Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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

Friday 4 April 2025Today is Friday the 4th of April in the 4th week of Lent. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing Uqinisil’Ubaba: After travelling the whole world, I still come to the same truth that I left at home: God is truth! So why do you doubt? Don’t doubt, hold on to him and place your hope in him. Listen to God because he is truth. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. 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.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Our reading might seem be a bit confusing; at first, we hear that Jesus does not wish to go to Judea, then he goes in secret, hidden. But later, he is seen to be speaking openly in Jerusalem. What do you think is happening? It also seems that the people around him have questions about his presence; “Is this not the man they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him?” Imagine that you are nearby, following to Jesus in this situation. Listen to the voices around you, their questions, confusion perhaps. How do you feel amid this situation as you follow Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem? Now, as you arrive at the Temple, watch Jesus as he teaches in the Temple, crying out his message, surrounded by those who seek to arrest him. Listen to the scripture again, continuing to imagine that you are close to Jesus. John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. 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.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Jesus proclaims in the Temple, “But the one who sent me is true.” Within the confusion of this reading, and perhaps any confusion around in the world and in your own life, end your prayer by letting these words take their place in your heart today. “But the one who sent me is true.” 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 3 April 2025Today is Thursday the 3rd of April in the 4th week of Lent. Salt of the Sound sings, Kyrie Eleison: ‘Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy’. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Lord have mercy, mercy on us Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus. Exodus 32:7-14 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” ’ The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.’ But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, “It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth”? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.” ’ And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people. The children of Israel have quickly turned away from the Lord in Moses’s absence, and on his return, they are worshipping a golden calf. Can you imagine how Moses might have felt in this moment? Can you recall a time when you turned away from God? Perhaps something became an object of desire that felt greater than your desire for God? As you hear the reading again, listen to Moses as he pleads with the Lord to show mercy towards his people. Exodus 32:7-14 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” ’ The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.’ But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, “It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth”? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.” ’ And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people. ‘And the Lord changed his mind.’ Try to recall some of the ways that God has shown mercy to you, remembering these times with a sense of gratitude and awe. 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 2 April 2025Today is Wednesday the 2nd of April in the 4th week of Lent. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘You Are My Sanctuary’. Can you make these words your own today? You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home Out in the dark, when the light is gone Your waves and breakers roll over me And when my anchor won’t touch the ground Deep calls to deep You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home In the morning, in the night In the darkness, in the light You alone will be my guide For you are with me You are my sanctuary My hiding place Where I belong You are my peaceful harbour You will bring me Safely home Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 49:8-15 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out’, to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. God, speaking through Isaiah is inviting his people to return home from exile. A journey that will bring them through the wilderness. But they are assured that God will be their guide and will give them everything they need. Can you recall a time when God has led you on a journey, either spiritual or physical, perhaps a pilgrimage? Reflect for a moment on the ways in which God led you…cared for you…protected you… Or perhaps like the people in our reading, you feel that you are in exile, waiting for things to change or waiting for God to call you out into freedom. What is it like to be waiting for God to speak? As you listen to the reading again, notice which words most resonate with you today. Isaiah 49:8-15 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out’, to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. As you end your prayer today, ask the Lord for a deeper experience of his compassion and care as he guides you through your journey of faith. 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 1 April 2025Today is Tuesday the 1st of April, in the 4th week of Lent. Juliano Ravanello sings, Ubi Caritas: ‘Wherever love is true, God is there’. Where is God for you today? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 5:1-16 [After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.] Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, ‘It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.’ But he answered them, ‘The man who made me well said to me, “Take up your mat and walk.” ’ They asked him, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Take it up and walk”?’ Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.’ The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the sabbath. Today, we will spend a little more time entering into this scripture scene… Imagine that you are in Jerusalem, walking by the pool of Beth-zatha with its five porticos… Picture the columns and arches… listen to the murmur of echoing voices, the lapping of water. What is it like to be here? Have a look around at the people as they wait by the pool, each one hoping for healing when the waters are stirred. Now, notice the man who has been waiting here for 38 years. What does he look like? You might like to greet him and sit with him a while. Imagine the man’s frustration at never quite making it to the healing waters in time… perhaps you can identify with him in some way or feel compassion for him in his situation. Now imagine Jesus arriving at the pool…watch him look around…then notice him fix his gaze upon the man with whom you are sitting…then see him approaching you. As Jesus joins you and sits with you, let the conversation unfold. Listen to the man sharing his frustration of never being able to reach the waters. What does his voice sound like? Perhaps you resonate with his frustration… Jesus asks the man, “Do you want to be made well?” Perhaps there is a searching question that Jesus asks you today. Let his gaze fall upon you now. Jesus tells the man, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’ Watch the man's actions and words as he follows this instruction. How does he express the joy of his healing? In contrast, those watching the scene are complaining that Jesus is healing on the Sabbath. Listen to the voices around you as debate the law and the actions of Jesus. What do you want to do or say now? Let your imagination lead you. Take a few moments to reflect on your prayer today, noticing what has most moved 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

Monday 31 March 2025Today is Monday the 31st of March in the 4th week of Lent. Eliza King sings, ‘All Things New’. As you listen, what of God’s creative work do you see in your life and in the world around you? You break like the light of the sun Bringing colour to shadows Christ, it was you all along You’re the words of an ancient song, we’ve been singing Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new You rise, as the bright morning star We were blind but we see you now The light of the world here with us You’re a fire making holy ground, by your spirit Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new You’re the treasure of the ages Sought for generations How the prophets longed to see what we have seen You’re the final word incarnate Leaping from the pages You’re the burning heart behind the mystery Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 65:17-21 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Our reading today begins with God’s words to Isaiah, ‘I am about to create’. These words, coming from the Creator of the world, might bring a thrill of excitement, wonder, delight perhaps… Recall a feeling of anticipation you have felt when on the threshold of beginning a task or creating something new, something that might bring about change. ‘I am about to create new heavens and a new earth’, says the Lord, the former things will not be remembered’. Can you begin to imagine this new Jerusalem, described to Isaiah. Which elements do you most long for? Light? Joy? Healing perhaps…what else? ‘The former things will not be remembered.’ Which former things would you be relieved to be able to forget? As you listen to the reading again, notice the sentences which begin with ‘no more.’ Isaiah 65:17-21 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Continue in prayer, delighting in this imagery of God’s new creation coming to life, where the sound of weeping will no longer be heard, perhaps praying, ‘Come, Jesus, come!’ 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 30 March 2025Today is Sunday the 30th of March, the 4th Sunday of Lent. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Worst Days’. God of everything You reached out to me Made a home in my heart I just can't explain I just stand in awe Of Your wonderful love And even on my worst days It stays the same I just don't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Love that knows no end I'm wrapped up in the arms of my Father I'll never lose my position I will always be Your child That's all that matters Cuz even on my worst days It stays the same I just can't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Oh it reaches to the depths of my soul and it won't let go Oh wonderful love There's no where else I'll rather be, no where else for me Oh wonderful love From Calvary to eternity, I'm Yours forever Oh wonderful love (Oh Jesus) Your love knows no ending, the Sweetest of tastes Oh wonderful love How high How wide How deep Is Your love Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus]. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate. ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’ Today’s passage is perhaps one of the most well-known parables in Scripture. Stepping into the shoes of the main characters can help us reflect on our relationship with the Father and with others. To uncover what the story holds for us, we enter it, considering its encounters, moods, and emotions. “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” Imagine the son making this request—or demand. In a family-centred culture, how do you think the father and son would feel in this moment? “He squandered his property in dissolute living.” Perhaps it is part of human nature to be thoughtless or wasteful at times. Consider whether there are habits or attitudes in your life that squander what should be important to you. “He began to be in need.” Imagine the emotions of the son after squandering everything. Have you ever experienced a similar sense of being "in need" of God’s patient and unconditional love? What would it take for you to respond with courage, humility, and repentance? “His father saw him and was filled with compassion.” Stand at the roadside and witness the father running to embrace his son. How do you respond to the father’s unconditional, welcoming love? “I have never disobeyed your command.” Now step into the shoes of the elder son as he wrestles with resentment. Hear his words. Do they echo experiences from your own life? “You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” Notice the father’s gentle reply. This reminds us that God’s mercy is not something to be bargained for —it is lavish and overflowing. How does this parable deepen your understanding of God’s mercy? Perhaps you have struggled with jealousy or comparison at times. How can you grow in gratitude for the blessings God generously offers? After reflecting on God’s mercy, consider how you may be called to respond. End by offering gratitude to God for this time of reflection. As you meditate on this parable, share in the warmth of the Father’s embrace and be moved to live in greater love and freedom. 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 29 March 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. During Lent we walk with Jesus as he follows his Father’s will. Through the Examen we seek to follow his profound trust in divine providence and love. Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom and openness that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Look back on this week and thank God for the blessings and graces you received. Focus on moments when you felt God’s love and saw opportunities to follow God’s will. Consider moments of consolation, kindness, and beauty… Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Acknowledge any moments when you turned away from God’s invitations or failed to act in love and faithfulness. Take this time to ask for God’s forgiveness and grace to do better tomorrow.… Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged? Has there been something calling you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally… Look forward to the days to come, with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. As we continue this Lenten journey, ask for the grace to trust God more deeply. 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 28 March 2025Today is Friday the 28th of March in the 3rd week of Lent. Paul Zach with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘The Greatest Commandment’. Love the Lord your God With all your heart and soul and mind And love your neighbour as yourself Love the Lord your God With all your heart and soul and mind And love your neighbour as yourself Let us be known, let us be known By the way we love Let us be known, let us be known By the way we love Love the Lord your God With all your heart and soul and mind And love your neighbour as yourself Love, love, love, the greatest commandment is Love, love, love, the greatest commandment is Love, love, love, the greatest commandment is love Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. Today's passage recounts a profound moment when Jesus is asked, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Let us begin by placing ourselves within the scene. Perhaps, as part of the crowd, you have been energized by the challenges and responses exchanged. Are questions arising in your own mind as well? Imagine the scribe observing the lively dialogue, carefully choosing the moment to ask his question, seeking truth. Hear the words as Jesus responds, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” How does it feel to hear these words directly from Jesus? Reflect on what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. What might it look like to surrender fully to that love? “To love one’s neighbour as oneself.” How do you recognise the “neighbours” in your life right now? What challenges arise from this commandment? “To love one’s neighbour as oneself.” Jesus says to love your neighbour as yourself. Even the scribe doesn’t expand on this. What does it mean to you to truly honour and cherish yourself as a beloved child of God? As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might live out these commandments more fully. Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” As we end this time of prayer, rest in the presence of God, whose command is Love. 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 27 March 2025Today is Thursday the 27th of March in the 3rd week of Lent. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: ‘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.’ As they sing…. I listen. I listen with my whole attention, with my mind and with my heart, so that I may really hear the word of God and keep it. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 7:23-28 But this command I gave them, ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.’ Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but, in the stubbornness of their evil will, they walked in their own counsels, and looked backwards rather than forwards. From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did. So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. You shall say to them: This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips. In today’s passage from the Old Testament, God reminds His people of His covenant and expresses the pain of being rejected. How does it feel to hear God speaking in this way? Have you ever felt as though you stood in Jeremiah’s place? How did—or would—that responsibility weigh on you? God calls His people to listen to His voice. Consider how you have, or have not, been attentive to God's voice? God’s command offers a way of life that leads to peace and flourishing. How have you trusted that God’s ways are for your good? As you listen to the passage again, consider: What is your response, knowing that God continually calls us back? How do you feel moved by God’s love and desire for God’s people? Jeremiah 7:23-28 But this command I gave them, ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.’ Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but, in the stubbornness of their evil will, they walked in their own counsels, and looked backwards rather than forwards. From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did. So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. You shall say to them: This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips. “I will be your God, and you shall be My people.” End this time of prayer with a desire to listen more attentively to God in the coming days. Consider what practice or intention might be helpful during this Lenten journey. 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