Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Sunday 1 June 2025Today is Sunday the 1st of June, beginning the 7th week of Eastertide. The choir of Portsmouth Cathedral sing Psalm 42 – Like as the Hart desireth the waterbrooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God. Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God? Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself… …The Lord hath granted his loving-kindness in the day-time: and in the night-season did I sing of him, and made my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto the God of my strength, Why hast thou forgotten me: why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me? My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword: while mine enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth; Namely, while they say daily unto me: Where is now thy God? Why art thou so vexed, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me? O put thy trust in God: for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from the Book of the Apocalypse. Apocalypse 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 ‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. ‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’ The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The end of the book of Revelation contains the ultimate promise of Jesus: ‘I am coming soon’, yet nearly two thousand years have passed since that promise was written. We live in an in-between time of now and not yet. What signs of God’s presence do you detect in your life and in the world? In the reading the risen Jesus offers us ‘the water of life as a gift’. What have you experienced that water of life to be? Everyone who is thirsty is invited to come. What is it that you are thirsty for? As you listen once more to these closing words of the Bible, what thoughts, hopes or desires come to your mind? Take time to allow them to surface. Apocalypse 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 ‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. ‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’ The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Take time now to respond to the promise and the offer contained in this reading, sharing with God all that is in your mind and heart. 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 31 May 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today we celebrate the feast of the Visitation, when Mary travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth after receiving the message of the angel Gabriel and sang her Magnificat in praise of God’s saving power. During this week we have seen how that message of salvation was carried across the Gentile world by Paul on his missionary journey and have stood with the disciples of Jesus as he finally left them to return to his Father before the sending of the Holy Spirit. This has been a lot to contemplate in one short week, but all of it has been a reminder of how God’s power shines through our human weakness and fulfils our deepest longings, beyond every hope or fear. Mary sings of her soul glorifying God and her spirit rejoicing in her Saviour. What gifts or graces are you aware of having received this week for which you want to thank and praise God? Mary is aware of her own limitations yet experiences the power of God working in her. In his missionary journeys, Paul also experienced God as working in him despite his own shortcomings and struggles. How have you experienced this balance between your own capacities and God’s power within your own experience? Do you find yourself able to trust God or are you inclined to focus more on the experience of inability or failure? At his Ascension Jesus promises his disciples that their pain at his loss from the physical world will be turned into joy. Have you been able to experience joy and assurance in your faith, or is it a struggle to believe in the promises of Christ? Jesus encourages his disciples to persevere in asking God for the gifts and graces that they need and Mary sings of a God who feeds us in our hunger. What do you feel you stand in need of at this time? What are the needs of our world? Take time to give voice to those needs and desires to the God who promises to be with us until the end of 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

Friday 30 May 2025Today is Friday the 30th of May, in the 6th week of Eastertide. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Joy’. Where can you find the joy of the Lord in your life today? My Light and salvation, it's You I've got a firm foundation in You, Lord You hold me daily, daily The hope for my soul I'm ever so safe here with You I got Grace everywhere I be With blessings falling on me There's nothing too hard for the God that I serve Tell me why should I be afraid? No matter what comes my way I'll overcome with a smile on my face I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul I feel like dancing, I feel it in my bones I sing, I sing, Lord It feels like a dream 'Cause with You on my team I'm winning Nothing's going to hold me back Nothing's going to stop my praise Nothing's going to keep me silent I'll say it from the rooftops I got grace everywhere I be With blessings falling on me There's nothing too hard for the God that I serve Tell me why should I be afraid? No matter what comes my way I'll overcome with a smile on my face I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul I feel like dancing, I feel it in my bones Joy like a river flowing down, down, down, down… I got joy like a river flowing down, down, down, down… I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 16:20-23 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Jesus speaks of his physical departure from this earth, likening his disciples’ response to the pains of childbirth. What has been born in you from the coming of the God’s Spirit through the rising of Jesus from the dead? Jesus promises that if we ask anything of the Father in his name, it will be given to us, yet we often don’t receive what we ask for in prayer. How do you understand or respond to his words here? Listening again to the reading, notice what strikes you and how you respond to those particular words. John 16:20-23 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Despite the struggles we sometimes face with prayer that appears to go unanswered, Jesus encourages us to place our deep desires before God. What do you want to ask of or say to God 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 29 May 2025Today is Thursday the 29th of May, the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, in the 6th week of Eastertide. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Viri Galilei, the Antiphon for the Feast of the Ascension. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? The Lord will return, just as you have seen him ascend. Alleluia.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 24:46-53 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke says, of the Ascension of Jesus, ‘While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them’. For so many of us this dynamic of presence and absence is a familiar pattern in our relationship with God. Luke speaks of the disciples’ joy, but is this how you feel when Jesus appears to withdraw? Jesus promises to clothe his disciples with power from on high with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Yet the Acts of the Apostles show them to remain ordinary, fallible people. What has been your experience of living in the Spirit? As we hear the reading again, notice where your mind and heart are held. What is it that holds you there? Take time to stay there with God. Luke 24:46-53 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. Jesus tells his disciples that he is sending what the Father promised. Confident in God’s generosity, what special gifts of the Spirit do you want to ask for 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

Wednesday 28 May 2025Today is Wednesday the 28th of May, in the 6th week of Eastertide. Eliza King and Tenielle Neda sing, ‘All Who Would Believe’. Before I knew my deepest need Before my eyes were opened You died to bring my liberty So, this alone I boast in It's not that I had loved You, Lord But that You first had loved me You looked upon my helpless state With Your unfailing mercy 'Cause I don't deserve a thing Still, You gave Your life for me So all who would believe Can finally be free From death and the grip of sin And into new life again Now all who would believe Look to the Son and find Pеace Though it was He who knew no sin Thе Father laid upon Him The heavy weight of all we'd done The fruit of our rebellion And still He freely drank the cup And unto death surrendered The Son of Man was lifted up That we might be made righteous And I don't deserve a thing Still, You gave Your life for me Now all who would believe Can finally be free From death and the grip of sin And into new life again Now all who would believe Look to the Son and find The way, the truth, the life The light of all mankind The resurrected King Our blessed Prince of Peace 'Cause I don't deserve a thing Still, You gave Your life for me So all who would believe Can finally be free From death and the grip of sin And into new life again Now all who would believe Look to the Son and find Peace Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving instructions to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible, they left him. Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, ‘Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’ When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, ‘We will hear you again about this.’ At that point Paul left them. But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. In his mission to Athens Paul faces not friendship or direct opposition but mockery. The Athenians are sophisticated people and find his mention of the resurrection absurd. Have you ever been mocked or belittled for your faith, or felt ashamed to speak of it? How did you react to such an experience? Paul tries to find ways to speak of his faith that will make sense to his particular audience. What might open up the possibility of ‘spiritual conversations’ among your friends or acquaintances? What comes to you as you imagine trying to do this? Listen to the words of the first part of the reading again. Is there something that strikes or stays with you, and why does it do that? Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving instructions to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible, they left him. Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, ‘Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” Where have your thoughts and imagination taken you in response to today’s reading? Take some time now to speak to God about whatever has arisen for you and ask for whatever you need 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

Tuesday 27 May 2025Today is Tuesday the 27th of May, the feast of St Augustine of Canterbury, in the 6th week of Eastertide. 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 Acts of the Apostles. Acts 16:22-34 The crowd joined in attacking [Paul and Silas], and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. Yesterday we witnessed Paul’s mission flourishing through friendship. Today we hear of it flourishing despite violent opposition. Have you ever faced hostile reactions to your faith? If so, what did that feel like? Or is your faith so understated that no one has ever reacted to it one way or the other? Once again, a new believer’s faith finds expression in friendship and hospitality. What role have they played in your life of faith, either as giver or as receiver of such hospitality and fellowship? Now we hear the readings repeated. Notice what thoughts and feelings or images strike you and why. Where do they take you in your prayerful listening? Acts 16:22-34 The crowd joined in attacking [Paul and Silas], and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. There may be something that you want to say to God about your thoughts and feelings around today’s reading. Take time to express whatever is in your heart and mind. 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 26 May 2025Today is Monday the 26th of May, the feast of St Philip Neri, in the 6th week of Eastertide. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. We catch a glimpse here of the practical aspects of Paul’s missionary journeys. Like Jesus, he finds support for his mission through the friendship and generosity of local businesswomen. Have you found support for your life of faith among friends or colleagues? Have you had experience of speaking about your faith to others? What has that been like, or have you found yourself inhibited from talking about God for external or internal reasons? As the reading is repeated, notice what words or images engage you and why. Where do your thoughts or imagination take you? Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. Take a few minutes to speak to God about your response to this reading, perhaps to ask for a grace that you need or to give thanks, speaking from your heart. 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 25 May 2025Today is Sunday the 25th of May, beginning the 6th week of Eastertide.  St Augustine’s Music sings, ‘Job’.    Who formed the earth's foundations?  Marked off its dimensions?  Who laid the stone?  Who wrapped the earth in darkness?  Spread out the stars around us?  Surely you know?     Who lit the constellations?    Mapped out their rotation?  Who made it so?  Who gave the dawn its orders?  Who fixed the oceans' borders?  Who made our home?     I spoke of things I did not understand  I'm unworthy  My ears have heard  But now my eyes see  Creation's glory     Holy, magnificent  Worthy, magnificent     We delight in all we don’t know  We know we’re not in control  Would you fill us with wonder  Fill us with wonder  Today’s reading is from the Book of the Apocalypse.    Apocalypse 21:10-14, 22-23  And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites; on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  St. Ignatius invites us to enter into scripture, not as distant observers but as participants. Take a moment to place yourself alongside John in this wondrous vision, as he is lifted up to this great mountain and is shown a city of pure radiance, its foundations gleaming with divine light. What emotions arise in you from this vision?  Now, imagine stepping into this holy city. A city illuminated entirely by the presence of God. There is no need for artificial light - no sun, no moon - only the brilliance of divine glory and the radiance of the Lamb. What does it feel like to imagine God’s presence?    Might there be parts of yourself that resist such light? This passage may call us to reflect on where we find our ‘light’. The temporary lights of success, recognition, or human affirmation? Or Christ as our light, illuminating our path even in uncertain times?  As you listen to the passage again, consider that John’s vision of the new Jerusalem is not a vision of a future reality - it is an invitation to live in God’s light today.   Apocalypse 21:10-14, 22-23  And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites; on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  On this day, may we be reminded that our home is in God. In this time of prayer, rest in God’s love. Ask the Lord to help you to walk as a child of light. Amen.  Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.   As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be  World without end  Amen  

Saturday 24 May 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen.  During these weeks after Easter, we consider the teaching of Jesus, his invitation to rest in his love and his promise of the Holy Spirit to be present in our lives. Through the Examen we seek to bear fruit under the Lord’s guidance.  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 of the Holy Spirit to guide us.   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 the grace to bear good fruit through love and service.    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 23 May 2025Today is Friday the 23rd of May, in the 5th week of Eastertide.    Molly Parden with Bifrost Arts sings a setting of Psalm 126.     Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter  Our tongues they were loosed, loosed with joy  Restore us, O Lord  Restore us, O Lord  Although we are weeping  Lord, help us keep sowing  The seeds of Your Kingdom  For the day You will reap them  Your sheaves we will carry  Lord, please do not tarry  All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy  The nations will say, "He has done great things!"  The nations will sing songs of joy  Restore us, O Lord  Restore us, O Lord  Although we are weeping  Lord, help us keep sowing  The seeds of Your Kingdom  For the day You will reap them  Your sheaves we will carry  Lord, please do not tarry  All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 15:22-31  Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: ‘The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.’  So they were sent off and went down to Antioch. When they gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation.  This passage describes the early Church’s decision to send a letter of encouragement and instruction to the Gentile believers. After much debate, the apostles and elders, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, choose to bring peace and unity rather than unnecessary burdens. What is your first response to this account?    As the faith moves out to others, there is a need for new ways of seeing and thinking. Consider when there have been times when you have been open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, even when it challenges your assumptions. Have there been times that you have placed unnecessary burdens on yourself or others?    As you listen to the passage again, consider how you can be an encourager to someone today, just as the new believers are encouraged.  Acts 15:22-31  Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: ‘The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.’  So they were sent off and went down to Antioch. When they gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation.  In a time of prayer, you may wish to ask the Holy Spirit for the grace and wisdom you need 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