Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Today is Wednesday the 20th of November in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings Sanctus. As we prepare for prayer today, how might you create a small act of worship for God in this moment? Perhaps a gesture, or a word, or even a song… Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Today’s reading is from the Book of the Apocalypse. Apocalypse 4:1-11 After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! And the one seated there looks like jasper and cornelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal. Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’ And whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives for ever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’ This passage from the Book of Revelation presents a vision of heaven, where God is surrounded by elders and other creatures, engaged in ceaseless worship. It is a vivid and awe-inspiring portrayal of who God is. We place ourselves within the scene allowing senses, emotions, and thoughts to be fully engaged. As the voice like a trumpet says, “Come up here”, hear that God is calling you to experience the divine mysteries of heaven. What is your response to this invitation? Visualise the throne at the centre. The shining crystalline rainbow of light. The One seated on the throne radiating majesty and power; an invitation to awe and reverence. What does the sight of God’s throne stir within you? “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” The chants and songs of worship resound through the heavenly courts. All of creation proclaiming the eternal essence of God. Imagine yourself joining the court in worship. What moments in your own experience remind you of God's power and creative love? As you listen to the passage again, take a moment to rest in God’s presence. Let this be a moment of intimacy with God, where you feel His peace and authority over your life. Be open to any promptings from the Holy Spirit. The worshippers proclaim, “You are worthy, our Lord and God”, Let this reflection come to an end by offering a prayer of gratitude and praise, asking for the grace to keep God at the centre of your life. 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 19th of November in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘The Zacchaeus Song’. Today, we will pray with the scripture scene of Zacchaeus. As you listen to the song, notice if anything stays with you… Jesus our Lord came to seek and to save He sought me out and He called me by name Foolish and proud, like a sheep gone astray He said, "Child, to your house I will come today" Much I have gained but I'll give even more Half of my wealth it was robbed from the poor O this injustice, Lord, help me restore For You called me by name and said, "Sin no more" Salvation has come Salvation has come to this house today He said it's more blessed to give than receive To open my hands to the ones I've deceived To bring reparation of all I have thieved Hallelujah, hallelujah, yes, now I can see Salvation has come Salvation has come to this house today What I've taken from the poor, I will give it all away And their cries won't be ignored, I will give it all away Let Your justice be restored, I will give it all away What I thought was mine is yours, I will give it all away Jesus our Lord comes to seek and to save The broken, the lost, and the sheep gone astray O lay down your treasures, for they're just golden chains He says, "Child, I will come to your house today" Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 19:1-10 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’ This passage from Luke invites us to enter the scene with all our senses, connecting with the emotions of the characters and noticing their response. imagine the bustling streets of Jericho. Hear the crowd, feel the heat, and sense the murmur of the people around you as word spreads that Jesus is coming. And here, Zacchaeus, a man apart, hindered by his reputation - and his height. Consider the emotions that might be stirring in him— and what is it that calls out? Enough for him, a man of authority, to climb a tree. He wants to see Jesus, but maybe even more, he wants to be seen by Jesus. Where do you place yourself in this scene? Are you in the crowd? Are you with Zacchaeus? What emotions rise within you as Jesus moves through the crowd? "I must stay at your house today." This is a profound moment of personal invitation and acceptance. What feelings arise as you share this moment with Zacchaeus? Perhaps a moment when Jesus has called you by name? Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus leads him to a deep conversion. In response to Jesus’ love and acceptance, Zacchaeus commits to making amends and turning his life around. Reflect on how this example of Jesus’ love speaks to your life… As you listen to the passage again, take a moment to reflect; where do you sense Jesus inviting you to live more generously? “Today salvation has come to this house”… Let your prayer be a heartfelt conversation with Jesus. Listen as Jesus speaks words of love, compassion, and invitation to 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 18th of November in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Have Mercy On Me’. Jesus, son of David Have mercy Have mercy on me Have mercy Have mercy Have mercy, mercy on me When I hear you passing by When the crowd ignores my cry With all my heart and soul and mind Louder still, O Lord, I cry Jesus, son of David Have mercy Have mercy on me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 18:35-43 As [Jesus] approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. In this passage we encounter a story of persistence and answered prayer. It may be helpful to use our imagination to enter the Gospel scene. If we recall the parable of the Good Samaritan, we may have a sense of the road Jesus is travelling. There are risks here for the most able of travellers. Perhaps you can imagine yourself for a moment as the blind man sitting by the roadside, reaching out for wholeness? How might this man feel, sightless and destitute? Perhaps there has been a time where you have struggled to see God’s presence in your life, not knowing where to find guidance? Have you found the courage to call out? To persevere? Jesus asks a powerful question: "What do you want me to do for you?" Consider what your heart is truly longing for? Perhaps you might look deeply into your own desires—what is it that you truly want from God? How might you share this with the Lord? Jesus tells the man, "Your faith has healed you." Reflect on this—a bold cry for mercy, trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. Consider if this is how you live out your faith? What is your response when the world tells you to be quiet or to doubt? Reflect on the result of this encounter. How it leads to discipleship and glorifying God. Imagine how you might respond to God's grace, to moments of spiritual awakening or healing? ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Take a moment in prayer with the Lord, trusting in a response of mercy and healing. 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 17 November, beginning the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus’. O the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of thy love Leading onward, leading homeward To thy glorious rest above O the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread his praise from shore to shore How he loves us, ever loves us Changes never, nevermore How he watches o'er his loved ones Died to call them all his own How for them he's interceding Watching o'er them from the throne O the deep, deep love of Jesus 'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me And it lifts me up to glory For it lifts me up to thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 13:24-32 ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. How would you describe the tone - Jesus’s own words - of today’s passage? Dramatic? Urgent? Foreboding? Notice how you feel as you hear the words. Stay with your feelings for a moment. Is there any part of the passage that provokes you to ask a question? Listen to the passage again, noticing your reaction and letting any questions come to the fore. Remember that this is the same Jesus talking who loves, who calls us to love, who serves and calls us to serve, who forgives and calls us to forgive, who is courageous, and calls us not to be afraid. His message is indeed urgent. In another part of Scripture we read ‘the Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.’ In these closing moments, speak with God, openly, from whatever your standpoint. Allow time for your prayer. It might be a prayer you want to come back to. 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. You might like to be outdoors, or to gaze outdoors, for today’s examen. Perhaps if you can, go for a walk, or just sit at an open window. Ask God to throw light on this prayer time. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air. Breathe deeply. Lift your face to the sky. Let your arms swing around you. Walk slowly, or briskly, just as you please. Pay attention to the sounds around you. The smells. Touch any plants or trees, any water, any stone. Become aware that you are part of your surroundings. Sense the privilege of being part of the whole. Look back over your week. When and where have you had any sense of goodness, kindness, gentleness in the world around you? Try and be specific. Savour those moments. Luxuriate in them. Give thanks for them. How do you sense God responding to your thankful heart? Perhaps you have felt sorrow, or sadness, or a heavy heart at times. Try and articulate how that felt. Bring those times to God. Let it all out. Sense God’s compassionate, listening ear. What graces do you need for the coming days? Ask for those now. Imagine God giving what you are asking. As you close the time of prayer, notice how you feel. Lift your gaze once more, breathe in the fresh air once more. And go on your way, with God, your ever-present companion, at your side. 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 15 November in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing: ‘Uthando Olungaka’: ‘Who will separate us from the love of God?’ That’s a good thought to enter into prayer with, to begin my prayer today: to rest easy in the love of God, to know that I am safe in that love which nothing and no one can take away from me. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Second Letter of John. 2 John 4-9 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it. Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. The writer of this letter, John, is delighted that some of his tutees have followed his instructions, simply to love one another. It’s not as if it’s anything new, he says. It’s basic. How simple do you find the basic Christian command to love? The writer continues with his instruction: ‘be on your guard’. When might you sense that warning? It might be as clear as a bell, or it might be a faint whisper. Reflect on that for a moment… As you hear the passage again, imagine the scenes: the letter being written; and the letter being read. As this reflection draws to a close, you might want to ask God to help you to love when it’s difficult to do so. You might want to ask for a greater awareness of anything that isn’t quite right. You can ask for the gift of discernment. 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 14 November, the feast of Saint Joseph Pignatelli SJ, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing “the Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:20-25 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation. ‘In fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Try and sense how it might’ve felt to hear those words spoken by Jesus. Do you have a sense of the kingdom of God today, here and now? Stay with that for a moment. How does it look, sound, feel? How challenging must it have been for the disciples, to hear Jesus warning of disturbing difficulties to come! Jesus has something to say to the Pharisees; then he has something to say to his disciples. Do you have any sense of what Jesus might want to say to you? As you hear the passage again, allow yourself to question, to be puzzled by what Jesus is saying. Respond to today’s passage in your own words in a conversation with God. Ask God to attend to whatever is on your mind, whatever is in 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.

Today is Wednesday 13 November, the feast of Saint Stanislaus Kostka SJ, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘A Thousand Different Ways’. Nothing is unseen For You have walked the worst of it with me At times I almost didn't make it through Jesus if it hadn't been for You Still only You and I know all the places You've met me in Your mercy, in Your kindness You've saved my life a thousand times In a thousand different ways And I've never been the same Nothing is a waste For every pain and every broken place Has led me to the safety of Your hands Where I find the wounds that make me whole again Still only You and I know all the places You've pulled me from the grip of death and darkness Lord I know, You've saved my life a thousand times In a thousand different ways And I've never been the same Forever I am marked by the hands of a healer He has it written across my face Still greater's been the work of Your Holy Spirt By Your mercy I am born again By Your mercy I am born again Still only You and I know all the places You've pulled me from the grip of death and darkness Only You and I know all of the places You've met me in Your mercy, in Your kindness Lord I know, You've saved my life a thousand times In a thousand different ways And I've never been the same I never knew that I could be this free Till Jesus started healing me Didn't know I could feel so alive Till Jesus came and washed me white Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Try and imagine this scene. You might like to think of it as a clip from a film. Notice the weather, the temperature, the light, the sounds of the voices, the clothes, the colours, the lepers’ sores, the facial expressions. Watch from two camera perspectives: from where the ten people with leprosy are standing; and then from where Jesus is standing. Notice the space in between, the distance between them. Place yourself in the scene. Watch as the healings occur. The realisation on each one’s face. Take your time to absorb what is happening. Observe as those healed leave the scene. Watch, and listen carefully, as the Samaritan turns back to Jesus; as he lies at Jesus’ feet and thanks him; as he loudly praises God. Notice your response to this whole scene. Allow a conversation to develop with Jesus himself. For what are you grateful, right now? What role does gratitude play in your day-to-day life? If you were to increase your gratitude, what might happen? Speak with God about whatever is on your heart, whatever is on your 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.

Today is Tuesday 12 November, the feast of Saint Josaphat, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. ‘Christ be near at either hand’. Let me make these simple words my prayer today. Let me know Christ’s presence in my life, Christ’s closeness to me in every moment of this day, and let me welcome that presence with an open heart. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:7-10 ‘Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the servant for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ How comfortable are you, as a modern-day listener, with Jesus’ words in today’s passage? Jesus speaks of servants in today’s passage. Jesus himself became the greatest servant of all… What would you want to say to Jesus, the servant? And what about your own serving? Do you have a strong sense of a task - a serving task, nothing glamorous here - you’ve been asked, or even commanded to do for others? Washing dishes, or patiently caring for a family member, or just spending time listening to someone who is lonely. Think of someone you know whom you might describe as a true servant. What do you notice about them? As you hear the passage again, listen to Jesus’ tone. Strict teacher? Weary parent? Straight talker? Speak with God. Let God know what is in your heart. Be as open, as honest, as frank as you need to be. The passage surely invites it. 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 11 November, the feast of Saint Martin of Tours, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. Liz Vice with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘We Labor Unto Glory’. My God, my God, where e'er I go Glo-o-ory Where I reap and where I sow Glo-o-ory And my hand it grips the thorn Glo-o-ory In the still and in the storm Glo-o-ory, glo-o-ory Oh, we labor unto glory Till heaven and earth are one Oh, we labor unto glory Until God's kingdom comes The sun it shines and then goes down Glo-o-ory Rain, it pours and beats the ground Glo-o-ory Dust, it blows and ends my days Glo-o-ory Hearts they burn beneath Your gaze Glo-o-ory, glo-o-ory Oh, we labor unto glory Till heaven and earth are one Oh, we labor unto glory Until God's kingdom comes My heart, my hands, they're kingdom bound Glo-o-ory Where thorns no longer curse the ground Glo-o-ory Trim the wick, ignate the flame Glo-o-ory My work, it will not be in vain Glo-o-ory, glo-o-ory Oh, we labor unto glory Till heaven and earth are one Oh, we labor unto glory Until God's kingdom comes Oh, we labor unto glory Till heaven and earth are one Oh, we labor unto glory Until God's kingdom comes Until God's kingdom comes Until God's kingdom comes Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to Titus. Titus 1: 1-9 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began— in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour, To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour. I left you behind in Crete for this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. Paul, with his wealth of experience as a leader, still refers to himself as ‘a servant of God’. He sends practical instructions to Titus, his able assistant whom he has sent to Crete to work with a challenging church. How would you sum up your role in the church? Called to lead or called to be led? Are you able to take on the role of servant whether you are leading or being led? Jesus Himself is often referred to as ‘the servant King’. Stay with that paradox for a moment… Paul gives Titus a task: to appoint elders. The person-specifications of an elder are exacting, aren’t they? Listen to the passage again, and notice the qualities required. Notice whatever is moving in you. Ask God for whatever you need to fulfil your calling to be a member of the church community. 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.