Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Monday 14 April 2025Today is Monday of Holy Week, the 14th of April. Steffany Gretzinger sings ‘I Love You Lord’. As we begin walking deeper into Holy Week, perhaps there is a gentle gesture you would like to make to mark this journey towards Jerusalem… How are you walking into this week with Jesus? Perhaps there is an image you can pray with… I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul rejoice Take joy, my King In what You hear May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul rejoice Take joy, my King In what You hear May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 12:1-11 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. Woody-scented spikenard was hugely expensive, widely used in burial rituals across the East, but also referenced in the Song of Songs as representing love. As Mary lavishes the precious ointment on Jesus there are Eucharistic connotations: this is his body, given for us. What stands out to you in this moment? What do you notice? The interruption by Judas strikes a sour note, as do the undertones of threat to Jesus and Lazarus from the chief priests. Jesus defends Mary’s extravagance. He tells us that we will not always have him with us. How do those words strike you? How do we experience him as God-with-us away from his physical presence? As we listen again to the reading, try to use your senses to imagine the scene, so full of scent and touch. Do you simply watch, or do you want to make a gesture of love and devotion to Jesus? John 12:1-11 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. Earlier in the Gospel we have seen Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening intently. We have also seen her reproach him for not coming to her help when she needed him. How do you want to speak to him at this time? We adore you O Christ and we bless you For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. Amen

Sunday 13 April 2025Today is Sunday the 13th of April, Palm Sunday. Juliano Ravanello sings, Hosanna Filio David: Hosanna, to the Son of David. As you listen on this Palm Sunday, begin to place yourself in the scene with the crowd on the Mount of Olives. Perhaps you watch Jesus approaching the colt as he prepares for his journey into Jerusalem… Hosanna Filio David Benedictus qui venit In nomine Domini Rex Israel Hosanna in excelsis Hosanna to the Son of David Blessed is He that cometh In the name of the Lord King of Israel Hosanna in the highest Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 19:28-40 When [Jesus] had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ If you were to be actively involved in today’s dramatic scene, what would you be doing? Let your creative juices flow! Did you weave the cloak you are throwing over the colt? What colours did you choose? Are you untying the colt? How does the animal react? How does the scene unfold? Immerse yourself in the noise, the sights, scents and textures, the jubilation of it all. Hear the squashing tone of the Pharisees: “Teacher, order your disciples to stop!” Hear Jesus’s reply. How does he deliver it? ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ Could he be laughing as he says it? Or more serious… what do you imagine? As you hear the passage again, and as Holy Week begins, let anything new from this familiar passage touch you. Luke 19:28-40 When [Jesus] had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ You might want to ask God to reveal new things to you over the next few days. “The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come.” Thanks be to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We adore you O Christ and we bless you  For by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.  Amen 

Saturday 12 April 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. How has your Lent journey gone so far? You might want to find a new spot to pray today. A different chair, for example, or a different room. Somewhere you’ve not prayed in before. Enjoy choosing this new place. Be aware of anything you notice in this ‘new’ place. Some of this week’s readings have been drawn from the Old Testament, others from the New Testament. Is there a thread running though their message? Reflect on the shape of our story, intermingled, inextricably linked, with that of God’s story. God’s great plan for our rescue. Has your faith journey thus far reflected old and new in any way? Would you like it to? Let God know how you feel about the old and the new in your own story. Recall details that matter to you. They will matter, deeply, to God. God’s love for us is steadfast, His mercies are ‘new every morning’ (Lam. 3:22-23). What do you need in order to trust in the renewing love of God today? You can ask for that. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Friday 11 April 2025Today is Friday the 11th of April in the 5th week of Lent. The Choir of the King’s Consort sing Henry Purcell’s Hear My Prayer, O Lord: “Hear My Prayer, O Lord, and let my crying come unto thee.” As I listen, I too bring my prayer, my needs and my longings, the deepest feelings of my heart, before the Lord. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. Sit with the emotion in today’s passage. Is there a word or phrase that stands out for you? You might be feeling just like Jeremiah. How do you react when someone pours out their heart to you, blurts out their pain? You might have a sense of how God feels when we cry out in pain. Consider the anguish in the world around you today. As you hear the passage again, let the anguish touch you from all angles : your own pain, that of a loved one, the pain in the world around you, and finally God’s pain. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. As Holy Week approaches, you might ask to notice the pain of others, the anguish of Christ Himself, in a new and helpful way. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Thursday 10 April 2025Today is Thursday the 10th of April in the 5th week of Lent. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the Benedictus: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people and redeemed them. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old. A saviour who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us. So his love for our ancestors is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered. He swore to Abraham our father to grant us, that free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve him in holiness and justice all the days of our life in his presence.” Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel; quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebis suae et erexit cornu salutis nobis, in domo David pueri sui, sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius, salutem ex inimicis nostris, et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos; ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris, et memorari testamenti sui sancti, iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, daturum se nobis, ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrum liberati, serviamus illi in sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris. Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius, ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius in remissionem peccatorum eorum, per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri, in quibus visitabit nos oriens ex alto, illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent, ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis. Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Genesis 17:3-9 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.’ Abram fell on his face before God. Stay with this image. It tells us a lot about his relationship with his God. Have you ever done the same, fallen on your knees, or even on your face, before God? What propels you to do that? How does it affect your prayer? God changes Abram’s name to mark the importance of this moment. He tells Abraham ‘I will establish my covenant between me and you ….an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.’ How might it feel to hear those words spoken to you? Put simply “I promise to be your God.” Listen to the passage again. Sense the momentous scene. Genesis 17:3-9 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.’ As this reflection draws to a close, you might want to pause, to kneel as you speak your prayer - whatever is on your heart - as you allow God to be God to you. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Wednesday 9 April 2025Today is Wednesday the 9th of April in the 5th week of Lent. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Wherever love is true, God is there. God is present here: the God who is love. Present, living, dwelling in every one of the people around you, and in you. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus. Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites. Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul quoque cum beatis videamus, Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus: Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum, Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen. Where love is true, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one: Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease. And in the midst of us be Christ our God. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time we see that with the saints also, Thy face in glory, O Christ our God: The joy that is immense and good, Unto the World without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:31-42 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, “You will be made free”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.’ They answered him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.’ They said to him, ‘We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.' Sense the tussle in today’s reading. Hear the tones of voices. Read the body language. Some who had initially believed in Jesus are now harking back to the traditional teaching of earning favour with God. They question Jesus and his message of freedom from the old law, his good news of love and of forgiveness. How do you imagine it all? As Holy Week approaches, sense Jesus increasingly on his own with the Gospel message he is carrying, the Gospel message which he is about to fulfil, at deep cost. Where do you stand when it comes to loving and forgiving? Might you want to accompany Jesus through the coming days of his journey to the Cross? Listen to the passage again. Watch, listen, become aware of the opposition. John 8:31-42 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, “You will be made free”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.’ They answered him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.’ They said to him, ‘We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.' In these closing moments, let God know any desire, however tentative, to journey with Him in any specific way. Ask for the sensitivity you need. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Tuesday 8 April 2025Today is Tuesday the 8th of April in the 5th week of Lent. Bifrost Arts sings, ‘O God, Will You Restore Us?' O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? I will hear what God proclaims The Lord our God proclaims peace Kindness and truth shall meet Justice and peace shall kiss O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? Here is the fast that I choose To loosen the bonds of the oppressed and break their chains Let righteousness and justice go out before you Then You will call out and I will hear O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? Near indeed is His salvation to those who call on Him He will incline His ear and hear their prayers Truth shall spring out of the earth And justice will rain down from heaven O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? The Lord will guide you on a righteous path His vindication will shine down forth as the dawn Your people will be called repairers of broken walls Making straight the path to proclaim His reign O God, will You restore us And grant us Your salvation? O God, will You restore us? Please grant us Your salvation Today’s reading is from the Book of Numbers. Numbers 21:4-9 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. How good are you at complaining? In today’s passage, we can almost hear an air of frustrated children, with an “are-we–nearly-there-yet?” attitude! We’re essentially the same, deeply flawed people and God is the same God… Would we be any different in their shoes? How would you describe God’s response as a parent to the people’s attitude of complaint in this passage? Reflect on God’s new covenant, the move from the old to the new, God’s merciful rescue plan in the coming of Jesus. In your own words, how would you explain the reason for the coming of Jesus? In your heart, how does that rescue feel? As you hear the passage again, allow God to share with you how God feels about us all. Numbers 21:4-9 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. In these closing moments, and as Holy Week approaches, you might want to speak those profoundly simple words: “God have mercy on me, a sinner.” You might like to repeat them, and, more importantly, leave space for God’s merciful response. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Monday 7 April 2025Today is Monday the 7th of April in the 5th week of Lent. The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’ Christe, lux mundi, qui sequitur te, habebit lumen vitae, lumen vitae Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:12-20 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgement is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.’ Then they said to him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. Sit for a moment with those familiar words of Jesus: ‘I am the light of the world.’ They are well-known, much quoted words. But just savour them for a moment. Let pictures come to mind, images move around, allow anything new to emerge. ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’. Consider your response to that statement by Jesus, particularly his use of the word ‘never’. ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.’ How might that statement affect your faith journey as you walk it today? Jesus meets the argument of his challengers with a simple answer; a counterargument. What does that tell you about the character of Jesus? Sit with the character of Jesus for a while. As you hear the passage again, and as Holy Week approaches, consider the apparent strength of Jesus in the face of opposition in these verses. Compare and contrast it with how he will deal with the tension as it mounts on the approach of his Passion. John 8:12-20 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgement is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.’ Then they said to him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ He spoke these words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. In these closing moments you might want to ask for a heightened sensitivity towards Jesus both in his ministry and in the lead-up to the events of Holy Week. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Sunday 6 April 2025Today is Sunday the 6th of April, the 5th Sunday of Lent. Good Shepherd Collective sings, ‘Help Me Jesus’. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:1-11 Early in the morning [Jesus] came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ Today, we spend time with Jesus and a woman caught in adultery. We don’t know her name, but we can try to imagine her face, her clothes and her demeanour. Picture the woman being brought to Jesus by the scribes and pharisees, how are they treating her? Now in your imagination, draw close to Jesus as the woman is being brought to him. ‘Teacher, they say, ‘this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ Which feelings, do you think are round for the woman now? Now wait with the woman, as together, you watch Jesus bending down and writing something with his finger in the sand. As the scribes and pharisees continue to question him, try to sense the atmosphere. Now, as you and the woman see Jesus straighten up, listen to his response: ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Once again you notice that he is writing in the sand. What is this time of waiting like? And what is happening among the scribes, pharisees and spectators? Finally, as each person leaves, Jesus and the woman are the only ones left. How is the woman now? Jesus straightens up, saying, ‘Woman, where are they? No one has condemned you? You hear her say, ‘No one, Sir.’ And Jesus says, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ Now, watch the woman walk away. What might she do or say as she leaves? What can you sense in her: gratitude, remorse, wonder, maybe? Can you identify with some of these feelings? As you come to the end of your prayer, give thanks to the Lord for your encounter with him today, and perhaps notice a moment where you’ve felt most moved during this time. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Saturday 5 April 2025Welcome to the Saturday examen. Take a quiet minute now to reflect on how your week been. Try to recall a moment when you felt close to the Lord. How did you encounter him? Try to recall a moment when you felt distant from the Lord. What was happening for you? Now, offer these times to the Lord, the first in gratitude for your encounters and in prayer for the more distant times. Now a short excerpt of the scripture from each day of the past week will be read either as a memory prompt from the past week or as fresh readings for today, noticing which one most speaks to you. For I am about to create new heavens  and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered  or come to mind. ‘Do you want to be made well?’ For the Lord has comforted his people,  and will have compassion on his suffering ones. And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Which of these readings from the week is most memorable? Which of these readings most moved you today? Give thanks to God in prayer, for his faithful and compassionate presence with you in the past week. Now, offer the coming week to him, trusting that he goes ahead of you. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen