Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Today is Sunday 4 August, beginning the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini: Blessed is he who comes in the name of Lord. Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus. Exodus 16:2-4,12-15 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. ‘I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.” ’ In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. In the story of the Exodus, the People of Israel often felt that a mistake had been made. They or Moses or God had somehow messed up. They had to learn to trust through the experiences of being stretched for a while and then seeing God’s faithful providence. Interestingly, annoyingly, God allows times of testing. This is a mark of the spiritual life according to all the mystics. A God who seems to withhold consolation for a period of time. Do you have an answer as to why that might be? The tradition gives several answers. Here are three of them. Testing times are a test of character, and of how much we trust God. They give us self-knowledge. They also test us in the sense of purifying us: they train us to seek the God of consolation more than the consolations of God. And they encourage us to put our trust more deeply in God. This strengthens our resolve and our character. The image that is sometimes used is of a plant that has deeper roots in a dry climate. Do any of these explanations make sense to you? Listen again and notice how you would want to respond if you were one of those Israelites being tested . . . To trust in the goodness of God, even in trials . . . What do you want to say to God? 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. The first scripture reading for this Sunday sees the Israelites complaining about the challenges of pilgrimage through the desert. God provides them with bread for the journey. With the examen we always like to start with gratitude rather than complaining! So, what has been bread for your body in the last week? What has been bread for your soul? And what has fed the deepest part of your soul: your spirit? In all of that, what are you feeling most thankful for? Savour this most thankful ‘bread for the journey’. . . Give thanks to it and for it . . . Might you also have some complaints? It’s OK: God can take it! As you look back at the last week, what was annoying, frustrating or in any way life-sapping? Get in touch with one example of this and be honest about it . . . Share this with the God who loves you . . . breathe in God’s love . . . What happens between you and God? Ask God for all the kinds of bread you need for the coming week . . . 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 2 August in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Joy’. Can you enter into the joy of the kingdom of God today? My Light and salvation, it's You I've got a firm foundation in You, Lord You hold me daily, daily The hope for my soul I'm ever so safe here with You I got Grace everywhere I be With blessings falling on me There's nothing too hard for the God that I serve Tell me why should I be afraid? No matter what comes my way I'll overcome with a smile on my face I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul I feel like dancing, I feel it in my bones I sing, I sing, Lord It feels like a dream 'Cause with You on my team I'm winning Nothing's going to hold me back Nothing's going to stop my praise Nothing's going to keep me silent I'll say it from the rooftops I got grace everywhere I be With blessings falling on me There's nothing too hard for the God that I serve Tell me why should I be afraid? No matter what comes my way I'll overcome with a smile on my face I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul I feel like dancing, I feel it in my bones Joy like a river flowing down, down, down, down… I got joy like a river flowing down, down, down, down… I got that joy like a river flowing down to my soul Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:44-46 ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. How do you know you are close to the Kingdom? One of the sure signs is: Joy! The Kingdom of God is what has most value; it stirs the deepest desires of the heart; it leads to true and lasting joy. Where, recently, have you found the treasure of joy? Or maybe that merchant of joy found you? Get in touch with a moment of joy from your life recently, and enjoy that moment again . . . Is Jesus wanting you to notice anything? What do you want to say to God about what gives you true and lasting joy? 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 1 August, the feast of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Create in Me’, a setting of Psalm 51. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Against you only I have sinned Done evil in your sight But you have shown me what I’ve done With mercy in your eyes Then wash my shame and guilt away My weary soul renew From all my sinning turn your face Let me return to you Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Create in me a clean heart, O Lord So I will give you what you ask A humble, broken heart A spirit burning down to ash Within your flame, O God And this will be your mercy, Lord Transforming all of me Til every act and every word Your love and glory speaks Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Create in me a clean heart, O Lord Have mercy on me According to your endless love Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. This is one of the best-known images in the Old Testament. God as the potter and we as the clay. Even if you are aware of your own imperfection or brokenness, God cannot give up on you. God is always at work even when we are broken. Might you practice yielding a little more to God at work in you? For a moment, might you let go of your own control of your life? Can you breathe out the tension of it? Can you breathe in your desire for God to work in you? Take a few breaths doing this . . . Listen again and let yourself rest in God’s loving hands . . . Whatever is on your heart, share this with God, in whose hands you are held . . . 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 31 July, the feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the canticle: O all you works of the Lord, O bless the Lord. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Today is the Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. One of the mottos for the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, is: For the Greater Glory of God. Ignatius follows St Paul’s prompting to the Corinthians in urging us to do everything for the greater glory of God . . . One of the ways Ignatius encouraged this was ‘spiritual conversation’. Avoiding gossip and negative talk; seeking first to understand who we are talking with; listening before speaking. And when we speak, doing so kindly, truthfully and helpfully. St Ignatius thought this kind listening and speaking was a way of gently proclaiming the Gospel. For the greater glory of God, might you commit to more of this spiritual conversation? Ignatius thought that every act, offered with love, brought glory to God. How does the example of Ignatius and Paul speak to you today? At the end of many of his own letters, St Ignatius would often write the following prayer. Might you pray it with him today? “May it please your supreme and divine Goodness to give us all abundant grace ever to know your most holy will and perfectly to fulfill it. Amen: for the greater glory of God.” You have given all to me, to you, Lord I return it. Everything is Yours: do with it what you will, give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me. Amen.

Today is Tuesday 30 July in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing 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 Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 14:17-22 You shall say to them this word: Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease, for the virgin daughter—my people—is struck down with a crushing blow, with a very grievous wound. If I go out into the field, look—those killed by the sword! And if I enter the city, look—those sick with famine! For both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land, and have no knowledge. Have you completely rejected Judah? Does your heart loathe Zion? Why have you struck us down so that there is no healing for us? We look for peace, but find no good; for a time of healing, but there is terror instead. We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, the iniquity of our ancestors, for we have sinned against you. Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake; do not dishonour your glorious throne; remember and do not break your covenant with us. Can any idols of the nations bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Is it not you, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for it is you who do all this. The prophet Jeremiah is given an unenviable task. He must inform God’s chosen people that their corruption and inequities will result in censure. And God will not rescue them from the consequences of injustice. Do we not see negative repercussions whenever we, today, allow injustice to flourish? And the very earth itself reacts to our mistreatment. . . God does not want pleas for mercy without a genuine change of heart. If we wish to be the people of God, don’t we have to care for the poor and for the earth? What would Jeremiah say to us? Listen again to Jeremiah and consider how today Christians, at times, collude with unjust structures of sin. What is it like for God to see this happening? How is God calling you to be a witness to justice and peace and the care of creation? 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 29 July, the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, in the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’. Slow down now as you enter prayer and turn your eyes upon Jesus. Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of the earth Will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace In the light of His glory and grace Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 11:19-27 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ In one sentence Martha gives us permission to be more fully human. She is grieving the death of her brother. She seems disappointed with Jesus, that he didn’t do more to help. She trusts him, nevertheless. You’re allowed to be sad. You’re allowed to be disappointed. Nevertheless, can you still trust in the goodness of God? You can be a human being! You can be real! You can be honest with yourself and honest with God. In the company of Jesus now, can you acknowledge sources of your own grief or disappointment? What does Jesus want to do with this? What does he want you to know? Listen again and notice how candidly this friend of Jesus relates to him. At the end, Martha tells Jesus who she thinks he is: the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world. You might like to tell Jesus who he is for 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 Sunday 28 July, beginning the 17th 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 I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now, my Saviour I come to Thee I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now, my Saviour I come to Thee Oh I need Thee Oh I need Thee I come to Thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 6:1-15 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. Take time to experience this piece of scripture, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts. This is one of the most well-known accounts from the Gospel. Picture yourself within the scene. Whether disciple or one of the crowds, amongst all the people who have come to Jesus, why are you here? Notice how Jesus considers the crowd before he speaks with Philip. We have the words; imagine the tone of the conversation. Frustration, determination? What is your response to the needs of the crowd? Then another disciple brings the boy. An offering from a least expected source. A generous offer but surely a drop in the ocean. Have you ever had a experience like this – a gift given or received that is both too much and not enough? In God’s hands, in Jesus’ hands, it is enough. With gratitude the food is shared. Feel the texture of the bread and the fish, simple food yet satisfying. Sense the change in atmosphere as everyone eats their fill. Reflect on how Jesus sees our need and is able to transform what we have into abundance. What are the “loaves and fish” you can offer, trusting that God will multiply them? 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. 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 enters into relationship with our humanity. Whether simple hunger, grief, insecurity or overblown ambition, the Lord has been there to bring balance to our lives. 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 few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths 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 26 July, the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Your Work Is Happening Here’. Where can you see the Lord’s work happening around you? She gently reads to her child She plants the tiniest seed She chops then she seasons the soup that is simmering It is beautiful to Me Every spoon placed in the drawer Every hair combed by the breeze Every mess cleaned and mistake that’s forgiven It’s beautiful to me Slowly, slowly roots will grow to where they find water Slowly, slowly Your work is happening here She loses patience again. She’s overshadowed by fear Still she gets on with what needs to get finished It’s beautiful to me Slowly, slowly roots will grow to where they find water Slowly, slowly Your work is happening here “I have begun a good work here and I will finish it You have begun a good work here and I will finish it” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 13:18-23 ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ Consider the different types of soil described in the parable. Life presents us with both opportunities and challenges. Take a moment to identify moments in your life when you have been each type of soil. Consider what it means to be good soil. Reflect on times when you have received God’s word deeply and let it transform your life. How might you find ways to cultivate your spiritual life to be more receptive, understanding, and fruitful? As you listen to the passage again, consider the thoughts, feelings, and reflections that arise from the parable. In the loving presence of the God who is Father, ask for the grace to be more like the good soil, to be open to receiving and nurturing the word of God. 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.