Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Today is Thursday the 9th of January in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Ubi Caritas': Wherever love is true, God is there. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:19-5:4 We love because he first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. What stands out for you in today’s passage? Is there a word or phrase you are drawn to? Perhaps you are challenged. It’s not always easy to love the unlovable. And, if truth be said, often we might be the “unlovable” ones! Try and focus on the love of God. You might like to imagine a conversation between the Trinity - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - as they observed the chaos in the world. What do you think made them decide to become one of us? Listen to the passage again. Do you feel it’s your duty to love others, or does your love come from a joy in knowing that you yourself are loved so much? ‘His commandments are not burdensome’. What is your reaction to those words? Speak with God. You might have some long-held regret, or hurt, over a relationship - on a personal level, or a corporate one. You could bring that burden to God and allow God’s love into the situation. 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 8th of January in the season of Christmas. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. ‘Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:45-52 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. How do you feel when you hear this familiar passage? Does anything new leap out at you? Put yourself in the boat with the disciples for a moment. Feel the wind whipping your face; the boat tipping; hear the shouting. And now make a scene change: accompany Jesus for a while. Watch how He disperses the crowd, directs the disciples into a boat, makes time to say goodbye to everyone, then finally, takes himself off up the mountain to pray. What do you notice about Him? Listen to the passage again. What comparisons can you make between each of the scenes. What contrasts? Notice your reaction. Let God know what has struck you in today’s reading. You might experience panic at times in the face of sudden adversity. Remember those words of Jesus: ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ 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 7th of January in the season of Christmas. The community of Taizé sing Gott ist nur Liebe. ‘God is nothing but love. Dare to give all for love. Give yourselves without fear.’ Gott ist nur Liebe. Wagt, für die Liebe alles zu geben. Gott ist nur Liebe. Gebt euch ohne Furcht. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. ‘God is love.’ How does that statement measure up in the world of suffering all around us? Suffering that is perhaps even directly affecting you right now? You might choose to spend some time today with the ‘suffering servant’, Jesus, God’s own Son. He came to be one of us, to experience how much we grieve, to feel our pain, to know our sense of abandonment. Spend some time now sitting with these thoughts and feelings. Let any sense of empathy - your own, or that of Christ - flow between you. Recall any scenes of grief, pain, and abandonment in the life of Christ. Is there one scene that stays with you? Sit with Christ in that scene. Take your time. As you hear the passage again, what do you think compelled God to send Jesus to live amongst us? Use your own, everyday language to try and express what was involved in that Godly decision. As this time of reflection comes to a close, speak with God. You might want to ask for a renewed awareness of God’s love, and of the suffering of Jesus. 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 6th of January in the season of Christmas. Matthew Wright sings, ‘Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful’. Can you make these your own words today? Oh Lord, You're beautiful Your face is all I seek For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me Oh Lord, You're beautiful Your face is all I seek For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me I want to take Your word and shine it all around But first help me to just, to live it Lord And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to You Oh Lord, please light the fire That once burned bright and clean Replace the lamp of my first love That burns with holy fear I want to take your word and shine it all around But first help me to just to live it Lord And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to You Oh Lord, You're beautiful Your face is all I seek For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Jesus begins his ministry bringing that ‘great light’ to ‘the people walking in darkness’, as prophesied hundreds of years earlier by Isaiah. Darkness. Words of prophecy. Light. Sit with those images for a moment. You might want to allow some movement into your picture. As you might expect, Jesus is quickly discovered. How do you think he might feel as his fame spreads? Picture the scenes as ‘all the sick’ are brought to him for healing. How do you imagine Jesus’ manner and tone as he teaches and ‘proclaims the good news’? Listen to the passage again. Allow ‘the good news of the kingdom’ to reach where you are at the moment. Speak with God about what this passage has brought out for you. Perhaps you would love some light in any darkness you are feeling around you; you can ask for God’s light. 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 5th of January, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Star of Wonder’. As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, you might like to imagine yourself as one of the Magi, making their way towards Jesus… Star of wonder Star of royal beauty bright Shine your light on earth below Guide the way For a King Wise men bring their gifts of gold Sweet perfume and precious oil Holy anointing Gloria, gloria… Empty handed Can I come just as I am? Or like a shepherd, bring a lamb? A humble offering Gloria, gloria… In the heavens Gloria, gloria… Gloria O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord (So we sing gloria…) Gloria, gloria… Peace to earth Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Today is the feast of the Epiphany, Jesus revealed to a wider world than just that of the people of Israel. The “wise men from the East” represent all of us who make a journey to recognise the presence of Christ. How would you describe your own journey to him? The wise men are “overwhelmed with joy” when they discover Jesus. On the other hand, King Herod, the passage tells us, was “frightened”. What’s your own first reaction when you feel that Christ is near you? Towards the end of the passage, there is a scene familiar from countless Christmas cribs and cards. The wise men kneel before the new-born Jesus and his mother and offer their gifts. Picture the scene, for a few moments, and find your own place in it. While holding that picture of the wise men, Mary, Jesus, and your own place, in your mind’s eye, listen to the second part of this story unfold again… Speak finally to Jesus and Mary of the gifts that you yourself most need at this time, and of what you might want to offer to Jesus as well. 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. The start of a New Year is a favourite time for looking back and looking forward. Let today’s examen prayer be a review of how God has worked with you in the last year, and what you need for the year ahead. First ask God for the gift of clear sight as you look over the year that has just finished. Now see what you notice about the last twelve months. In particular, where did you discover the light, the life, and the energy that are the signs of God’s presence. Life and light in yourself, and in others? Notice, too, how you’ve responded to God over the last year. Pick up particularly on the highlights, times when you’ve really appreciated and made good use of God’s presence and gifts. If you notice times when you haven’t appreciated God’s presence, when you’ve made poor use of his gifts, simply apologise and ask for God’s help to do better as you move forward. What does this prayer tell you about responding as a disciple of Christ in the next few weeks and months? Ask for whatever help you most need from God to go forward confidently. 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 3rd of January, the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Checko Ankrah and Nicky Lathbridge sing, ‘High and Lifted’. You are worthy to be praised You are worthy to be praised You are high and lifted up You are high and lifted up You are high and lifted up Oh Lord You are high and lifted up We're surrounded by Your presence, oh God You are high and lifted up Your glory fills Your glory fills the space, oh God You are high and lifted up I hear the sound of angels I hear the sound of Heaven I see Your glory fill this place, oh God You are high, You are high and lifted up Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 1:29-34 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ At this point in the gospels, John the Baptist has many followers. His message has struck a chord with people. Yet to their initial surprise, all he wants to do is to point them towards Jesus. What does this suggest to you about John? John himself first recognises Jesus when he sees the Spirit descend on him. Who are the people in whom you can recognise God’s Spirit at work? John describes Jesus as the one who “takes away the sins of the world”. What sins do you see in yourself, or in the world, that you would hope that Jesus will take away? Notice, as the passage is read again, everything that it tells you about Jesus, who he is, and why he came. Your prayer today might finish by talking with both John the Baptist and with Jesus about what you have experienced in the last few minutes. 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 2nd of January, the feast of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, in the 1st week of Christmastide. The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 2:22-28 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he has promised us, eternal life. I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. You don’t need to imagine an antichrist with horns and hooves to know that there is much in our world that can draw us away from God. This part of John’s letter assumes that those who hear it want to remain close to, to abide in, Christ. If you’re listening to this prayer, you’re among that number. You might start by telling Christ why it is that you want to remain close to him. John speaks of “what you heard from the beginning” as the foundation of your faith. If someone said to you: “What is it that you heard from the beginning of your life as a disciple of Christ?”, how would you reply? Despite the challenges, John speaks of confidence at the end of this passage. As you listen again, try and see why that confidence is important for him, and for you. You might like to finish this prayer by asking that you will always be able to abide in Christ, to be close to him. 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 1st of January, the feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God. Everyone at Pray As You Go would like to wish you a very happy new year! Good Shepherd Collective sings, Ave Maria. You might like to reflect on Mary’s journey as a mother on this feast day. Today’s reading is from the Book of Numbers. Numbers 6:22-27 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. This first day of the new year starts with a blessing from God. God wants God’s people, wants us, to recognise that we are indeed blessed. What might that mean to you, as this prayer begins?  The Lord, this blessing prayer insists, is gracious to you. This blessing, in other words, doesn’t need to be earned. God gives his gifts freely. How far can you recognise the truth of that in your own experience? This blessing also offers peace from God. Where do you, or the world that you live in, most need that peace at the moment? Notice, as the passage is read again, its references to the Lord’s face, his countenance. Try to picture a God who looks directly at you, looking at you with love. End the prayer in conversation with God, perhaps talking about how you might pass on this blessing to others in the year ahead. 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 31st of December in the season of Christmas. The Brilliance sings, ‘May You Find A Light’. As you listen, notice how Christ has arrived as a light in different ways for you… perhaps recently, or over the years. 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 John. John 1:1-18 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. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. On this last day of the year the Church offers an image of light coming into a dark place. Think of a time when that has actually happened in your own experience. What was it like? Now think of yourself telling someone else about that experience of light breaking into the shadows – “testifying to the light”, as John puts it. Notice what you feel about that. Only at the end of this passage is it made clear that Jesus is the light that John speaks about. What does that add to the prayer you have done so far? As the passage is read again, pay attention to the various reactions that people have to the light that comes into the world. Speak, finally, to God – to the Father, or to Jesus – about your own hopes for light in your life as the New Year approaches. 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.