Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Saturday 12 July 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Our prayer this week has looked at a variety of people on a journey. Jesus, his apostles, Jacob and his family and, tomorrow, the Good Samaritan. Let, then, this week’s examen give you a chance to look at where you find yourself on your own journey at the moment. First, ask God to show you more clearly where you are, and how you are, at this stage of your life. If you use the familiar image of your life as an unfolding landscape, how do you see where you are just now? A serene and peaceful valley? A rocky desert? A dark wood? A high lookout in the mountains? What image first comes to mind? Whether you can recognise it or not, God has somehow brought you to this place. How do you want to respond to God about where you find yourself just now? What are the gifts that God has given you for this place in particular? How have you been using these gifts recently? What sense do you have of the next steps on this journey? Take a few moments to ask God for whatever you need as you move forward. 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

Friday 11 July 2025Today is Friday the 11th of July, the feast of Saint Benedict, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings, Ndikhokhele Bawo; ‘Lead me oh Father, lead me’. Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele (Lead me oh Father, lead me) Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo (Lead me my saviour in all the sorrows of this world, Father) Bawo, Bawo, Bawo (Father, Father, Father) Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me) Mmeli wami Bawo uhlal’ uhlele duzekwami (Father, Saviour, you calm my fears) Bawo ndiyabonga ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me) Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Genesis 46:1-7,28-30 When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.’ Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and the goods that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way before him into Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, ‘I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive.’ Earlier this week we heard the story of Jacob (who has now been re-named Israel by God) hearing God promising to be with him on his journey to the land he had been promised. Today this journey takes an unexpected turn. Jacob and his entire family are to make a long detour to Egypt. When has your own journey with God gone off in an unexpected direction? Jacob finds himself still able to respond in faith, demonstrating his trust in God. We’re not told whether this was easy or difficult for him. What does your own response to God look like when your well-made plans go astray? One result of this detour is that Jacob is reunited with his son Joseph, after he had feared that he was dead. You might recall some good outcomes which resulted from your own plans being thwarted. As the passage is read again, get a sense of what is going on in Jacob’s heart and mind as this story unfolds. Genesis 46:1-7,28-30 When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.’ Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and the goods that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way before him into Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, ‘I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive.’ Our God has been called a “God of surprises”. Speak, finally, to God about the surprises he has brought about in your own 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

Thursday 10 July 2025Today is Thursday the 10th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. 'In our journeying this day, keep us, Father, in your way.' Can you make this your prayer today? We are all on a journey with God. You might like to pray to know God’s closeness, here, right now, and never to lose sight of it. To let yourself be loved, enlivened and guided by God. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:7-15 As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. This passage reflects the specific ways in which first-century apostles were to carry out their mission. In what ways is spreading the gospel today the same? In what ways is it different? “You received without payment.” You didn’t pay to become a Christian, or to know God. What difference does this make to your response to all that God calls you to? The passage assumes that an apostle will bring a sense of peace that will share itself with a worthy house. Can you recall times when you have been able to bring peace to others, or they have brought peace to you? Listen again to the ways in which Jesus wants his followers to act, and notice what most strikes you about them. Matthew 10:7-15 As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. Speak, finally to Jesus about how far (or not) you see your own life reflected in this passage. 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

Wednesday 9 July 2025Today is Wednesday the 9th of July, the feast of Saint Leo Ignatius Mangin SJ, Saint Mary Zhu Wu and Companions, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years of Ukrainian Sacred Music. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:1-7 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” In this passage we are given the names of some of Jesus’s closest followers. Some are well-known to us, others hardly at all. What would it be like to hear your own name included in that list? The apostles are told to spread the good news of the gospel. They are also given the authority to do so. If you see yourself as in some way called to spread the good news of the gospel, what might it mean for you to be given authority to do so in the same way? “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” You can only give others that message if you have first heard it yourself. What convinces you that the kingdom has indeed come near? Notice, as the passage is read again, that Jesus chooses exactly who to send his apostles to. Who might you be sent to with this good news? Matthew 10:1-7 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” You might like to finish this prayer by speaking to Jesus about your own sense of being called and sent. 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

Tuesday 8 July 2025Today is Tuesday the 8th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. 'The Lord is my light, my hope, my salvation. In him I trust.' We rely on many things in our lives. On other people; on our wealth or our possessions; on our power, or reputation, or status; on our own ingenuity and talents. But as you enter into prayer now, can you put all those things aside for a moment, and place all your trust in God, your light, your hope, your salvation? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:32-38 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’ Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Jesus’s miracle itself at the start of this passage is described in a single sentence. The gospel-writer Matthew is more interested in how people respond to the miracle. What is your own first response to this story of a devil being cast out? In a powerful image, Jesus has compassion for those who are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. Where in your world are you aware of people like that today? Jesus’s response is to send his followers out to assist these helpless, harassed crowds. Who might he be wanting to send you out to in the same way? As the passage is read again, notice how it flows: Jesus first sees needy people; then he feels compassion, and finally he does what he can do to meet those needs, by himself and by those who are close to him. Matthew 9:32-38 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’ Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Speak, finally, to Jesus about what you need from him to be able to respond in the ways that he calls you to. 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

Monday 7 July 2025Today is Monday the 7th of July, in the 14th week of Ordinary Time. Nick Chambers sings, ‘It Is Good To Be Here With You’. As you listen, are these words you can say to God today? When you bring me up the mount, Into the brightness of the cloud Even when I cannot stay, when I don’t know what to say. It is good to be here with you, with you. When I hear the voice above “This is my Beloved Son” When I’m shaken by the sound With my face pressed to the ground It is good to be here It is good to be here with you, with you. With your touch, I hear you say, “Rise and do not be afraid” When I look it’s only you The face that I thought that I knew It is good to be here It is good to be here with you, with you. Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Our scripture passage is a long one today, so we’ll reflect with it section by section, with space in between each moment. Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob left Beer-sheba and went towards Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ Jacob is on a journey to the land that God had first promised to his grandfather, Abraham, and then to his father, Isaac. Now, in his dream, he hears that promise confirmed for himself. The scriptures are full of God promising to give his people good things. What are, in particular, the good things that you look to God for? Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!’ And he was afraid, and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ When Jacob wakes up, he is very aware that God had been with him as he slept, and is conscious of the awesome power of God. Can you perhaps recall one or two times in your own life when you have been particularly aware of the presence of God with you? So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house; and of all that you give me I will surely give one-tenth to you.’ Jacob’s response to becoming more aware of God’s presence, and of his promises, is to do something. He builds an altar and names the place to commemorate his experience. As you yourself become more aware of a generous God with you today, what might you want to do in response? As this prayer comes to an end, speak to God about what you have seen and felt as freely as Jacob does here. 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

Sunday 6 July 2025Today is Sunday the 6th of July, beginning the 14th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON, with Jessica Fox and Paul Zach sings, ‘Lead Me, Guide Me.’ I am weak, and I need your strength and power To help me o’er my weakest hour; Help me through the darkness Thy face to see, Lead me, O Lord, lead me. Lead me, guide me along the way; Lord, if You lead me, I will not stray; Lord, let me walk each day with Thee. Lead me, O Lord, lead me. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:1-9 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Have you ever travelled a long distance with another person whom you didn’t necessarily know well? What did you talk about? You might have covered a lot of ground - in your conversation as well as in miles. Jesus gives very specific instructions to these pairs. What do you particularly notice about what he says? Imagine you were given this job to do. Imagine who might be your travelling companion. Listen to the passage again. Notice how you react to each of Jesus’ instructions. Luke 10:1-9 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Perhaps you’re already in this kind of work. Perhaps you’re exploring the possibility that you might be. Or you’re supporting someone who is. What do you need? Ask God for help, for the grace to represent Him well... For the grace to represent Him well. 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

Saturday 5 July 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a few slow, deep breaths. If you’re able, you might like to stand, kneel or simply remain seated. Let God look at you. Just as you are. Let your shoulders fall, your knees soften, your arms hang gently by your sides, your head loll a little, then come to rest Be calm, be still, come to rest. Ask God to throw light on this time of prayer, as you look back over your week. Think of the Jesus you have come across this week: who calms storms, who befriends the imperfect, who invites the doubting into conversation, whose heart goes out to the rejected …..who challenges and sometimes makes tough demands. In God’s presence, recall any moment or moments that have brought you joy or peace. Remember that they might even have been while you were in pain. Allow those moments of consolation to filter through your mind and body again. Give thanks to God. Was there a time - an attitude or a conversation, perhaps - which you regret? Bring it to God. What grace do you need for the coming days? To show patience, perhaps, or greater kindness. Christlikeness. You can ask God for that now. 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

Friday 4 July 2025Today is Friday the 4th of July, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. Liz Vice with Good Shepherd Collective sings ‘Amazing Grace’ Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! I once was lost, but now am found, I once was blind, but now I see. Through many dangers, toils and snares We have already come: 'tis grace has brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home. We once were lost, but now we're found, We once were blind, but now we see. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:9-13 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Look at the people round the table. Study their facial expressions, their gestures, how they are dressed. Listen to their conversations. Watch how Jesus joins the dinner table. Notice where he sits. How he engages. Smell the food, take in the colours and textures. Hear the critical voices of the Pharisees. Hear Jesus’ response. Listen to the passage again. Where would you be at the party? Place yourself in the scene. Immerse yourself in it. Notice how you feel. Matthew 9:9-13 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Speak with Jesus about your response. Be direct. Ask questions. 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

Thursday 3 July 2025Today is Thursday the 3rd of July, the feast of Saint Thomas, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing ‘Dieu ne peut que donner son amour’: God can only give faithful love, tenderness and forgiveness. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 20:24-29 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Hear the tone in Thomas’s voice. He seems to engage his head first, and then his heart... He’s sometimes referred to as ‘Doubting Thomas’. Do you feel that’s a fair description, an accurate assessment? Perhaps you would give him the dignity of another name. Or perhaps doubting is a very healthy part of our faith journey. How do you receive the doubts of others, bravely expressed? Present them with dogma? Panic? Embrace the dialogue? What descriptor would you put in front of your own name? Would Jesus agree, do you think? Listen to the passage again, and notice how Jesus responds to Thomas... John 20:24-29 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Why not have that conversation with Jesus now? Be direct. Ask questions. Allow the role of any doubt to play fully. Jesus responds to that. Ask for the grace to be open to the doubts of others too. 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