Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Today is Wednesday the 2nd of October, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. In our journeying this day, keep us, Father, in your way. As you listen to this song by Keith Duke, why not make this your own prayer today? To know God’s closeness to you, here, right now, and never to lose sight of it. To let yourself be loved, enlivened and guided by God. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus. Exodus 23:20-23 I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be attentive to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him. But if you listen attentively to his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes. When my angel goes in front of you, and brings you to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, you shall not bow down to their gods, or worship them, or follow their practices, but you shall utterly demolish them and break their pillars in pieces. Today is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. From the beginning of scripture, these beings have been charged with the care of humanity. What is your understanding of angels? Do you have a sense of connection to this heavenly community? The Israelites are escaping into the unknown. Yet they are being guided and protected. Reflect on the sense of safety and direction the angel provides. Does this have meaning in your life now? As you listen to the reading again, notice what you are drawn to… ‘Pay attention to him and listen to what he says’. Spend a few moments in silent contemplation, inviting the Holy Spirit to deepen your awareness of God’s guiding presence in 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 1st of October, the feast of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Sorrow’s Got A Hold On Me’. As you listen, bring your own sorrows to the Lord today. Sorrow's got a hold on me The shadow is all I see Weighed down, no I can't break free Sorrow's got a hold on me Waters sweeping over me Helpless, and I'm in too deep The flood is overwhelming me Waters sweeping over me O Christ come near Come near to this broken heart of mine To this broken heart of mine Thunder coming down on me Howling, and the wind it screams This storm will blow away with me Thunder coming down on me O Christ come near Come near to this broken heart of mine To this broken heart of mine In the silence of despairing In the waking in the night In the watching and the waiting Stay here by my side In the silence of despairing In the waking in the night In the watching and the waiting Stay here by my side Lord Jesus, come and weep with me Oh, come and weep with me, oh Lord Lord Jesus, come and wait with me Come and wait with me, oh lord Come near Today’s reading is from the Book of Job. Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. Job said: ‘Let the day perish on which I was born, and the night that said, “A man-child is conceived.” ‘Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire? Why were there knees to receive me, or breasts for me to suck? Now I would be lying down and quiet; I would be asleep; then I would be at rest with kings and counsellors of the earth who rebuild ruins for themselves, or with princes who have gold, who fill their houses with silver. Or why was I not buried like a stillborn child, like an infant that never sees the light? There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. ‘Why is light given to one in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, who long for death, but it does not come, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures; who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad when they find the grave? Why is light given to one who cannot see the way, whom God has fenced in? Today is the feast day of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus. She is known for her “little way” of spiritual childhood, which, despite great suffering, emphasises simplicity, humility, and trust in God's love. Through Job’s lament we are invited to consider our own response to suffering. What is your immediate response to this passage? How does Job’s lament speak to you? ‘Why?’ In times of suffering, this question is often the first in our thoughts and on our lips. Can you recall a time when this was true for you? How did you feel? What was your awareness of God’s presence at that time? As you listen to the passage again, what is your response now? “Why is light given to one who cannot see the way?” St Teresa encourages us to seek God’s presence in our trials and to trust in God’s loving plan. Share with the Lord whatever is on your heart at this time. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 30th of September, the feast of Saint Jerome, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. One Hope Project sings, ‘Abba Father’. Abba Father, breathe on me Wash me in Your glory When faith is frail You carry me In Your presence I am free Today's reading is from the Book of Job. Today is the feast of St Jerome. Jerome’s dedication to Scripture reminds us of the importance of engaging deeply with God's Word. As we listen to today’s reading from the Book of Job, let us consider how the words of scripture speak to our hearts and minds today. Job 1:6-22 One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.’ We begin in a place imagined by writers, artists and poets. And a conversation turned to just one earthly man. How do you imagine this place filled with the heavenly host? How does it feel to be in the presence of the Lord watching this conversation take place? Then Satan answered the Lord, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!’ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Blessings and curses… how does this interplay and the resulting agreement to test Job speak to you? And here we meet Job. Perhaps you have already a sense of his character, his nature? One day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, ‘The oxen were ploughing and the donkeys were feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell on them and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ Imagine the first messenger, perhaps knowing that Job seems to live a favoured life, bringing such news. Sense the emotion and the change of atmosphere within the room. And then, there is more… While he was still speaking, another came and said, ‘The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another came and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another came and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ Recall moments of difficulty or suffering you have experienced. How did you respond? Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshipped. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ Reflect here on your own feelings and reactions during challenging times. Did you find any consolation or hope? Even in the midst of suffering, were there times where you felt God’s grace or strength? In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. Take a moment to seek God's help to grow in faith and trust. How might you deepen your reliance on God's providence, drawing inspiration from Job's example? 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 29th of September, beginning the 26th week of Ordinary Time. The choir of Portsmouth Cathedral sing Psalm 42 – Like as the Hart desireth the waterbrooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God. What is it that you desire today as you enter this time of prayer? Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night: while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God? Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself: for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God; In the voice of praise and thanksgiving: among such as keep holy-day. Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me? Put thy trust in God: for I will yet give him thanks for the help of his countenance. My God, my soul is vexed within me: therefore will I remember thee concerning the land of Jordan, and the little hill of Hermon. One deep calleth another, because of the noise of the water-pipes: all thy waves and storms are gone over me. The Lord hath granted his loving-kindness in the day-time: and in the night-season did I sing of him, and made my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto the God of my strength, Why hast thou forgotten me: why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me? My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword: while mine enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth; Namely, while they say daily unto me: Where is now thy God? Why art thou so vexed, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me? O put thy trust in God: for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God. Today’s reading is from the Letter of James. James 5:1-6 Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Listen! The wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts on a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you. Today’s reading carries some strong warnings, bringing perhaps an opportunity for some heart searching by a review of our possessions, treasures and consideration towards others. Elsewhere in Luke’s Gospel, we hear the words: 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' (Luke 12:34) Take a moment to review your belongings, your wealth perhaps… In which ways do you feel that you are rich? This may not just be in physical possessions but in gifts given by God. Can you identify anything that you may be storing up for your own needs or holding back from giving to others? Can you imagine holding out these treasures in your hands, openly before God? As you listen to the reading again, invite the Lord to test your heart to be truly open to challenge. So, how is your heart and the treasure you store within? Spend time with the Lord now, reviewing these things together. 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. As you begin your prayer today, take a moment to become still…picture the Lord sitting beside you now as you begin to remember some of the events of the past week. Can you recall a moment when you felt close to God? Give thanks for his presence. Can you recall a time when you felt distant from God? How did this feel? Offer both these moments to the Lord, who loves you, accepts you and looks upon you with great love. Now as we reflect on the past week in prayer, a short line will be read from each of the readings from the past week. Notice which one most stirs you today: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?  Her subtleties—who knows them? He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God’. Take time to sit with the verse that most stirred you today. Perhaps there is something you want to do or say to Jesus following your encounter with scripture today? Continue to sit with him as you share your experience. Now in the silence, listen to his voice, or enjoy his presence with you. As you come to the end of this prayer time, tell the Lord about the week ahead of you. What do you most need? Wisdom perhaps, provision, perhaps something else. 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 27th of September, the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON sings, ‘Slow Down’. As you listen, can you slow down in this moment and focus your attention on Jesus? Slow down, where are you going What's so important that can't wait Tell me what are you seeking What is it thats keeping you from Bringing me your questions All that you carry, all that you bury underneath Just slow down, just slow down And meet with me Rest now, be in the present Here in the blessings of today Listen just for a moment I am the only one with Words to calm your worries Focus your mind on me, I am the way to perfect peace Just slow down, just slow down And meet with me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:18-22 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’ He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ This is a private moment for Jesus and his disciples. Picture the scene as one of the disciples who sits with him in prayer…now hear him asking the question, “Who do the crowds say I am? Take a moment to look around you wherever you are right now, and imagine asking your neighbours, fellow travellers or friends, “Who do you think Jesus is?” What might their replies be? Now, imagine that Jesus turns to you, asking, “Who do you say that I am?” What do you reply? As you listen to the reading again, listen to Jesus’ closing words, as if you receive them with his disciples. “The Son of man will suffer…will be rejected…will be killed…and raised.” Perhaps this sentence was too much for the disciples to bear. Spend a while with the Lord, sharing your own response with him, as you’ve listened to his words 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 Thursday the 26th of September in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘The Promise’. This gift you gave from the beginning Warm light, dry land, blue water brimming And more, from the earth there came a growing From seed to bloom, all the while you were sowing It was love, love given in the water And peace, God's peace written in the letters Of the earth, God's earth, given with a promise Can we keep it Can we keep it And stars in the night to gaze on them kindly Great light, cool moon, all aligned in the sky, see From water came life and so from the land To feed, not to fight, to stand hand in hand It was love, love given in the water And peace, God's peace, given in the sunshine And the earth, God's earth, given with a promise Can we keep it Out from the silence I hear a voice, I follow it onwards You whisper to me, I am reminded of every gift you gave So, spirit lead me unto the waters, unto the earth you made Teach me the secret to ever care for, to look after it It was love, love given in the water And peace, God's peace written in the letters Of the earth, God's earth, given with a promise Can we keep it Can we keep it Today’s reading is from the Book of Ecclesiasticus. Ecclesiasticus 1:2-11 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,  and the days of eternity—who can count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,  the abyss, and wisdom—who can search them out? Wisdom was created before all other things,  and prudent understanding from eternity. The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?  Her subtleties—who knows them? There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,  seated upon his throne—the Lord. It is he who created her;  he saw her and took her measure;  he poured her out upon all his works, upon all the living according to his gift;  he lavished her upon those who love him. The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,  and gladness and a crown of rejoicing. We may associate wisdom with learning, life experience and age. The writer of Ecclesiasticus describes wisdom as a person who has been created by God, someone who has immeasurable understanding from the beginning, something lavished upon those who love God. Can you recall ways in which you have experienced Wisdom? Perhaps you’ve experienced sudden moments of insight or revelation? Maybe you feel you need an encounter with Wisdom in your life, in a relationship, or in a challenging situation. Picture this person or situation before the Lord now. As you continue to picture this need, imagine the Lord lavishing Wisdom upon you, and upon the situation or on the people you’ve shown to Him. As you listen to the reading again, notice the description of Wisdom. Which image do you most enjoy? ‘The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,  and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.' End your prayer time today, praising God for his wonderful gift of Wisdom, and the impact it has had on your journey of faith so far. 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 25th of September in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee’. I am weak, but thou art strong Jesus, keep me from all wrong I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Through this world of toil and snares If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be When my feeble life is o'er Time for me will be no more Guide me gently, safely o'er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 9:1-6 Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. In today’s reading, Jesus is asking his disciples for their complete trust in God for their mission, saying, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, not even an extra tunic.” As you reflect on your own faith journey, can you remember a time when you needed to trust in God for provision? What was this like? Perhaps being in a situation like this could bring either a fear of letting go of the things we rely upon, or a new freedom in our reliance on God. Can you relate to these scenarios? Perhaps this type of dependence on God is a new idea for you. Speak with him now, about your feelings of possibly being called into a situation like this. As you listen to the reading again, picture these first disciples, travelling from house to house sharing the good news of Jesus and curing diseases of those who welcomed them. As you come to the end of your prayer, take a few moments to hold out your day ahead before God, perhaps asking for a new adventure together. 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 24th of September in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing Ngaza Ngambona: ‘They are blessed who keep his commandments; they will have their eternal place. Come in, all of you, so that you may be happy and be able to say, I’ve seen him on the cross, the one who loves me. Teach me, Father, to love you, praise you and pray to you.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 8:19-21 Then [Jesus'] mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ Imagine that you are in this scene. Maybe you are inside the house with Jesus and his disciples, looking out, or outside with his waiting family, trying to look in. What is it like to be here? Picture the people here and imagine their conversations, all pressing in, wanting to be close to Jesus. Now picture the mother and brothers of Jesus as they try to make their way to see him. How do you think they are feeling, as they try to reach him? We may feel sympathy for this family as they stand outside, waiting for their arrival to be announced. Watch and listen now, as Jesus publicly states, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ Perhaps there is a sense of disappointment or rejection for the family as Jesus seems to favour his followers. Can you relate to these feelings? On the other hand, imagine that you sit with the disciples of Jesus, as you hear his words, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it,’ You see him looking directly at you and naming you, as someone who hears his words and obeys him… he accepts you and regards you as one of his family… Take a moment or two to receive this gift of belonging to the family of Jesus. What does this mean to you? As we come to the end of this prayer time, take a moment to share your thoughts and feelings with 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 Tuesday the 24th of September in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing Ngaza Ngambona: ‘They are blessed who keep his commandments; they will have their eternal place. Come in, all of you, so that you may be happy and be able to say, I’ve seen him on the cross, the one who loves me. Teach me, Father, to love you, praise you and pray to you.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 8:19-21 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ Imagine that you are in this scene, maybe you are inside the house with Jesus and his disciples, looking out, or outside with his waiting family, trying to look in…. what is it like to be here? Picture the people here and imagine their conversations, all pressing in, wanting to be close to Jesus. Now picture the mother and brothers of Jesus as they try to make their way to see him… How do you think they are feeling, as they try to reach him? We may feel sympathy for this family as they stand outside, waiting for their arrival to be announced. Watch and listen now, as Jesus publicly states, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ Perhaps there is a sense of disappointment or rejection for the family as Jesus seems to favour his followers. Can you relate to these feelings? On the other hand, imagine that you sit with the disciples of Jesus, and as you hear his words, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it,’ You see him looking directly at you and naming you, as someone who hears his words and obeys him… he accepts you and regards you as one of his family… Take a moment or two to receive this gift of belonging to the family of Jesus. What does this mean to you? As we come to the end of this prayer time, take a moment to share your thoughts and feelings with 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 23rd of September, the feast of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Jessica Fox, with the Porter’s Gate, sings, ‘All of Your Ways Are Peace’. All of your ways are peace All of your ways are peace Though we are pressed on every side We trust that you are peace All of your words are true All of your words are true Though we have heard so many lies We trust your words are true All of your ways are just All of your ways are just Though we may say it through our tears We trust that you are just All of your ways are peace Today’s reading is from the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 3:27-34 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,  when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go, and come again;  tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you. Do not plan harm against your neighbour  who lives trustingly beside you. Do not quarrel with anyone without cause,  when no harm has been done to you. Do not envy the violent  and do not choose any of their ways; for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord,  but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,  but he blesses the abode of the righteous. Towards the scorners he is scornful,  but to the humble he shows favour In this passage, we can reflect on the actions and attitudes we have towards our neighbours…perhaps those who live with us or nearby; those who work or worship with us, those we pass in the street. ‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it’, the writer of Proverbs instructs us. What good might be within your power to do today? Ask the Lord to show you a person or situation, where you can offer help or give comfort perhaps. Perhaps there something that prevents you from offering help today… Try to identify if there is anything that stands in your way. Take a moment to be in conversation with the Lord about this, asking for what you need, such as courage or humility, or perhaps it’s something practical. As you listen to the reading again, listen out for all the instructions beginning with the words, ‘do not.’ Notice which one of these most stands out for you. The writer ends, ‘To the humble, the Lord shows favour,’ There are times when we need to choose to humble ourselves in order to love and serve one another. You might like to end this time of prayer today by simply inviting the Lord to search your heart…listen out for God’s voice 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.