Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Today is Thursday 25 July, the feast of Saint James, in the 16th 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. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ Today is the Feast of St James the Apostle. This seemingly unfortunate episode from scripture may paint a picture of overwhelming ambition. However, it seems that James learned true servant leadership from Jesus and was a good leader and the first apostle to be martyred. Imagine the scene vividly. Picture James, John, and their mother approaching Jesus. Hear the desire for acknowledgement and ambition in their voices. Reflect on moments in your own life when you have looked for recognition. What motivated these desires? Sense the tension among the disciples as they listen in. Observe Jesus’ response—calm, yet firm, as He teaches them about true greatness. Consider Jesus’ question, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" What would be the "cup" in your life? Are there sacrifices or challenges that you are being called to accept in your journey of faith? As you listen to the passage again consider Jesus’ example of servant leadership. How does this contrast with worldly expectations? How can you embody servant leadership in your daily life— with work, family, community? Ask for the grace to follow His example of humble service. “As the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Take the time now to share with Jesus, our teacher, a prayer of gratitude. Ask for the strength you need, to live out his call to servant leadership. 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 24 July in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON sings, ‘Always With Me’. I can make through the day When you're with me on the way In my heart and mind you'll stay I can make it through the night When I'm clinging to your light You will make the darkness bright For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the calm and in the storm When it seems I'm all alone It's your hand I find to hold In each hour of unrest When it seems I've nothing left You speak peace in every breath For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the morning, in the evening When I'm waking, when I'm sleeping When I'm arriving, when I'm leaving You will have me in your keeping Even from my mothers womb Never hidden from your view I was always known to you When I fade away in death You will catch my final breath You will take me to my rest For you are always, always with me For you are alway, always with me Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:1,4-10 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’ Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.’ This passage describing the calling of the prophet Jeremiah offers a deeply, relational opportunity to consider God’s word. Take a moment to place yourself in the scene of the passage. Jeremiah lives in a city of priests, he is perhaps, in a place dedicated to prayer and contemplation. Be aware of the atmosphere of the moment, the emotions, and the presence of God. Imagine God speaking directly to you, calling you by name, and telling you that He has known you before you were born. How might it feel to be known so intimately by God? Hear God's voice saying, "I appointed you." God has a specific purpose and mission for you. What is your response as you consider this? As you listen to the passage again, feel Jeremiah’s sense of inadequacy; his tone and demeanour as he tries to turn the calling away. Have you ever felt fearful when faced with a task? Bring these feelings before God. Feel God’s reassurance, "Do not be afraid”. The phrase that is repeated throughout scripture. “Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.” Share a heartfelt conversation with the God who wishes you not to be afraid. Speak to the Lord about your fears, your hopes, and your desires. Listen for the response, allowing yourself to be open to guidance and reassurance. 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 23 July, the feast of Saint Bridget, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Christ Abides’. In the crowded thoughts, You are an open space And I hear Your voice, calling me to come away Where the eagles fly, You're raising me high with You To heavenly places, heavenly places I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me I'll seek You, Lord, and here in Your shadow hide I won't dread the day, nor fear the terror of the night Though thousands fall, I've been seated all along In heavenly places, in heavenly places I'm with you in heavenly places, in heavenly places I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me He's closer than a friend He takes the weary by the hand And says, "Come abide with me" "Come abide with me For my yoke is easy and my burden light I will raise you up like an eagle into flight You will not grow weary nor will you be faint In your every weakness, I will be your strength" I have the mind of Christ My portion is His perfect peace For Christ abides with me He's closer than a friend He takes the weary by the hand And says, "Come abide with me" Heavenly places, heavenly places Heavenly places, heavenly places Heavenly places, heavenly places I'm with you in heavenly places, heavenly places Today’s reading is from St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. Galatians 2:19-20 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. This short passage from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians may have just two verses but contains Paul's profound statement about dying to the law and living to God. Spend some time reflecting on what it might mean to be "crucified with Christ." Consider how this union with Christ transforms your identity, making it "no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." As you hear the passage again, feel encouraged to embrace this spiritual truth more fully in your daily life. "it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me." With this desire in your heart, what might you ask of the Lord 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 Monday 22 July, the feast of Saint Mary Magdalen, in the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Nóirín Ní Riain, with the monks of Glenstal Abbey, sings An t’Aiseiri, a song in Irish, telling the story of the discovery of the empty tomb and proclaiming the Resurrection. As you begin to pray today, listen to the joy the deep desire expressed in this music to share the good news of the Resurrection, to share the hope and the joy that it brings… Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, which today we will only hear once. John 20:1-2,11-18 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her. Today’s passage from scripture describes one of the most meaningful encounters of the Gospels. Place yourself in the scene to witness and to share in the experience of Mary Magdalene, leading to the joy of encountering the risen Christ. Picture the garden where the tomb is located… It is early morning, and the light is just beginning to pierce the darkness. Colour has not yet entered the day…perhaps this might remind you of the solemn reason for this journey… What feelings are stirred within you as Mary approaches the tomb? She is alone. The tragedy of the past days now made worse by this new discovery of an empty tomb… In her despair, Mary calls on those who also love the Lord: Simon Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved. Have there been times when you have shared moments of sadness and loss in this way? And then… And then… Hear his voice: "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" How does Jesus sound to you here? Feel the profound shift in her emotions when Jesus calls her by name, "Mary!" Feel her grief transform into recognition, joy, and astonishment. What does this look like for you? Mary Magdalene seeks Jesus with a heart full of love and devotion. Consider your own moments of seeking God, especially in times of darkness or confusion. Reflect on how God has been revealed to you in unexpected ways and moments. How have you experienced the Lord’s presence in your life, especially in moments of despair? ‘I have seen the Lord.’ Take this time with the Lord to be comforted by his presence and to speak to him of all that is in your heart. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday 21 July, beginning the 16th week of Ordinary Time. Amanda Cook sings, ‘Shepherd’. As you begin to pray, reflect on God’s “shepherding” over your life. In the process, in the waiting You’re making melodies over me And Your presence is the promise For I am a pilgrim on a journey You will lift my head above the mighty waves You are able to keep me from stumbling And in my weakness You are the strength that comes from within Good Shepherd of my soul Take my hand and lead me on You make my footsteps and my path secure So walking on water is just the beginning Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention For You are calling me to greater things Oh how I love You, how I love You You have not forsaken me Oh how I love You, how I love You With You is where I want to be Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 23: 1-6 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ In today's passage, we hear the promise of the prophet Jeremiah that the God of Israel will raise up shepherds for those who need them and will raise up One who will save Israel and lead with wisdom. A shepherd is someone who guides, who takes care and who gathers together. Who are the people who have guided you and cared for you? If someone comes to mind, take a moment to give thanks for them. Equally, are there are people you know who are in search of guidance and direction? If so, remember one such person and pray for their wellbeing. As you listen to the passage again, you might like to reflect on what it means to be a shepherd. In the scriptures, the image of a shepherd is sometimes employed to describe Jesus. Jesus is someone who feels compassion for people and takes care of those who are struggling. As this time of prayer comes to an end, take a moment to lift up your life and heart to Jesus, sharing whatever it is that you are in need of today: commending it to the One who assures us of His care. 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. Take some time to become still, becoming aware of your body and your breathing. The examen prayer is not so much about self-analysis or introspection but rather a time to approach the mystery of God and, in its light, to grow in awareness about one's life. Begin by becoming aware of Jesus, imagining His gaze upon you. Next, take some time to recall what happened to you this week, noticing any events or conversations which stand out. Can you think of something specific for which you would like to thank God? If so, take a moment to do so. What about struggles or difficulties? Try to name what has been more challenging this week. Talk to God about it. Finally, what is it that you would like for the days ahead? As this time of prayer comes to an end, commend whatever comes to mind 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.

Today is Friday 19 July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. David Gungor with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Have Mercy On Me’. The goodness of the Lord is the kindness of the Lord With ev'ry breath we take, the gift of life and grace The power of the Lord is the meekness of the Lord Who bore humanity with brave humility Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy The beauty of the Lord is the suff'ring of the Lord Is Christ upon a tree, stripped of dignity The glory of the Lord is the mercy of the Lord Gives life for us to see a new humanity Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy When they see us, may they see Your mercy, Your mercy Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy Bless the hands and feet Of those who serve in need Of the broken and ashamed Bless the weary soul The Lord will make us whole God, speak peace to those afraid May the words we speak Build a bridge for peace Your loving kindness shows the way Open up our doors Giving refuge for All the weary and afraid… Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy Let Your mercy flow through us Your mercy, Your mercy Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ In this passage, we see Jesus as a companion on the road, walking through cornfields with his disciples. Can you picture Jesus in such a scene with the disciples? How does Jesus appear in your imagination? The Pharisees criticise Jesus and his disciples, saying that they are doing something that is forbidden. How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees? What point is he trying to make in reply to them? We might meditate on the words from the prophet Hosea which Jesus draws upon: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'. What do these words mean to you? As you listen to the passage again, try to understand what Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, reflecting in particular on the meaning of mercy. Perhaps being merciful is about refraining from condemnation. It's about looking upon others with understanding and empathy, responding to their needs as fellow travellers in life's journey. As this time of prayer draws to an end, ask for whatever you desire for the rest of the day. Perhaps this Gospel passage might inspire you to pray for the capacity to live mercifully – both towards others but also towards yourself. 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 18 July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing a setting of Psalm 42: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19 The way of the righteous is level; O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of your judgements, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and your renown are the soul’s desire. My soul yearns for you in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us. O Lord, in distress they sought you, they poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them. Like a woman with child, who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near her time, so were we because of you, O Lord; we were with child, we writhed, but we gave birth only to wind. We have won no victories on earth, and no one is born to inhabit the world. Your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise. O dwellers in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a radiant dew, and the earth will give birth to those long dead. Among several themes, this passage from the prophet Isaiah speaks of longing and desire for God: 'My soul yearns for you in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.' Does this phrase resonate with you? Would you say that these words are sometimes your own? We often desire many things, and our desires can sometimes seem to pull us in different directions. Prayer can be a time to bring one's desires, whatever they may be, into the open: to look at them in the light of God's presence. You can take a moment to do this now. Scripture presents us with words and images which we can often struggle to grasp or fully understand, yet which nevertheless resonate with us and speak to us deeply. As you listen to the passage again, is there a phrase or word which touches you, a phrase which you feel invited to hold onto for the rest of the day? As this time of prayer draws to a close, you might like to speak with God about your own levels of desire… what would you like to ask God for, or perhaps thank God for 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 Wednesday 17 July in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: ‘God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.’ As you enter into prayer now, can you put aside any pride you may have in your own wisdom and your own strength? Can you bring yourself before God who loves you and has chosen you, with all your weakness? (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Jesus exclaims that the mysteries of the kingdom of God are revealed to little children and hidden from the learned and clever. Why do you think this might be the case? In the scriptures, Jesus is portrayed as being close to children: he attends to them, and he welcomes them, not least when they are ignored or dismissed by other people. How does this speak to you? What does it mean to be a little child? What are the characteristics of little children? As you listen to the passage again, take time to reflect on this. One characteristic of little children is openness. Openness to learning, to receiving, to trying something new. As this time of prayer draws to an end, perhaps you can pray for this child-like openness today: an openness to receive whatever might be offered to you, whether in your encounters or simply in your daily routine. 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 16 July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time. Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Love Will Never Fail’. Love is patient, love is kind It has no arrogance or pride It seeks the good of others first It keeps no record of wrong or hurt It finds no joy in wickedness But rejoices in the truth Through it all, it will endure Love will never fail Love will never, never fail Love will never, never fail Love will never, never fail Love will never fail Though all prophecy will cease Though all knowledge, it will fade Oh, an end will come to speech Even death will pass away We will see You face to face And Your mercy will prevail Faith and hope they will remain Love will never fail Love will never, never fail Love will never, never fail Love will never, never fail Love will never fail Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:10-24 This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.’ In this passage, Jesus speaks about John the Baptist and the way in which people criticise both John and Jesus in different ways. How do you picture John the Baptist and Jesus? What are their similarities, what are their differences? Take some time to reflect on this now. Sometimes it can be tempting to label others based on their behaviour. Perhaps an antidote to such labelling is appreciation: striving to see the positive qualities in a person, remembering that goodness and holiness are lived out in unique and varied manners. In light of such a thought, is there anybody you would like to pray for now who is unduly judged for their behaviour? As you listen to the first part of this passage again, notice how and why John and Jesus are criticised. As this time of prayer comes to an end, talk to Jesus about whatever is in your mind and heart, perhaps praying for the capacity to appreciate others and see the best in people 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.