Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is an opportunity to reflect on our time with the Lord during the past week. In some of the readings this week, we’ve imagined that we’ve been following Jesus as one of his disciples. We might also remember that during the week, Jesus has also been near to us, perhaps following us as a close friend. Try to picture the Lord with you now, as you begin to recall the week that has passed. What do you most want to share with him about your week? Imagine now, that you sit and listen together to a reminder of the readings from each day of the week. Notice what you remember naturally, and which words most move you today. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. She said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ ‘Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Continuing to remain in the presence of Jesus, share the thoughts and feelings that are around for you, as one friend with another. Now simply sit together in quietness, waiting to see what comfort or words of encouragement the Lord has for you today. 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.

Today is Friday the 7th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Walk With Me’. Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep All you people of good will, would you walk with me Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Let us lead with kindness, with a listening ear Hearing every story, laying down our old fears Though our hearts are broken and the pain runs deep All you people of good will, would you walk with me? Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 13:1-8 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. In today’s reading the writer of Hebrews gives advice to those in the service of God. Reflect now on each of these suggestions, with a short pause after each one. Notice if a particular phrase stands out to you, as you reflect on your service and prayer for others. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. Remember those who are in prison. Those who are being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour. Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be content with what you have. Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Notice which of these instructions gives you peace. Notice which of these causes discomfort. Offer your responses to the Lord now, who sees you and loves you. Finally receive these words as if the Lord himself is beside you, blessing you: ‘I will never leave you or forsake 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.

Today is Thursday the 6th of February, the feast of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing: Seigneur, tu gardes mon âme. ‘Lord, you watch over my soul. You know my heart. Lead me on the road to eternity.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:7-13 [Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Begin by imagining that you are one of the disciples of Jesus, being sent out on this mission. Picture the other disciple who accompanies you and your conversation as you begin your journey together. As you set off together, try to imagine what it is like taking nothing with you for your journey. No bread, no bag, no money, just a staff, but knowing that the Lord has given you full authority in his name…how do you feel about this? Now, begin to reflect on your experience in the service of Jesus in your own life. Can you recall a time when you’ve been welcomed as a follower of Jesus? …..Give thanks for this experience. And now recall an encounter when you felt you needed to shake the dust from your feet… Can you leave this experience with the Lord? As you listen to the reading again, stay with all that you have reflected on… In these final moments of prayer, you might like to rejoice with the Lord for the ways he works with you and through you, or talk to Him about anything that is lingering from this time of reflection. 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.

Today is Wednesday the 5th of February, the feast of Saint Agatha, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON, with Paul Zach and Jessica Fox, sings ‘Just a closer walk with Thee’. I am weak, but thou art strong Jesus, keep me from all wrong I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Through this world of toil and snares If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be When my feeble life is o'er Time for me will be no more Guide me gently, safely o'er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:1-6 [Jesus] left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. Imagine today that as one of the disciples of Jesus, you follow him to his hometown. Picture the village now, so familiar to Jesus… the homes… the people who live there…What is it like for Jesus as he arrives? Watch as he is greeted by his mother…his family…by the neighbours. Now place yourself in the local synagogue on the Sabbath and watch Jesus as he teaches the local community, the people who have known him as a carpenter… what mood do you sense here? How are the local community receiving his message? Try to picture their facial expressions… As you listen to the reading again, notice the things that are said about Jesus in both astonishment and offence. As a disciple, by his side, imagine now, that you are walking away from Jesus’ home towards the villages, ready to begin teaching there. As you walk, what would you like to say to Jesus? End your prayer with a conversation with him about the reading today. 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.

Today is Tuesday the 4th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’. As we prepare to follow Jesus through scripture today, place yourself in His presence now… Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. In today’s reading we will encounter the healing of a woman and a young girl who is restored from death to life. The reading has been split into short sections, so as the story unfolds, imagine that you are one of the disciples of Jesus, following him throughout the day. Mark 5:21-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Begin by imagining that you are in the boat with Jesus, sailing from one side of the lake to the other. Picture the lake, the colour of the water, the breeze. As you approach the other side you see a huge crowd awaiting his arrival. As you disembark with Jesus and his other disciples, notice how they react to the crowd. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So, he went with him. Watch Jairus now and how he falls at the feet of Jesus, how do you feel as you see this wealthy and important man demonstrate his love for his daughter and his desperation for her to be healed… Continue the journey now, walking for a while beside Jesus and Jairus as they walk towards Jairus’s home…notice how the crowd is growing and presses in against Jesus…what is it like to be part of this crowd? Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Now watch this woman, silently pushing through the crowd. What does she look like? Watch her desperation to reach Jesus as she tries to touch the hem of Jesus’ clothes. Perhaps you would also like to touch the hem of Jesus’ clothes… What need brings you to reach out to him today? Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Notice how the woman changes. Look her in the face and see her emotions. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ‘He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease.’ Watch the woman as she falls at the feet of Jesus, telling him of her ailment. Then watch her stand and walk home. How has she changed? While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. Keep following Jesus, as one has been invited to stay with him, and watch the events unfold When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this and told them to give her something to eat. What is it like to see Jesus raising this young girl from the dead? As you begin to end your time of prayer now, reflect on your time by his side today, notice which moment of the journey has most 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.

Today is Monday the 3rd of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father? Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 11:32-40 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. In today’s reading, we hear of the faith of those in the Old Testament who achieved incredible deeds, endured great hardship and gave their lives for the sake of their faith in God. We might take a moment to marvel at their faith, at the extent of suffering they endured and their willingness to die for their faith. Take a moment now, to bring your own faith to the Lord, noticing the way that it shapes the way you live…the way you serve and the way you love. Imagine that God is looking upon you, marvelling at your faithfulness. Perhaps there have been times when you’ve experienced hardship or persecution? Speak now, with the Lord, about any difficult experiences that come to mind, perhaps still causing suffering. As you listen to the reading again, and the list of heroes and martyrs from the past, imagine that you are standing among them. End your time of prayer today in gratitude for the examples of faith from our reading today, also for your own journey with the Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 2nd of February, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, beginning the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing the Nunc Dimittis from Rachmaninov’s Vespers, the song of Simeon: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples”. As I listen, can I become aware that I am in God’s presence now, that I too am God’s servant, and that I too am part of this story of salvation? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 2:22-40 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. We get a picture of Simeon in this reading as an old man, who’s been waiting for many years in faith and in hope, looking forward to the coming of the chosen one, the one who would bring liberation and peace to a troubled world. Can you identify with him? Can you imagine what those years were like for him? Perhaps there are hopes that you have held in your heart for many years, waiting in faith for their fulfillment? The Good News is that Simeon is not disappointed: the One he’s been waiting for all his life enters his temple. With the eyes of faith, Simeon recognises who this little baby is, and praises God. Imagine for a moment Simeon’s feelings at that moment, as he takes the child in his arms. As you hear the story again, listen especially to what Simeon says – his words to Mary and Joseph and his words to God himself – what he has to say about this child, the long-expected Messiah. Can I talk to God now about what I long for, what I am waiting for? - and what signs I would recognise of these hopes of mine being fulfilled? 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.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take some time to become still, becoming aware of your body and your breathing. The examen prayer is not so much about self-analysis or introspection but rather a time to approach the mystery of God and, in its light, to grow in awareness about one's life. Begin by becoming aware of Jesus, imagining His gaze upon you. Next, take some time to recall what happened to you this week, noticing any events or conversations which stand out. Can you think of something specific for which you would like to thank God? If so, take a moment to do so. What about struggles or difficulties? Try to name what has been more challenging this week. Talk to God about it. Finally, what is it that you would like for the days ahead? As this time of prayer comes to an end, commend whatever comes to mind to God. 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.

Today is Friday the 31st of January, the feast of St John Bosco, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Hanaq Pachap Kusikuynin, a hymn in the Quechua language of South America, a beautiful prayer which I might make my own as I listen now: “Bliss of heaven: a thousand times I adore you. Tree of uncountable fruits. Hope of the peoples. Pillar of the weak. Listen to my prayer.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:26-34 [Jesus] also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. In this passage, Jesus tells two stories about “the Kingdom of God”. The two stories both talk about the astonishing process of growth - something that was perhaps more familiar to Jesus and his audience than it is to us. Take some time to sit with these images of seed, growth and harvest… How does this version of the kingdom of God speak to you? Does a particular image stay with you? Now listen to the passage again. Ask yourself, “Is Jesus challenging me to do something here? What does he want me to do? Am I willing to do it?” Finally sum up all that you have felt and thought in the last few minutes and offer it as a prayer to God the Father, or to Jesus, or to the Holy Spirit. 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.

Today is Thursday the 30th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Brilliance sings, ‘May You Find A Light’. As you listen, reflect on the light of Christ in your life… can you locate it? Lost and weary traveler Searching for the way to go Stranger, heavy-hearted Longing for someone you know May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home There are weary travellers Searching everywhere you go Strangers, who are searching Longing deeply to be known May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home A light shown down on us A star above shines bright A light shines bright A light shines bright Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:21-25 [Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’  In his ministry, Jesus often instructs the people he helps not to say anything about it to anyone. It’s as though he is trying to keep his work secret. But it never works, and the word gets round quicker than ever. Maybe that is what he is talking about in this Gospel passage: you can’t cover up a shining light! You can’t keep secrets from getting out! That’s a good message for us when we are worried that the Gospel may not be getting through to us. Reflect on that image for a moment or two… Jesus reassures us that the Word planted in our hearts always does its work. Looking back over your life can you see how Jesus has broken through to the surface after being hidden for a long period? … Might he even be hidden now, just waiting to reveal Himself? As you listen again to the words of Jesus, look around you and see a world in which the divine light of Christ is veiled. Hear the promise of Jesus that “more will be given”. Note how your attitude to the world changes in the light of this promise. Jesus reassures us that God will continue to pour out his grace on us by showing us His glory. Turn to the Lord now and share with Him your thoughts and feelings, your desires and anxieties. Ask Him, if you desire it, to show you His glory today. 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.