Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Dive into a contemplative exploration of God's majesty as a king, inspired by the feast of Saint Bernard. Reflect on the fascinating parable from the Book of Judges, where trees deliberate on their leadership choices. Discover the hesitations of these trees in taking on the role of king, shedding light on the nature of true leadership. The episode culminates in a heartfelt prayer for guidance and integrity among leaders, reminding us of the importance of responsible decision-making in shaping our communities.

Reflect on the beauty of divine connection and the poignant lyrics that emphasize longing for the kingdom of God. Discover the paradox of spiritual wealth versus materialism, as Jesus teaches that true fulfillment comes from faith. Explore the challenges wealth creates on the path to salvation, prompting deep self-reflection on how possessions impact spiritual priorities. This journey encourages listeners to find solace in blessings and re-evaluate what truly matters in their lives.

Listen in as the feast day of Saint Alberto Hurtado is celebrated, highlighting themes of restoration and divine peace. Reflect on the cycles of disobedience from the Book of Judges, where the Israelites turn away from God, and discover the judges' crucial role as deliverers. In a time of temptation, the podcast encourages listeners to confront modern distractions while recognizing God's unwavering support. Finally, explore the dynamics of human struggles and divine mercy, culminating in a heartfelt prayer for connection.

Reflect on the blessings of sun, moon, and stars, and the power of peace and love in our lives. The metaphor of a 'cloud of witnesses' serves as a reminder of the support from saints and mentors on our faith journey. Discover how to let go of personal burdens while cultivating a servant heart. Engage in personal prayer and reflection, drawing strength from Jesus as you navigate life's challenges. Embrace the encouragement around you to persevere in your spiritual quest.

Saturday 16 August 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week we have witnessed moments of encounter, hope and trust. We trust that the Lord has walked with us through every moment of this week. Lord, help us to enter this time of reflection with honesty and peace, knowing You hold us in love. Let your heart recall the blessings of the week. Where did you feel supported, cared for, or at peace? What moments reminded you of God’s faithfulness? Thank You, Lord, for the quiet ways You provided — through others, through small victories, or even in stillness. Where were the times when you felt anxious, or in doubt? Were there times that you resisted letting go? What was behind that fear or hesitation? Speak openly to God about moments you struggled. What do you anticipate with hope? Ask the Lord for the grace you will need this week. What will you need to walk with an open heart, surrendering each step to the Lord’s guidance? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Friday 15 August 2025Today is Friday the 15th of August, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings the Magnificat, the song of Mary: “My soul glorifies the Lord. My Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. He looks on his servant in her lowliness. Henceforth, all ages will call me blessed.” As I listen, can I sense the Lord looking on me in my lowliness, and can I rejoice in him and in all that he does for me? (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:39-56 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’ And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home. Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary’s Assumption celebrates her being taken, body and soul, into heaven — a sign of hope for all. The scripture for today reminds us of her lifelong faith, humility, and openness to God. For some elements of scripture, it can be helpful to try to experience the scene imaginatively. This beautiful encounter holds so much that using the imagination can reveal something ‘more’. You are walking with Mary as she sets out to visit Elizabeth. Feel the rough path underfoot, hear the wind and birds in the air. You walk beside her, a young woman full of grace. It is a long journey, one of many for Mary, and suggests her determination, her commitment to her mission. What feelings arise for you at the beginning of this journey? Arriving, at last, at the house of Zechariah and the moment where Mary greets Elizabeth, and the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps. “Blessed are you among women…” Take a moment to share in this encounter. What is your response? Witness to Mary’s response - not filled with pride, but with a profound humility and a song—the Magnificat. As you hear the passage again, let her voice echo in your mind. Perhaps you can sense God's promise alive in your life? And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home. ‘My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.’ In this time of prayer, sing from your own soul your response to Mary’s song. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 14 August 2025Today is Thursday the 14th of August, the feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Julia Shaw with We Are Bread & Wine sings ‘God Is With Us’. From dust we are and shall return Naked we came and shall return Fullness of breath in our lungs Was your first gift to us So breathe again and we will live closer to love Marvellous light flashed in your eyes as you hung the sky Your world teemed with life branches and vine chaos refined No eye has seen, no ear has heard How you make beauty with time Teach us your ways Teach us to die So we may rise Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah God is with us Today’s reading is from the Book of Joshua. Joshua 3:7-10a,11,13-17 The Lord said to Joshua, ‘This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, “When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.” ’ Joshua then said to the Israelites, ‘Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God.’ Joshua said, ‘By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.’ When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing towards the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan. Today is the feast day of Maximilian Kolbe. During WWII, Kolbe trusted God’s promises and gave his life for a fellow prisoner, becoming a sign of Christ’s love in the valley of death. His faith may be an invitation to step forward in your own life, with trust that God is already parting the waters ahead of you. Perhaps, place yourself on the banks of the Jordan River. Feel the heat of the day, see the tired crowd around you—tired, dusty, but hopeful. The priests lift the Ark of the Covenant and step toward the water. Watch as the river stops—the waters rise and the ground dries beneath their feet. What is your response? "I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel…" God exalts Joshua to lead His people, reflect on a time when you felt entrusted with influence or responsibility? How did you respond? "As soon as the priests’ feet touched the edge…" The miracle begins only as they step into the water. Only faith can move what seems impossible. Is there somewhere that God calling you to—before you can imagine the outcome? As you listen again, reflect on how God makes a way through what seems impassable. Ask for the grace to walk faithfully, trusting in God. Joshua said, ‘By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.’ When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing towards the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan. Sharing a time of prayer with Jesus, one who also stepped into chaos, sharing your own words, thoughts and feelings. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 13 August 2025Today is Wednesday the 13th of August, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing the Benedictus: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, He has visited his people and redeemed them. As you enter into prayer today, rest for a moment in the confidence that - whatever may seem wrong with the world, or with our lives - God’s love redeems it all: ‘The Lord has visited his people and redeemed them’. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. The Lord said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigour had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses. Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequalled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. This passage brings us to the final moments of Moses’ life. After leading the Israelites for decades through trials, rebellion, and wilderness, God shows Moses the Promised Land—but he is told he will not enter it. He dies on the mountain, and leadership passes to Joshua, who is filled with the spirit. Moses sees the fulfilment of God's promise—but not for himself. Consider times when you have felt you have been part of a mission whose fruit you may never see? Ask the Spirit to guide your heart to identify a need for outcomes, recognition, or control. Moses was not only a prophet but also a leader. His death suggesting that leadership in the spiritual life is also stewardship. Moses steps aside and blesses the future. Reflect – where are you being invited to let go, trust others, or make space? As we listen to the passage again, consider where, in your relationship with the Lord, have you been aware of God’s faithfulness? The Lord said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigour had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses. Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequalled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. In a time of prayer rest in God’s presence, reflecting back on your journey together. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 12 August 2025Today is Tuesday the 12th of August, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Nothing to Fear'. When you pass through the waters I will be with you And the depths of the river shall not overwhelm When you walk through the fire you will not be burned I am the Lord, I am the Lord And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always In the depths of your sorrow I wept beside you When you walked through the shadow I drew you near And yesterday, today, tomorrow, always the same I am the Lord, I am the Lord And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always What can separate you from My perfect Love What can separate you from My perfect Love What can separate you from My perfect Love Do not fear Do not fear Do not fear Today’s reading is from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 31:1-8 When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them: ‘I am now a hundred and twenty years old. I am no longer able to get about, and the Lord has told me, “You shall not cross over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will cross over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua also will cross over before you, as the Lord promised. The Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. The Lord will give them over to you and you shall deal with them in full accord with the command that I have given to you. Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.’ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: ‘Be strong and bold, for you are the one who will go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their ancestors to give them; and you will put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ In this passage, Moses is handing over leadership to Joshua as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. Moses reminds the people—and Joshua—that God will go before them. Though Moses himself will not cross over with them, the message is one of reassurance and courage. What is your immediate response to this? Imagine yourself in the crowd, listening to Moses speak. This elderly leader stands before you, his face lined with wisdom and age. Feel the uncertainty of change, the loss of a leader, and the hope for what lies ahead. “Be strong and courageous… it is the Lord who goes before you.” What feelings stirs in your heart? What is your response to knowing that God goes ahead of you in times of transition or fear? Where in your life do you need to hear, "Do not be afraid or dismayed"? Perhaps you have found God in the tension between letting go and moving forward. As you listen to the passage again, take time to reflect on how it would it feel to step forward knowing God has already gone before you... Deuteronomy 31:1-8 When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them: ‘I am now a hundred and twenty years old. I am no longer able to get about, and the Lord has told me, “You shall not cross over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will cross over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua also will cross over before you, as the Lord promised. The Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. The Lord will give them over to you and you shall deal with them in full accord with the command that I have given to you. Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.’ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: ‘Be strong and bold, for you are the one who will go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their ancestors to give them; and you will put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ ‘Do not fear or be dismayed.’ Where, in life, in faith, are you being called to trust? Take time to speak to God with your own words and from the heart of your own thoughts and concerns. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Monday 11 August 2025Today is Monday the 11th of August, the feast of Saint Clare, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. As you enter into prayer today, take a moment to slow down. Right down... and notice where you are. As you hear Sanctus Dominum by Margaret Rizza, notice what is around you... what else can you hear? What can you see? What is nearby? People? Objects? Nature? In all of this, God is present. Right here, right now. God’s presence sanctifies this ordinary place, and these ordinary people, these ordinary things, and makes them holy. Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. Sanctus. Holy Lord God of hosts. Thy glory fills all heaven and earth. Hosanna in high heaven. Blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in high heaven. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 17:22-27 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ Today is the feast day of Clare of Assisi, friend and follower of Francis. She lived the same spiritual freedom, giving up wealth, family status, and comfort—because love compelled her. In Ignatian terms, she had found the “indifference” the freedom to choose only what leads to God’s greater glory. At the beginning of today’s reading, we seem to hear this same attitude in Jesus’ voice. Feel the tension in the air, the sorrow in the hearts of the disciples. And then, this odd instruction: go fish, and from the mouth of a fish, retrieve a coin. How do you respond to the instruction? Where have you seen God’s providence in the small things of today? Is there a “coin” you might be overlooking? Jesus teaches that, as the Son, He is free from the temple tax. But he chooses to pay it—not from compulsion, but from love and humility. Consider where you are holding on to rights or privileges that you could let go… As you listen to the passage again, take time to reflect on how Jesus might be inviting you to act not out of obligation, but compassion and solidarity... Matthew 17:22-27 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?’ He said, ‘Yes, he does.’ And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?’ When Peter said, ‘From others’, Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offence to them, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.’ ‘So that we do not give offence’. Take a moment in this time of prayer to speak honestly with Jesus, opening your heart to him, trusting in his compassion and care for you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen