile. Instead, he confidently sets about his mission: the proclamation of the reign of God by word and deed. In time, he will prove to be politically challenging to Herod and the chief priests and even to Rome. He is fully aware of what happens to prophets like John. Watch this brave man making his choice... Listen again and see Jesus settling in Capernaum and beginning a ministry that will expand into something the authorities can’t ignore. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. If you’d been living in Capernaum back then, would you have joined his movement? Imagine him setting off on mission and looking for companions. What do you want to do? 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 6 January 2026Today is Tuesday the 6th of January, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Star of Wonder’. Star of wonder Star of royal beauty bright Shine your light on earth below Guide the way For a King Wise men bring their gifts of gold Sweet perfume and precious oil Holy anointing Gloria, gloria... Empty handed Can I come just as I am? Or like a shepherd, bring a lamb? A humble offering Gloria, gloria... In the heavens Gloria, gloria... Gloria O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord (So we sing gloria...) Gloria, gloria... Peace to earth Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. There are many strands of metaphorical meaning in today’s reading. Jesus is God’s gift to all people, whatever their race, here represented by these visitors from the East. Jesus is universal. The gifts symbolise his status: gold for a king; frankincense used in the worship of God to point to his divinity; and myrrh, used to anoint the dead, a reminder that his way of proclaiming God’s Kingdom will bring opposition and death. That opposition is seen in the brooding presence of Herod. He represents one facet of the earthly powers that resists who Jesus is. All of the intriguing and radical nuances of meaning here. Imagine a first century Christian community hearing this story and catching it all. How would it feel to hear this story told for the first time? Listen again and note the various symbols which are strewn through this passage. Do any of these grip you? Matthew 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. If you could bring Jesus any gift today, what would it be? Make him an offering of your desire. 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 5 January 2026Today is Monday the 5th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’ by George Arthur: “When we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home.” When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 3:11-21 For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God. The first letter of John is about love. As we know, there are many kinds of love... so, which kind are we hearing about here? Of course, it’s agape. The Greek word for this love is agape. It is a deep, unconditional love for God and others. It is universal. A small and persecuted early Church understandably focused on loving care within the community. How do you think this agape love can be seen within and outside of Christian community today? Who and how does God want you to love in your world? What happens in you when you hear this question? How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? We can so easily get stuck in unacknowledged feelings of guilt around money especially. Jesus reminds us that there is more joy in giving than in receiving. Where, for you, is there joy in sharing what you have with others, including those less fortunate? How is joy inviting you to be generous? As you listen again to this reading, notice how John makes a point by contrasting opposite extremes. Consider what God might want to share with you. 1 John 3:11-21 For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God. We don’t want to be completely selfish. But we might also find radical generosity somewhat terrifying. Small steps then: how might you want to be a little more generous in this coming week? Ask for God’s help to do this. 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 4 January 2026Today is Sunday the 4th of January, in the season of Christmas. 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 Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints. We could receive today’s reading as an extended benediction after the initial opening verses of St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Or we might feel drawn to approach these verses as theological discussion on being chosen and predestination. Try to receive them today, as a gift and in celebration of God’s grace. Paul writes, ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places’. Reflect on any spiritual blessings you have recently received from God. Take time to enjoy the memory of these, recalling how it feels to be blessed. ‘He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world...’  What does it mean to you be chosen in Christ? As you listen to the reading again, imagine the Father and the Son gazing upon you with great love, you a child of God. Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints. Paul writes, ‘...to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.’ We belong to the Beloved. As you ponder this grace in your heart, perhaps you can invite this sense of belonging to go with you into the week ahead and even to deepen as you journey with the Lord throughout the year. 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 3 January 2026Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is the feast day of the Holy Name of Jesus. Take a moment to arrive in a place of quiet within your heart. We read in Psalm 34, ‘I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.’ Now simply repeat the name of ‘Jesus’ several times as if you are letting his name rest on your lips. We will now repeat this by using the names that Isaiah used to describe the coming Messiah. Let these names rest on your lips as if savouring them. Wonderful Counsellor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Which of these most draws you towards the Lord? Now, as we reflect on the past week in prayer, we remember the name of Jesus, as Emmanuel, God with us. When did you encounter Emmanuel with you in the past few days? Give thanks to God for this moment. Where did you feel most distant from him? Also offer this moment to the Lord. We return to the name of Jesus, ending our prayer by repeating his name in worship. Let the praise of his Holy Name be on your lips 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 2 January 2026Today is Friday the 2nd of January, the feast of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, in the season of Christmas. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘He Comes’. How does this song speak to you? He comes, the Lord's anointed One And we shall see His face As clear as if the rising sun Poured out the light of grace He comes, and we shall hear His voice Not as some distant sound But tones that make the heart rejoice When love, long lost, is found He comes, not to the wise and great But to the bound and poor So low Himself that potentates Must kneel to pass His door He comes, with favor in his hands Our empty souls to fill To make a highway through the sands And bid thе storms be still He comes, and wе shall come to him Set free from ancient chains Adorned in mercy's diadem To glory in His reign He comes, the Lord, as one of us He comes to judge the earth How wonderful, how glorious His long awaited birth Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 1:19-28 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord”’, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. In today’s reading, we try to imagine that we are standing on the banks of the Jordan River in Bethany looking at John the Baptist surrounded by the Priests and Levites sent by the Jews from Jerusalem. What do you most notice about John? Now, we focus on John’s responses to the questions. Listen to his words and notice your own responses and feelings: “I am not the Messiah.” “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”  As you listen to the reading again, let the scene unfolds. Notice John’s devotion to the one who is to come after him. John 1:19-28 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord”’, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. We hear John proclaim, “Make straight the way of the Lord.” How might these words be relevant to you today? What might need to be changed or challenged or smoothed out on your path of faith? Perhaps these words can help to form a new year’s resolution... 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 1 January 2026Today is Thursday the 1st of January, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Juliano Ravanello sings Alma Redemptoris Mater: ‘Loving Mother of God’. As we begin the year afresh, let the music help you to recognise the presence of Christ with you today. What are you grateful for as you step into this new year? Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cæli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat populo: tu quæ genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 2:16-21 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. The Pray As You Go team would like to wish you a very happy new year, full of grace and peace. Today, we start our new year with the beginning of Jesus’s life. We spend time with this reading in honour of Mary the Mother of God. Come once again, to the stable where we find the Holy Family; Mary, Joseph and the child, Jesus lying in the manger. Try to imagine that you can see this scene through Mary’s eyes... imagine the arrival of the shepherds as they tumble through the stable door... breathless... excited... dazed perhaps from their encounter with the angels in the fields. You watch their faces as they find and surround the child. Now listen to the shepherd’s voices as they spill out the news announced by the angels... born to you this day...a Saviour who is Christ the Lord...a babe in swaddling bands...lying in a manger...glory to God in the highest! Imagine what it is like for Mary as she hears these words for the first time and begins to treasure and ponder them in her heart. Watch the departure of the shepherds as they return to the fields. Listen to the quietness of the stable...then the conversation between Mary and Joseph. Perhaps they too, gaze at Jesus with wonderment. We remain with Mary and Joseph, eight days later, when it is time to circumcise their child. His name already given to Mary by the angel before he was conceived in the womb... Jesus. Now take a moment to begin the new year in praise of the name of Jesus. How has his name become special to you? Spend these final moments of prayer by imagining once again that you are with Mary. You might like to share with her some of the things about Jesus, that you love to ponder and treasure in your heart. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen