Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Today is Tuesday the 10th of December in the 2nd week of Advent. Maldwyn Davies sings Comfort Ye My People, from Handel’s Messiah. Comfort ye Comfort ye my people Comfort ye Comfort ye my people Saith your God Saith your God Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem And cry unto her That her warfare Her warfare is accomplished That her iniquity is pardoned That her iniquity is pardoned Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, O comfort my people,  says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,  and cry to her that she has served her term,  that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand  double for all her sins. A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,  make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up,  and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level,  and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,  and all people shall see it together,  for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ In the first part of today’s reading, we hear the Lord speaking through the Prophet Isaiah to Jerusalem, bringing a message of comfort and forgiveness. Talk with the Lord about any situations in your life where you need to see or feel the tenderness of this message. Advent may be seen as a time of new beginnings with God, so perhaps you can begin to prepare the way of the Lord in your heart. Can you invite him to come to you and make the uneven ground level, and the rough places into a smooth plain? ‘Comfort O comfort my people.’ Think for a moment about anyone you know who also needs the comfort of the Lord. As you hear the second part of our reading, be aware of which word or phrase speaks most to your heart. A voice says, ‘Cry out!’  And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’ All people are grass,  their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades,  when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;  surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades;  but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain,  O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength,  O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,  lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah,  ‘Here is your God!’ See, the Lord God comes with might,  and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him,  and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd;  he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom,  and gently lead the mother sheep. Now, try staying with the word or phrase that has most touched you today, noticing the feelings it has evoked within you. Throughout the day, you can return to your chosen word or phrase in the quieter moments, as if enjoying a gift or promise from the Lord, perhaps holding it in your hand. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Monday the 9th of December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 2nd week of Advent. The Brilliance sings, ‘Mother of God’. Mary, full of grace The Lord your God is with thee Blessed are you to bless all the world Mary, peace is yours The Spirit is upon you You will be with child, do not fear Mother of God Your baby boy will grant us peace Your baby boy will grant us peace Word made flesh Born of virgin Mary Hope is in the world, Emmanuel The Lamb of God Born to die, He came He would show the world a better way Emmanuel God with us, God with us Emmanuel God with us, God with us Son of God Hear Your people calling All cry out for peace, can you hear? In our despair We doubt in Your return Messiah, will You come once again? Emmanuel God with us, God with us Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. Our passage today brings us beautiful, perhaps familiar words; words which bring a sense of anticipation as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. How did you feel as you heard this reading today? Take a moment now to picture Mary and the Angel Gabriel as they meet. Maybe a famous piece of art or music comes to mind. Enjoy this memory as you take part in the encounter. Now let your imagination take you to Mary’s home in the town of Nazareth. What is it like to be there? Turn your gaze towards Mary as she meets with the Angel Gabriel; try to picture her facial expression and countenance as she hears these words: ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.’ As you listen to the reading again, notice all the sentences that include the word ‘will’… which announce the promises of God through Gabriel. Mary replies, “Let it be to me, according to your word.” Spend a little more time now with Mary. Maybe there is something you would like to say to her, or perhaps you can just quietly savour this moment together. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Sunday the 8th of December, the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Audrey Assad sings, ‘Winter Snow’. You could've come like a mighty storm With all the strength of a hurricane You could've come like a forest fire With the power of heaven in Your flame But You came like a winter snow Quiet and soft and slow Falling from the sky in the night To the Earth below Oh, You could've swept in like a tidal wave Or a big ocean to ravish our hearts You could have come through like a roaring flood To wipe away the things that we've scarred Oh, but You came like a winter snow So quiet, so soft, so slow Falling from the sky in the night To the Earth below, Your voice wasn't in a bush burning No, Your voice wasn't in a rushing wind It was still, so small It was hidden You came like a winter snow So quiet, so soft, so slow Falling from the sky in the night To the Earth below Today’s reading is from the Book of Baruch. Baruch 5:1-9 Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on for ever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting; for God will show your splendour everywhere under heaven. For God will give you evermore the name, ‘Righteous Peace, Godly Glory’. Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; look towards the east, and see your children gathered from west and east at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God’s command. For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him. In this reading, we hear about the promises of God: that sorrow and affliction may be cast off, and that God will lead His people with joy, mercy and righteousness. The Prophet Baruch employs an image which is later taken up by John the Baptist: 'That every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low, and the valleys filled up, to make level ground'. What does this mean to you? How might it speak to you today? Advent is a season of waiting, of hope and of expectation. As the days become darker, so too the light burns more brightly. What is it that you hope for during this season? As this time of prayer comes to an end, take a moment to share freely both your sorrows as well as your hopes with God, perhaps praying for a future that may be filled with hope. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. As this period of prayer begins, take some time to enter into silence and to notice your breathing. Resting in the presence of God, ask to see the last few days with light and clarity. Recall what has happened to you in the course of the week. Where were you? What did you do? Perhaps play back over your week, noticing what appears important or noteworthy. Don’t worry if you can’t remember much! Just let whatever rises to the surface come up naturally… What are one or two things for which you feel grateful and for which you would like to give thanks to God ? The scripture readings this week have been about peace and about the care and compassion of Jesus. Consider where you have found peace or compassion present in the last few days. Is there anything you would like to leave behind as this week draws to a close? Anything you wouldn’t like to carry forward? Let yourself dwell on whatever seems important, eventually bringing that into conversation with Jesus. Looking ahead, what seems to be important for the days to come? Is there anything you would like to ask for as the new week begins? O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Friday the 6th of December in the 1st week of Advent. Jonathan Ogden, Molly Parden and The Porter’s Gate sing ‘He Comes’. How does Jesus come to you in this season of Advent? He comes, the Lord's anointed One And we shall see His face As clear as if the rising sun Poured out the light of grace He comes, and we shall hear His voice Not as some distant sound But tones that make the heart rejoice When love, long lost, is found He comes, not to the wise and great But to the bound and poor So low Himself that potentates Must kneel to pass His door He comes, with favour in his hands Our empty souls to fill To make a highway through the sands And bid the storms be still He comes, and we shall come to him Set free from ancient chains Adorned in mercy's diadem To glory in His reign He comes, the Lord, as one of us He comes to judge the earth How wonderful, how glorious His long awaited birth Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:27-31 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. Today's reading is a story of healing. The two blind men with deep faith cry out to Jesus, who hears them and responds. Take a moment to imagine the scene. We too can experience the merciful regard of Jesus upon our life as it is – including our challenges, struggles and difficulties. Take a moment to lift up all you are finding difficult in your life right now. ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ Jesus asks the blind men. They reply 'Yes, Lord'. The faith of those seeking sight is a key part of the encounter with Jesus. As you listen to the passage again, notice the role that the blind men play in the healing. As this time of prayer comes to an end, speak to Jesus about whatever is on your mind. Perhaps you may be inspired by something of the deep faith of these two blind men and their conviction that Jesus responds to our calls for help. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Thursday the 5th of December in the 1st week of Advent. The Gaudete Ensemble conducted by Eamon Dougann sing 'O Sapientia' (O Wisdom) by Margaret Rizza. You might like to begin your prayer today with these words: O Wisdom, Lord God Emmanuel, as I begin my time of prayer today, I acknowledge your wisdom, present here with me, now… Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace— in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy. In today’s passage, we are presented with an image of a peaceful city and hear an encouragement to trust in God. "Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock." Passages in scripture often encourage us to trust in God. What might it mean for you to trust in God at this point in time? Trust can be nurtured through remembrance of the graces and blessings received in one's life. What are some of the blessings in your life which, when you recall them, might help you to trust in the future? As you listen to the passage again, notice any words or images which stay with you, perhaps attending in particular to what the Prophet says about trust. As this time of prayer comes to an end, speak freely with God – sharing whatever is in your heart and mind. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Wednesday the 4th of December in the 1st week of Advent. Liz Vice with the Good Shepherd Collective sings, ‘Amazing Grace’. How have you experienced the grace of Jesus in your life? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 15:29-37 After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.  In today's passage Jesus heals those who are sick and feeds the crowds. Take a moment to imagine the scene. In the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the retreatant is invited to sense and to feel the style and heart of Jesus. Is this something you might like to ask for today? Jesus cares for the crowd and the different dimensions of their lives. As you listen to the passage again, notice the different ways in which Jesus cares for those who follow Him. In light of this Gospel story, how might you care for the people you will interact with today? As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak freely with Jesus about this and whatever else comes to mind. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Tuesday the 3rd of December, the feast of Saint Francis Xavier, in the 1st week of Advent. Nick Chambers with The Porter’s Gate sings Benedictus. ‘You will guide our feet into the way of peace…’ As you listen to this song, take a moment to come into the presence of God’s peace. You might like to pray for peace today…for yourself…for the world. 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 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 Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. Today the prophet Isaiah suggests that, with God's grace, the impossible can become possible. “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid.” The prophet presents us with different scenes of relaxed cooperation in which predators and their prey are at peace with one another. Take time to picture this. Can you think of situations in your own life where there is a need for peace and cooperation? Who are the people involved? Pope Francis encourages us to pray for peace every day, remembering victims of war around the world. Perhaps take some time now to remember different countries and peoples which so desperately yearn for peace. As this time of prayer comes to an end, bring your thoughts into conversation with Jesus, One who is called the Prince of Peace. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Monday the 2nd of December in the 1st week of Advent. The Portsmouth Cathedral Choir sings, ‘The Advent Prose’: ‘Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness.’ You might like to make this your own prayer today. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 2:1-5 The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! In today's reading, we are invited to meditate on a vision of peace, one in which nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither learn war. Take some time to imagine such a world. "They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks". In the prophet Isaiah's vision, nothing is wasted. Weapons are turned into tools of cultivation. How might this inspire your prayer today? ‘…nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’ The promise of peace – that there will be an 'afterwards' to violence - can help sustain us during times of despair and anguish. As you listen to the passage again, notice any words or images which resonate with you and seem to nourish hope. As this time of prayer comes to an end, bring your thoughts and prayers to God, perhaps praying for peace where it is most needed in our world. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.

Today is Sunday the 1st of December, the First Sunday of Advent. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’. Take a moment to consciously step into this new season of Advent. What are you hoping for in this season? Come Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free From our fears and sins release us Let us find our rest in Thee Israel's strength and consolation Hope of all the earth Thou art Dear desire of every nation Joy of every longing heart Born Thy people to deliver Born a child and yet a King Born to reign in us forever Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone By Thine all sufficient merit Raise us to Thy glorious throne Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 3:14-16 Return, O faithless children, says the Lord, for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. And when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says the Lord, they shall no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It shall not come to mind, or be remembered, or missed; nor shall another one be made. As we enter a new church year on this Advent Sunday, we hear the prophet Jeremiah calling us to return to the Lord. How do you respond to this invitation? In what ways do you need to return to the Lord? Ask Jesus to help you with this. Listen for his response. Who has shepherded you most in your faith? Give thanks for them today. As you hear the passage again, ask for the ‘knowledge and understanding’ you need to grow in faith. As you rest in God, looking forward to this new season, let go of something from the past that you no longer need to hold onto. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus