Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

6th week in Ordinary TimeToday is Sunday the 16th of February, beginning the 6th week of Ordinary Time.    Nóirín Ní Riain, with the monks of Glenstal Abbey, sings the Beatitudes.  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.    Luke 6:17, 20-26  [Jesus] came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.  Then he looked up at his disciples and said: 
 ‘Blessed are you who are poor, 
 for yours is the kingdom of God. 
 ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, 
 for you will be filled. 
 ‘Blessed are you who weep now,  
for you will laugh.  ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 
 ‘But woe to you who are rich, 
 for you have received your consolation.  
‘Woe to you who are full now, 
 for you will be hungry. 
 ‘Woe to you who are laughing now,  for you will mourn and weep.  ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.'   Today’s passage is often called the "Sermon on the Plain," Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, where we hear Jesus teach about blessings and woes. In Ignatian spirituality, we are encouraged to use our imagination to place ourselves in the Gospel story.     Imagine standing on the plain with Jesus. Feel the warmth of the sun or the coolness of the breeze. Hear the murmuring crowd—people talking, asking questions, seeking healing.  Notice the diversity of the people around you—gathered together, rich and poor, sick and healthy, hopeful and curious. Where do you stand with these people?    Watch as Jesus steps forward to address the crowd. His eyes are filled with compassion and authority. He looks directly at his disciples. Imagine his voice as he begins to speak—steady, clear, and full of love.    What do you feel as you hear his words of blessing and warning? Included, challenged, confused?    As Jesus continues to speak, how do his words touch your heart? Consider when you have experienced being "poor," "hungry," "weeping," or "hated"? These can be challenging times. Were you aware that God had been present in those moments?     How does the promise of God’s kingdom and ultimate joy bring you hope?    As you listen to the passage again, let the Lord reassure you of His love and His invitation to follow Him more closely.    “Rejoice on that day and leap for joy.” On this day, take time with the Lord to share any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arose during your 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.  

5th week in Ordinary TimeWelcome to the Saturday Examen.    This week, we have heard of some wonderful encounters; even when life is difficult, God is there, part of all we are. Today is the feast day of St Claude La Colombière, a Jesuit priest and spiritual director who had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through the Examen we seek to follow his profound trust in divine providence and love.    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 deep breath in…and then a deep 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 and openness that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week.    Look back on your week with gratitude for specific blessings, even challenges that shaped your heart. Consider moments of consolation, kindness, and beauty…    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. For the feast day, perhaps share with the Sacred Heart of Jesus thanks for every grace poured into your life today, even those you may not yet fully understand.    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. 

5th week in Ordinary TimeToday is Friday the 14th of February, the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Kyrie Eleison’. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.     Kyrie eleison  Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis.    Genesis 3:1-8  Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.” ’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.  They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.    The passage for today tells of the fall of humanity. We will enter into the scripture scene imaginatively...     Place yourself in the garden. A place at the heart of God’s peace, and then the sudden tension when the serpent begins to speak.     “Did God say…?” Placing doubt in the woman’s heart. How do you respond to Eve’s struggle?     When Adam and Eve eat the fruit, what changes? How do you respond to their shame, their fear, and their instinct to hide not just from God but, in the fashioning of clothes, from each other?    Reflect on times when you have drawn away from God, or from those you are close to.    Surely God knows what they have done, yet God searches for them, nonetheless. Imagine God’s loving yet sorrowful voice: “Where are you?” How can you respond to His invitation to step out of hiding?    As this time of prayer comes to an end, share your thoughts, fears and prayers with confidence in God’s love and mercy.    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. 

5th week in Ordinary TimeToday is Thursday the 13th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’.    I need Thee every hour 
 Most gracious Lord 
 No tender voice like Thine 
 Can peace afford  
I need Thee oh I need Thee 
 Every hour I need Thee 
 Oh bless me now my Saviour 
 I come to Thee    Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.    Mark 7:24-30  From there [Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.    This passage from Mark’s Gospel offers a profound encounter which challenges the sense of exclusion and offers a new vision of faith and grace.     Jesus is seeking rest. The woman is seeking healing. She is desperate and determined. What emotions fill the air? Where are your empathies drawn at this time?    “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” What is your response to this statement?    The woman continues with persistence, humility and courage. How does her response strike you? Perhaps the woman’s boldness challenges your own depth of faith?    “For this statement, you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” Imagine the relief and joy she feels. How do you respond as Jesus affirms her?     As you listen to the passage again consider your experience of, or feelings about exclusion? Do you believe in the generosity of God’s mercy that can be called upon to transform lives?     Take a moment to speak with Jesus, taking strength from the faith and persistence of the Syrophoenician woman, knowing that he listens to our heart’s desire.    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. 

5th week in Ordinary TimeToday is Wednesday the 12th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    The community of Taizé sing Toi, tu nous aimes.  “You love us, Lord, source of life.”  As I listen, I remind myself that I am in the presence of God right now, that God is looking on me now with love.  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.    Mark 7:14-23  Then [Jesus] called the crowd again and said to them, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.’  When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, ‘Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, ‘It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’    In this passage, Jesus teaches that it is what comes from the heart—our thoughts, desires, and actions – that matters. Place yourself as part of the crowd listening to Jesus. See Jesus pausing, looking at everyone, and calling out, “Listen to me!” How do his words challenge your beliefs?    Then, within the privacy of the house and the intimacy of the fellowship, see yourself close to him, noticing his tone and feeling his urgency as he teaches about the heart. What do you notice in Jesus’ words?     How do you feel as Jesus shifts the focus from the external to the state of the heart? As you listen to the passage again, imagine Jesus calling you to greater freedom, looking into your heart with love, inviting you to trust him.    Take a moment to reflect on the hidden thoughts, intentions, or desires within that separate you from God or others...How might God be inviting you to a new way of thinking, of feeling, today?     As we end this time of reflection, bring your thoughts to the Lord in honesty, asking for the grace to overcome anything that blocks your relationship with him.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

5th week in Ordinary TimeToday is Tuesday the 11th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    The Porter’s Gate with Molly Parden and Jonathan Ogden sing, ‘The Promise’; a song that speaks of creation coming to life through love. How does this song speak to you today?     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 Genesis. Today, we will only hear the scripture read once...    Genesis 1:20-2:4   And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.  And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.  Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ 
So God created humankind in his image, 
   in the image of God he created them; 
   male and female he created them. 
God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.  These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.      The passage for today invites us to enter into imaginative prayer, using our senses to encounter our creative God, witnessing to all that is good.      "And God said, 'Let the waters swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.' ... And God saw that it was good."    Imagine the swirling waters, birds wheeling through the sky, the abundance of life moving across forests and plains. Feel the warmth of the sun and the cool of the breeze on this new earth.  Hear the waves and the wind, the cries above and below:  the voice of the Creator coaxing each new life into being. The joy in that voice…    “So God created humankind in his image,     in the image of God he created them;     male and female he created them.”    Notice how God finds joy in all creation, but it is humankind that is made in God’s image. What does this mean to you? Do you recognise God’s joy in you as His creation?    “God blessed them, and God said to them...”    To be created in God’s image is to be entrusted with a great responsibility. How do you respond to this calling? Where do you see God’s goodness in the world today? How do you feel called to care for creation and reflect God’s image?    “God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” Enter into the peace of this holy moment. Imagine the Creator satisfied and at ease.     Share a time of prayer with God, giving thanks for the beauty and goodness of creation and asking for whatever grace you may need 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. 

5th week in Ordinary Time Today is Monday the 10th of February, the feast of Saint Scholastica, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Psalm 90:  You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” As I listen, I become aware that I, too – and all the people around me – live in the shelter of the Almighty. And as I enter into prayer I, too, place my trust in my Creator, my stronghold, my God.  Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Today, we will only hear the scripture read once...   Genesis 1:1-19  In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.  And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.  And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.  And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.      Through our own experience of the natural world, we are invited to engage with this reading from Genesis to be drawn into a deeper encounter with God.     "In the Beginning.’ How might we imagine before the Beginning? A nothingness, chaos?    How do we respond to God's creative word bringing light, order, and life? Where might you see God creating order out of chaos, in the world, in your own life?     Through the reading we enter into the intentional rhythm of God’s creative ebb and flow that makes space for rest and declares each day "good." How do you honour God’s rhythm in your life?     Where do you acknowledge the need to rest and to witness the wonder of creation?    As God brings order out of chaos, we are reminded that God moves through creation in mysterious ways, perhaps that mystery leading us to seek deeper intimacy. How might the natural world —light, storm, or calm—speak to me of God’s presence? How might you trust that God is at work in the "storms" of your life?    "It was good." In the Creation story, God repeatedly declares everything as "good." We are invited to see the world through God’s eyes, including ourselves and others.    How do you experience gratitude for the goodness of creation? How might you affirm that goodness in yourself, others, and the world?    Take a moment to join with the God of Genesis, resting in the rhythm of Creation and all that is ‘good’.    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 9th of February, beginning the 5th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Domine praevenisti eum. ‘Lord, you advanced to meet him with rich blessings’. As you listen, can you ponder for a moment the blessings the Lord bestows on you, all the things for which you want to give thanks to God? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Picture yourself today as one of the people in the crowd who are pressing in close to Jesus to hear what he will say. As you stand together at the water’s edge, you notice the water lapping at the shore… You find that you can clearly hear Jesus speaking to the crowd from the boat. What is it like to spending the morning listening to him? At the end of the time of teaching, watch as you see Simon put his nets into the water… as he hauls a huge catch of writhing fish into the boat, as he calls the other fishermen to bring out the other boat, as the boats almost sink under the great weight of the fish… You might like to go and help! How do you experience this? As you hear the reading again, pay special attention as Simon Peter falls to the ground right in front of Jesus, crying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man”. How do you imagine this moment? Notice how you’re feeling having spent time with Jesus and Simon Peter. What would you like to say to the Lord or to Simon Peter as you begin to leave the scene and end your 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.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is an opportunity to reflect on our time with the Lord during the past week. In some of the readings this week, we’ve imagined that we’ve been following Jesus as one of his disciples. We might also remember that during the week, Jesus has also been near to us, perhaps following us as a close friend. Try to picture the Lord with you now, as you begin to recall the week that has passed. What do you most want to share with him about your week? Imagine now, that you sit and listen together to a reminder of the readings from each day of the week. Notice what you remember naturally, and which words most move you today. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. She said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ ‘Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Continuing to remain in the presence of Jesus, share the thoughts and feelings that are around for you, as one friend with another. Now simply sit together in quietness, waiting to see what comfort or words of encouragement the Lord has for you 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 Friday the 7th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Walk With Me’. Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep All you people of good will, would you walk with me Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Let us lead with kindness, with a listening ear Hearing every story, laying down our old fears Though our hearts are broken and the pain runs deep All you people of good will, would you walk with me? Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 13:1-8 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. In today’s reading the writer of Hebrews gives advice to those in the service of God. Reflect now on each of these suggestions, with a short pause after each one. Notice if a particular phrase stands out to you, as you reflect on your service and prayer for others. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. Remember those who are in prison. Those who are being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour. Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be content with what you have. Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Notice which of these instructions gives you peace. Notice which of these causes discomfort. Offer your responses to the Lord now, who sees you and loves you. Finally receive these words as if the Lord himself is beside you, blessing you: ‘I will never leave you or forsake 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.