Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Wednesday 31 December 2025Today is Wednesday the 31st of December, in the season of Christmas. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium: Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always. Entering into prayer today, acknowledge the ways you are seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in your life, gently guiding you in truth and peace and love. Laetetur cor quaerentium Dominum: quaerite Dominum, et confirmamini: quaerite faciem eius semper. Confitemini Domino, et invocate nomen ejus: annuntiate intergentes opera eius. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 2:18-21 Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. Today we continue to listen to John’s letter as he addresses the Christians in the churches of (most likely) Ephesus and Asia Minor. He is writing to them to encourage and reassure them in their faith, also to protect them from the false teachings that were around. Where do you most need encouragement and reassurance in your faith journey at present? John speaks of those who were with the fellowship for a season but left, opposing the teachings of Christ, which must have been disappointing and troubling for these early believers. Have there been times when you have experienced disappointments within your own community of faith? Take a moment to acknowledge these with the Lord. ‘But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge.’ Can you identify with this anointing? As you listen again, perhaps ask God to show you how his holy presence is active in your life... 1 John 2:18-21 Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. John is writing not to correct the believers but to reassure them that they do know the truth. As we come to an end of our prayer time today, reflect on a moment when you have encountered or deepened the truth of Jesus Christ in your life during the past year. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Tuesday 30 December 2025Today is Tuesday the 30th of December, in the season of Christmas. 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. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 2:12-17 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever. In John’s letter, he addresses four groups of people: little children, children, young people and fathers. These titles refer not just to age, but to the stages of spiritual maturity among the community. Where might you place yourself? Or perhaps you feel you belong to more than one group. For example, being a spiritual mother or father, as well as being a child of God. John’s words may serve us as a reminder of what our faith means to us or meant to us in the early days of our faith. ‘I am writing to you, little children,     because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.’ Can you remember how it felt when you knew that your sins had been forgiven? As you listen to these words again, listen with your heart, as if receiving this letter personally. Notice which words most move you. 1 John 2:12-17 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever. ‘And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.’ Take a moment to think about the desires of the world, compared to the desire for the Lord and for doing his will. In the quiet now, speak with the Lord about something from John’s letter that has moved 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 29 December 2025Today is Monday the 29th of December, the feast of Saint Thomas Becket, in the season of Christmas. Jon Guerra sings, ‘I See the Birds’. How does this song speak to you of God’s care for you? Do not be anxious about your life I heard you say to me You dress the lilies You leave the weeds The sower of the seed Am I in charge of my own mind Or is it in charge of me? I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again You've held me sturdy You've led me on Through years of joy and grief So don't you leave me All on my own You know me, Lord I'm weak I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again Oh, be my help again Don't you worry, child Don't you worry, child He won't leave you by yourself In times of trouble, he's your help Don't you worry, child Don't you worry, child He won't leave you by yourself In times of trouble, he's your help Don't you worry, child Don't you worry, child He won't leave you by yourself In times of trouble, he's your help He won't leave you by yourself In times of trouble, he's your help I'm letting go of my own life I'm letting go again I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again Be ever present Lord, won't you be my closest friend In times of trouble Be my help again Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:28-33 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. As we begin our time of prayer, we mark the feast of St Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Our reading begins with the words of Jesus, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Take a moment to let these perhaps startling but also reassuring words sink in. Jesus continues to describe the great care of his heavenly Father; as one who even notices when sparrows fall...and as one who has counted the number of hairs on your head... What does it mean to you to know that God cares deeply for you in every aspect of your life? We might feel surprised or overwhelmed by this incredible care of our heavenly Father, or perhaps full of gratitude, bring your response now to God in a moment of quiet. As you listen to the reading again, try to imagine that the Lord is saying these words to you personally. Matthew 10:28-33 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Twice in the reading, Jesus encourages us not to fear, so as we approach the end of our prayer time today, speak with him about some of the things that make you feel anxious or afraid and imagine that you place these things into the loving care of the one who counts the hairs on your head. 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 28 December 2025Today is Sunday the 28th of December, the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Josh Garrels sings, ‘What Child is This?’ Take a moment to ponder the new-born Jesus, who entered into our world in such a fragile way. What Child is this who laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? Why lay He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians fear for sinners here The silent word is pleading This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing Haste, haste to bring Him laud The Babe, the Son of Mary So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh Come peasant king to own Him The King of kings salvation brings Let loving hearts enthrone Him Nails, spears shall pierce Him through The cross he bore for me, for you Hail, hail the Word made flesh The Babe, the Son of Mary The Babe, the Son of Mary Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’ When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’ Two kings. One a young child – poor, vulnerable, not yet even aware of his lineage as a true Son of David. The other a powerful, ambitious, ruthless man ruling as King over Israel through Rome. Yet Jesus does not go unnoticed by him. Ponder how it is that simply the presence of Jesus evokes such a response from Herod. How might this presence of Jesus invite us to respond, perhaps in the parts of our life where we like to rule? As you hear again of Joseph’s response to God in the events of his life, stand in his shoes and seek to understand more deeply all that gave him impetus to act. Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’ When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’ ‘There he made his home.’ Speak with Jesus about where you need to find ‘home’ in these days. 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 27 December 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. As you settle to prayer, pause for a moment and notice how you are … how you honestly are … and let God respond with love to you … you are totally, completely, deeply loved. This week we have been invited to share the experiences of those involved in Jesus’ birth … to be people who believe what God might do … to speak of God’s working in our time… to gaze upon a newborn who is our good news of God’s love. What of this has left you most thankful? As you recall the events of your week, invite God to show you where you have experienced encouragement in difficulty … welcomed Jesus though little and vulnerable … or seen the Word break through with light and peace? Where might you have felt resistance to where God might be breaking into your life? Sit with God with what you have gathered from the week, letting God’s love hold it all… Looking ahead to the coming week and all it brings, ask from God what you need … 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 26 December 2025Today is Friday the 26th of December, the feast of Saint Stephen. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Benedictus’. God in all your tender compassion The dawn from on high, it will break on us Shining on those living in shadow Guiding our feet into the way of peace You will guide our feet You will guide our feet You will guide our feet into peace Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts. Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Mentioned in this reading are two very different people– Stephen and Saul. One is full of grace and power who bears good news for everyone; the other beginning his leadership as one who would destroy those belonging to the Early Church. Imagine what it would be like to be in the company of each one. Both attract followers. What might draw you to follow Stephen and Saul? What might God want you to notice about your responses? Stephen spoke truth that led to his martyrdom. As you hear the scripture again, pray for those whose steady witness to Christ is leading them to be persecuted. Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ The Spirit gives wisdom and right speaking. Ask the Spirit for this grace where you need it in life at this time. 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 25 December 2025Today is Thursday the 25th of December, the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. The University of Johannesburg Choir sings, ‘My Lord Has Come’ by Will Todd. As you listen, take a moment to place yourself in the Nativity scene... let your senses experience the moment in its fullness... Shepherds, called by angels, called by love and angels: No place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; No place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Lead me, lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; No place for me but a stable. My Lord has come. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. A very happy Christmas from the team at Pray As You Go! Today we celebrate a birth. The arrival of the eternal Word in time and space … flesh, bones, blood, pitched among us … intimate with life and the messiness of living … and death itself … born because he loves each one of us. Simply sit with this. Let those words settle deep within… A word needs breath, shape, purpose. Picture this newborn baby, Jesus. Here is a person with breath, body and a purpose yet to unfold throughout his life. What might you want to say to him as you see him little, vulnerable … As you listen once more to the reading, let this Word, who is life and light, be heard in you … John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Gaze on this newborn, this Word made flesh and let him know your heart’s longing for him at this time. We end our time on this Christmas day with ‘Joy to the World’, by One Hope Project. Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let Earth receive her King Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness And wonders of his love And wonders of his love And wonders of his love 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 24 December 2025Today is Wednesday the 24th of December, in the 4th week of Advent. The Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir sing 'Lux Aurumque' by Eric Whitacre: “Light, warm and heavy as pure gold, and the angels sing softly to the newborn babe”. Can you hear the picture of Christ’s light in this song? Lux, Calida gravisque pura velut aurum Et canunt angeli molliter modo natum. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:67-79 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ Can you remember a time of watching dawn arrive? The light stealing into the shadows… the sun gradually breaking open the darkness and revealing what was unseen. In what ways might light and peace be gently breaking upon you and your life at this time? The Saviour’s way was being prepared for his arrival. How are you and God together preparing for his Son to come among us? As you hear again Zechariah’s Spirit-filled words, how might your heart be drawn to bless God? Luke 1:67-79 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ In this final day of waiting for Jesus to once more steal among us in quiet, hidden, unexpected ways, speak with him about your hopes for his arriving anew. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Tuesday 23 December 2025Today is Tuesday the 23rd of December, in the 4th week of Advent. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. What hopes and fears would you like Christ to meet with today? O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is giv'n So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heav'n No ear may hear His coming But in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born in us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:57-66 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. In this reading comes an important celebration of naming. All expected that this first-born’s naming would continue the family line. It is Elizabeth, who believed in what God was doing, who first announces he is to be called John. Be with Elizabeth as her neighbours and relatives react with disbelief. Like Elizabeth, has there been a time for you where God has invited you to do the unexpected or out of the ordinary? How was God with you through it? As you hear the story again, notice the faithfulness of Elizabeth and Zechariah that causes people around them to question and wonder at God’s doing. Luke 1:57-66 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Perhaps speak with God about how your heart responds to this witness of Elizabeth and Zechariah in following God’s prompting. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Monday 22 December 2025Today is Monday the 22nd of December, in the 4th week of Advent. The Cape Town Camerata sings, ‘My Siel Verheerlik Die Here’; a setting of the Magnificat, from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers sung in Afrikaans. We will pray with Mary's song today. How might you like to prepare for this time of prayer in your own way? (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ Today we hear Mary’s response to Elizabeth, whose words of blessing, inspired by the Holy Spirit, affirm the truth that Mary is carrying the Lord. Imagine how it might have been for Mary to receive that greeting after all she has lived through to this moment … ‘The Mighty One has done great things for me.’ Have there been times in your own life when these words have rung true for you? Remember and savour some of these … Mary’s joy is for God who acts on behalf of the lowly, the humble, the hungry. As you listen again, hold before God those who particularly need the saving action of God at this time. Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ Talk with God about areas in your life for which you seek encouragement and notice God's response. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus