Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Wednesday 21 May 2025Today is Wednesday the 21st of May, in the 5th week of Eastertide.    Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Abide With Me’. Become aware of Jesus' presence as you prepare to pray today.     Abide with me: fast falls the eventide  The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide  When other helpers fail and comforts flee  Help of the helpless, O abide with me  Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day  Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away  Change and decay in all around I see  O thou who changest not, abide with me  I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless  Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness  Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?  I triumph still, if thou abide with me  Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee  In life, in death, abide with me  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 15:1-8  ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.  In this passage we can imagine Jesus being inspired by his surroundings as he speaks. Let us take this opportunity to join him. Imagine yourself in the green extravagance of a vineyard, where the air is fragrant with the scent of the earth and the ripeness of grapes. Sunlight bathes the vineyard in golden hues. Jesus stands, his hands gently moving the vines.  Jesus invites your attention. Vines are pruned regularly; there is no margin for waste. The branch that has been pruned, has stopped drawing life from the vine. It can no longer bear the fruit. But see - the branches that remain connected, they flourish.  Take a moment to consider how you understand this image.  Are there parts of your life that need to be pruned?     How might you invite Jesus to bring his attention to what is not life-giving in you?  As you listen to this passage again, notice the invitation from Jesus: "Remain in me. Apart from me, you can do nothing. But with me, your joy will be full."    John 15:1-8  ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.  How will you respond? What do you want to tell him? What parts of your life need his nourishing presence? Resting in the Lord’s presence, listen to his loving response.  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 20 May 2025Today is Tuesday the 20th of May, in the 5th week of Eastertide.    IAMSON sings, ‘Always with Me’.     I can make through the day  When you're with me on the way  In my heart and mind you'll stay  I can make it through the night  When I'm clinging to your light  You will make the darkness bright  For you are always, always with me  For you are always, always with me  In the calm and in the storm  When it seems I'm all alone  It's your hand I find to hold  In each hour of unrest  When it seems I've nothing left  You speak peace in every breath  For you are always, always with me  For you are always, always with me  In the morning, in the evening  When I'm waking, when I'm sleeping  When I'm arriving, when I'm leaving  You will have me in your keeping  Even from my mothers womb  Never hidden from your view  I was always known to you  When I fade away in death  You will catch my final breath  You will take me to my rest  For you are always, always with me  For you are always, always with me  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 14:27-31a  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.  In this passage it may be helpful to imagine ourselves present in the scene. Place yourself in the Upper Room with Jesus and his friends. The air is heavy with emotion. Jesus looks at you with love and speaks these words: “Peace I leave with you.”  How do you feel as Jesus speaks these words to you?    Jesus reminds us that His peace is not of this world. This world offers a peace that may be uncertain, dependant. But Christ’s peace is rooted in trust, even in sadness and suffering.   Ask yourself: where do I look for peace in my life?    Jesus knows that fear and anxiety can overtake us. But he invites us to courage. He is always with us.   What fears or anxieties might I surrender to the Lord?    As we listen to the passage again, reflect on how you may follow the Father, so that love may overcome the challenges of the world.  John 14:27-31a  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.  ‘Rise, let us be on our way.’ Jesus’ teaching calls us to action, to take the peace we have been given into the world. In this time of prayer, how might you commit to following the path of peace?  Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.   As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be  World without end  Amen 

Monday 19 May 2025Today is Monday the 19th of May, in the 5th week of Eastertide.     The community of Taizé sing, ‘Holy Spirit, come to us. Kindle in us the fire of your love.’    Veni Sancte Spiritus  Tui amoris ignem accende  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 14:21-26  They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘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. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.  ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.    Listening to this passage from John’s gospel, we may be reminded that Jesus is not just speaking to Judas but to you personally. How do you feel as Jesus speaks of love, obedience, and the Holy Spirit?    Jesus’ teaching is clear. Love is not just a feeling, it is an active response. Love is shown through keeping His commandments, not because we have to, but as a response to a loving, meaningful relationship. Take a moment to consider: what is your response to God’s Commandments? Do you feel God calling you to a deeper connection in your daily life?    Jesus promises that those who love him will be loved by the Father, and he will reveal himself to them. More than that, ‘we will come to them and make our home with them.’  Imagine… the divine presence dwelling within you, God making a home in your heart. How might this change the way you see yourself and your relationship with the Divine?    Jesus reassures his friends that they will not be left alone. The Holy Spirit will continue to support and guide them. We also have the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we listen to the passage again, reflect on times when you have experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life.  John 14:21-26  They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘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. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.  ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.    ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you.’ Jesus is still with us. In a moment of prayer picture yourself responding to Jesus’ words. Take this time to share your desires, fears, and struggles. May your heart become a home where the Lord dwells. Amen.  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 18 May 2025Today is Sunday the 18th of May, beginning the 5th week of Eastertide.    The Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best, sing Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré: A hymn of praise to Christ, our light and our hope: ‘Word, one with the Most High, our one hope, eternal day of the earth and the heavens.’  As I listen, I entrust myself to that same Christ, I place all my hope in him, and invite the light of Christ into my life.    Verbe égal au Très-Haut, notre unique espérance,  Jour éternel de la terre et des cieux,  De la paisible nuit nous rompons le silence:  Divin Sauveur, jette sur nous les yeux.  Répands sur nous le feu de Ta grâce puissante;  Que tout l'enfer fuie au son de Ta voix;  Dissipe le sommeil d'une âme languissante  Qui la conduit à l'oubli de Tes lois!  Ô Christ! sois favorable à ce peuple fidèle,  Pour Te bénir maintenant rassemblé;  Reçois les chants qu'il offre à Ta gloire immortelle,  Et de Tes dons qu'il retourne comblé.  Word of the Highest, our only hope,  Eternal day of earth and the heavens,  We break the silence of the peaceful night;  Saviour Divine, cast your eyes upon us!  Pour on us the fire of your powerful grace,  That all hell may flee at the sound of your voice;  Banish the slumber of a weary soul,  That brings forgetfulness of your laws!  O Christ, look with favour upon your faithful people  Now gathered here to praise you;  Receive their hymns offered to your immortal glory;  May they go forth filled with your gifts.  Today’s reading is from the Book of the Apocalypse.    Apocalypse 21:1-5a  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 
‘See, the home of God is among mortals. 
He will dwell with them; 
they will be his peoples, 
and God himself will be with them; 
he will wipe every tear from their eyes. 
Death will be no more; 
mourning and crying and pain will be no more, 
for the first things have passed away.’  And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’  Take a moment to let this beautiful scene unfold before your eyes… a new heaven and a new earth… the new Jerusalem coming down as an adorned bride… what does it all look like?     “He will dwell with them; they will be His peoples, and God himself will be with them.” How do you imagine this dwelling? What do these words mean to you today?     Crying, pain and death will be no more… tears wiped away… Sometimes, this can sound too good to be true, given the pain and suffering in our lives and the life of the world. But these words will become true... How can you rest in the hope of these words today?     As we listen again to the passage, what feels precious to you? Let it speak to you…   Apocalypse 21:1-5a  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 
‘See, the home of God is among mortals. 
He will dwell with them; 
they will be his peoples, 
and God himself will be with them; 
he will wipe every tear from their eyes. 
Death will be no more; 
mourning and crying and pain will be no more, 
for the first things have passed away.’  And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’  “See, I am making all things new”. Can you entrust your life to God afresh today, confident that God is making all things new? Speak with the Lord about this, or anything else arising for you from 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  

Saturday 17 May 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen.    Take a moment to become still, becoming aware of the presence of God.  Let your mind sweep back over the week. You don’t need to force yourself to remember, but ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the moments over the past days...   Where have you heard the voice of God?   Where have you struggled to hear the voice of God?   We will now give a line of scripture from each of our reflections this week. Notice what stays with you...    He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.    The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.    I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.    Whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.    Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.    Let yourself linger with one of these verses...     Looking at the week ahead, what would you like to ask from the Lord in order for you to walk in His way?     Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.   As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be  World without end  Amen 

Friday 16 May 2025Today is Friday the 16th of May, in the 4th week of Eastertide.    The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Credo: “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? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father?  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 14:1-6  ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  “Believe in God, believe also in me.” Sometimes, these words of Jesus can be easier said than done. Recall a moment when your belief in God was strong and consoling… let that moment come fully to life again now… where in your body does this belief seem to dwell?     ‘And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Imagine yourself in Thomas’ shoes for a moment… the first one to say, “actually, Lord, we don’t know where you’re going…” Do you ever say this to Jesus in your prayer life? Perhaps it can be difficult to understand Jesus’ plans and directions… What reply might you get if you were to say this to Jesus today?     As you listen again, notice where you feel consoled by Jesus’ words…  John 14:1-6  ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ What might your prayer be as this reflection time comes to a close? Speak with Jesus, the one who is the way, the truth and the life, about anything that has stirred 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 

Thursday 15 May 2025Today is Thursday the 15th of May, in the 4th week of Eastertide.    Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my soul.” This is not the prayer of someone proud or haughty or self-satisfied, but of a person aware that they have weaknesses and shortcomings, aware that they cannot do without the help and the love and the mercy of God.    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 Gospel of John.    John 13:16-20  ‘Amen, amen, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfil the scripture, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Amen, amen, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.’  Step into the scene… perhaps as one of the disciples in the upper room…   Jesus has just washed the everyone's’ feet… a deep and surprising act of servanthood….  As you place yourself there, notice what you are wearing… what the room smells like… the sound of voices…the water used to wash feet… how do your own feet feel? Are they still damp? Dry? Refreshed?     Now turn your attention to the words Jesus says at this moment… How does it feel to hear about a betrayal in the group?     As you listen again, get a sense of the atmosphere in the room… what do you notice?   John 13:16-20  ‘Amen, amen, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfil the scripture, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Amen, amen, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.’  As this time of prayer comes to a close, how do you take leave of this place? How do you part with Jesus? Speak to him 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 

Wednesday 14 May 2025Today is Wednesday the 14th of May, the feast of St Matthias, in the 4th week of Eastertide.    Jon Guerra sings, ‘In The Beginning Was Love’.     In the beginning was love  And the love was with God  And the love was God    He was with God in the beginning   And the world was made through him  And so was I     And there was light  And the light was the light of heaven   And there was goodness   And the goodness walked the earth   And there was beauty   And the beauty would sing  Like a voice in the wilderness  Calling my name   And before I knew what love was   Love was in the beginning     In the beginning was the song   And the song was with God  And the song was God    He was the voice in the beginning   And the stars would sing for him   And so will I     And there was light  And the light was the light of heaven   And there was goodness   And the goodness walked the earth   And there was beauty   And the beauty would sing  Like a voice in the wilderness  Calling my name   And before I knew what love was   Love was in the beginning     The light shines in the dark  The dark has not overcome it  Love was in the beginning  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 15:9-17  As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.  ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.  ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.’ Take a moment to look back over your life. Where have you found Jesus’ love? This same love that Jesus received from the Father and gives to you… Do any moments stand out?     ‘If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love...This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’ As you continue looking back over your life, notice the ways you have abided in this love. How have you stayed close to Jesus?    We hear in this passage the movements of Jesus, followed by beautiful consequences. As you listen again, notice the poetic dance of Jesus’ words:    As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you  I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you  I appointed you to go and bear fruit An action from Jesus, towards us.  Jesus does something, so that we might be loved, bear fruit, love one another...  What do you notice?   John 15:9-17  As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.  ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.  Has a particular line or phrase remained with you today from the passage? Stay with whatever is lingering and savour it a little longer 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 

Tuesday 13 May 2025Today is Tuesday the 13th of May, in the 4th week of Eastertide.    The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Ecce quam bonum: “ How good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity! It is like precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.”  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 11:19-26  Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.  Imagine yourself at this point in history, with so many people becoming believers; the excitement of the Gospel spreading across the world for the first time… Yet amidst the excitement, you hear of the persecutions of Stephen and others. How do these mixed moments feel as you sit with them?      In this passage, we hear of the early Christians first receiving their name. This is a profound moment perhaps. What is your relationship to the word “Christian” at the moment? How does it sit with you? Reflect on this with the Lord.     As you listen again, notice how the passage leaves you…   Acts 11:19-26  Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.  “The hand of the Lord was with them” ... Do you feel the hand of the Lord with you? With the Church and with your own community? Speak to God about this, perhaps asking for his hand to go with you.   Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.   As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be  World without end  Amen 

Monday 12 May 2025 Today is Monday the 12th of May, in the 4th week of Eastertide.     The Winchester College Chapel Choir sings, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, by Stanford.     The Lord is my Shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing He shall feed me in a green pasture, and shall lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, and shall bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me: Thou anointest my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But Thy loving kindness and Thy mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 10:1-10  ‘Amen, amen, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.  So again Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’  Today, we will step deeper into the scene as we spend some time reflectively engaging our sense of hearing. Imagine for a moment that you are hearing Jesus tell this story. What can you hear? What does his voice sound like?     In the story Jesus is telling the sheep: follow the shepherd’s voice. What does this voice sound like to you? What sort of things would the shepherd say, do you think? Notice how it makes you feel…     What do you think the voices of the stranger, thief or bandit would sound like? What might they say? Why would the sheep not follow them?     As you listen to the passage again, notice the contrasts between the shepherd and the stranger…   John 10:1-10  ‘Amen, amen, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.  So again Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’  As this time of prayer comes to a close, you might pray for all you need to hear God’s voice clearly, walk through the gate, and have life abundantly…   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