Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a moment to become still before God… The God who sees, knows and understands your thoughts. Surrender your thoughts and feelings over to God as you begin to pray today. Cast your mind back over the week… don’t worry about what you can or can’t remember. Just let a few key moments rise to the surface naturally. What stands out as a moment of lightness? Was there a moment that felt like everything was in its right place? Perhaps even in a moment of challenge…was God’s comforting presence with you – maybe in the form of a friend, or a moment you saw in nature… What stands out as a moment of difficulty? Perhaps a moment you felt far from God, or far from others… You might have felt closed in on yourself. Offer this moment to God now for God to gently hold… As we draw this Examen to a close, what would you like to say to God about your coming week? What help or guidance do you need? 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 11th of October in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings Ukuthula. ‘Peace in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings. Redemption in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings.’ Ukuthula kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukuthula Usindiso kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ usindiso Ukubonga kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukubonga Ukukholwa kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukukholwa Ukunqoba kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukunqoba Induduzo kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ induduzo Peace in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings peace Redemption in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings redemption Praise (gratefulness) in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings praise (gratefulness) Faith in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings Victory in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings Comfort in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:15-26 But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house.’ Reflect on Jesus’ words here for a moment… Is there a divided kingdom you long to pray for today? Perhaps in the world…perhaps in yourself… ‘But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you’. We reflect on the power of Jesus; a power that brings restoration. A power that brings everything back into order. How do you notice the kingdom arriving around you today? What is being made new around you? As you listen to the passage again, notice those who are testing Jesus… How do you feel about their demands for signs? ‘But [Jesus] knew what they were thinking…’ Jesus knows what you are thinking too, and lovingly watches over your thoughts. Speak with Jesus about anything that has arisen for you during this time of prayer. 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 10th of October in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Every Little Song’. Is there a song from your heart that you could offer God today? Perhaps in the same way a child might sing a song to a parent… If I knew the words You wanted If I knew Your favourite tune I would practice for a while And I'd sing a little song for You And if my heart was like King David's Would I know the words to choose Would You ask me to your throne room To sing my little song for You And so receive my words And so receive my tunes They are my best They are my first fruits Until I see Your face In heaven’s great great view These little songs are what I have for You They are the best that this little child can do So for now receive my heart through Every little song Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:5-13 And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Jesus teaches us to call God ‘Father’. This calls for a father-child relationship between us and God. How does this make you feel? You may or may not have experienced a father’s loving care in your life. Jesus tells us that ‘the heavenly Father’ cares and much more so than the earthly fathers who are not perfect. Can you think of a time when you experienced the heavenly father’s loving care for you? In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples against imitating the hypocrites’ prayers. He talks against babbling as the gentiles do [Matthew 6:5-7]. Prayer is not about using many words. Prayer is a relationship which is experienced and expressed as personally as the person praying can be. We have to be who we are in any relationship and that is what Jesus is offering us. Listen now to the reading again. How would you like to experience and express your relationship with God? What about with fellow human beings? Jesus says, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you’. Be as open and as honest as you can now, and ask for whatever you need from God today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 9th of October in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’. How might your soul find rest in God as you begin to pray today? Here in this mystery Here in Your majesty I find myself With nothing to offer Your love surrounds me You give me yourself My soul rests, my soul rests In your embrace My spirit sings, my spirit sings All your praise Here in your presence The whole host of heaven Bows down low There’s no higher honour No love that’s greater You make us your own You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 11:1-4 [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’ It's possible that the disciple in the reading seems to think prayer is something he ought to do, and that Jesus ought to teach him, if only because it’s what the others – the disciples of John the Baptist – are doing; a kind of spiritual keeping up with the Joneses. Do you feel a bit the same way, that prayer is a kind of obligation, but a bit puzzling, a bit difficult? How do you pray, usually? What do you expect from it? If you don’t pray much, what are the things that put you off praying? Jesus teaches us to call God Father. We are not coming to someone we have to drag gifts from, but to a God who delights in supplying our needs. Prayer is entering into a relationship with this loving God. So, as you listen to the reading again – with the lines a little bit more spaced-out this time – spend a few moments dwelling on each phrase - dawdling, as it were, savouring the words. Is there a particular word or phrase that stands out for you, that means something for you today? What do you need today? What is the daily bread you pray for today? Do you need to ask someone for forgiveness or forgive them for hurt caused? Are you facing a testing time today? Is there a challenge you must face that you can’t avoid? As Jesus taught us, bring your needs before your loving Father. 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 8th of October in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings, Veni Creator Spiritus: Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest And in our souls take up Thy rest Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid To fill the hearts which Thou hast made Veni, Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, imple superna gratia quae tu creasti pectora. Qui diceris Paraclitus, altissimi donum Dei, fons vivus, ignis, caritas, et spiritalis unctio. Tu, septiformis munere, digitus paternae dexterae, Tu rite promissum Patris, sermone ditans guttura. Accende lumen sensibus: infunde amorem cordibus: infirma nostri corporis virtute firmans perpeti. Per te sciamus da Patrem, noscamus atque Filium; Teque utriusque Spiritum credamus omni tempore. Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above. Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God's hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue. Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o'erflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply. Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest. Today’s reading is from St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. Galatians 1:13-24 You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him for fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, ‘The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me. As we begin to pray, spend some time with St Paul’s story… From violently persecuting the church of God, to knowing Christ and following him passionately… What stands out to you? Now reflect on your own story… do you notice any similarities? Spend time remembering the ways in which you have also been called by God’s grace… As you hear the reading again, trace Paul's journey with your ears as you listen. Notice the turning point for Paul… ‘The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.’ Is there anyone you can think of, either in your life, or the world around you, who reminds you of Saul before he was Paul? Perhaps they need your prayer today… take a moment to talk with Jesus about them… 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 7th of October, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, in the 27th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sings the Kyrie: ‘Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy.’ These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:25-37 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ When you hear this story, which character do you identify with? The unfortunate victim? The Samaritan, the despised outsider? The priest or the Levite? Perhaps the lawyer who asks Jesus this question? Which role can you imagine yourself playing? The lawyer asks Jesus: “Who is my neighbour?” He wants a definition from Jesus, a nice, clear limit; a boundary, so he knows which people are his neighbours and which are not, which people he has to love, and which he can ignore. Do you ever notice that same desire in yourself? As you hear the passage read again, listen for the subtle shift from the lawyer’s question “who is my neighbour?” to Jesus’s question “who was a neighbour?” Perhaps that shift from a concern for limits and boundaries to a more generous, open-hearted care for others – whoever they are – is one that needs to take place in my heart, too. Jesus invites me to “go and do likewise”: so, can I ask him now to show me how? – to show me who needs me to be a neighbour to them today? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 6th of October, beginning the 27th week of Ordinary Time. 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. As you listen, spend a few moments in prayer. Share your thoughts and feelings with the Lord. Listen for the Lord’s response, allowing this to deepen your relationship with Him. Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Genesis 2:18-24 Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.’ So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.’ Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. In our Sunday scripture, we are taken to the Beginning. This scripture offers an opportunity for imaginative prayer and an invitation to enter into the scene. Imagine the Garden of Eden. Still a place people ponder on. How do you imagine the beauty, the peace, and the presence of God? Do you see Adam among the animals? Do you sense his loneliness and longing for companionship? Reflect on your own experiences of loneliness. How has God provided companionship in your life? Ponder the intimacy of the moment when God weaves woman from Adam’s rib. Consider the significance of this act. What does it say to you? Take a moment to reflect on the union of man and woman, becoming one flesh. As you listen to the passage again, consider how this reflection applies to your life. Are you called to cultivate deeper relationships and companionship? Perhaps to support and cherish the people around you? ‘It is not good that the man should be alone.” As you observe the Sabbath, take time to rest in God’s presence and abiding love. Allow the insights from this reflection to deepen your relationship with God and with others. 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. This week, we have seen how the Lord is the God of All Things. Even when life is difficult, God is there, part of all we are. Maybe this could be the focus of our Examen today? 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 breath in…and then a releasing breath out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Cast your mind back over the week. Where have you experienced this need of the Lord, a call to witness, a generosity of Spirit? Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding or frustration? Allow these moments to be witnessed… 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 God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. 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 4th of October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Nick Chambers and The Porter's Gate sing, 'Where Were You?' Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations Morning stars, they sang together All the children of the heavens shouted for joy Where were you Where were you when I gave the sea it limits When I made the clouds it garments When I wrapped it up in darkness, shut behind doors Where were you Tell me, where were you when the waters split in two When the world was new When I sent the morning dew, Show me, where were you Do you know the extent of all horizons The expanse of all the oceans Have you walked these depths and edges, mountains and shores Do you know how I lead the constellations In the rhythm of the seasons And did you set free Orion to shine in the void Do you know Tell me, do you know how the light knows where to go Where the winds will blow Where the darkness makes its home? Surely, you must know I don't know. But In the whirlwind of my weakness O my God I hear you speaking And when I think of all your secrets, I shake and rejoice Today’s reading is from the Book of Job. Job 38:1;12-21; 40:3-5 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: ‘Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, so that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed like clay under the seal, and it is dyed like a garment. Light is withheld from the wicked, and their uplifted arm is broken. ‘Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness? Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this. ‘Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? Surely you know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great! Then Job answered the Lord: ‘See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but will proceed no further.’ Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi one of our most well-loved saints who continues to be relevant in our modern world. Pope Francis has taken him as his namesake, calling him, “the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.” In these passages from scripture, God responds to Job's questions. Like Job, Francis encountered God's majesty through nature. His Canticle of the Sun praises God for all creation, recognizing each element as a reflection of the divine. What is your first response to this passage? Do you encounter God's majesty in your daily life, taking time to marvel at the beauty and complexity of creation? When faced with the vastness of God's creation, how might you respond? Job's encounter with God ultimately leads him to an even deeper trust despite not understanding his suffering. As you listen to the passage again, consider where there are areas of your life where you need to trust God more deeply. How else does this passage speak to you? “I have spoken once, and I will not answer.” After God's response, Job chooses silence. Francis often found God in the silence and stillness. In a moment of personal reflection consider how you incorporate moments of silence and contemplation into your life. Share your thoughts with the God of All Things. 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 3rd of October, the feast of Saint Francis Borgia SJ, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Peace I Leave With You’, the words that Jesus spoke over his followers. Can you let these words soak into you today? Peace, my peace Peace I leave with you My peace I give Not as the world gives Not as the world gives, I give to you My peace Do not let your hearts be troubled And do not be afraid Do not let your hearts be troubled No, do not be afraid Peace Peace Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:1-12 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. The scripture passage for today describes Jesus sending out the seventy disciples to prepare the way for his coming. Today, we celebrate the life of St. Francis Borgia. In the beginning, a nobleman with a life of privilege, Borgia underwent a profound conversion after witnessing the death of Empress Isabella. He embraced a life of humility and service, much like the seventy who were sent out with no provisions, relying solely on God's grace. Jesus instructs the disciples to take nothing with them. This physical poverty encourages his friends to trust entirely in God's provision. How might you respond to this instruction? Jesus tells the disciples to offer peace to each house they enter. There is just one mission – peace. We encounter many different situations in our day. At these times, how often is ‘peace’ at the forefront of your mind? Jesus also prepared for the possibility of rejection and instructed his friends to shake the dust off their feet and walk away: to have confidence in the knowledge that "the kingdom of God has come near." Perhaps you have had this experience? As you listen to the passage again, consider the example of St. Francis Borgia, who, like the seventy disciples, left behind a life of comfort to serve God. ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.' Take a moment to share your thoughts with the Lord now, with confidence that you are chosen, just as the seventy were chosen. 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.