Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Sunday 23 November 2025Today is Sunday the 23rd of November, the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, beginning the 34th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Passer invenit sibi domum. “The sparrow has found a home for itself, and the dove a nest where she may lay her chicks: - your altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God! Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will praise you for ever.” Passer invenit sibi domum, et turtur nidum, ubi reponat pullos suos: altaria tua Domine virtutum, Rex meus, et Deus meus: beati qui habitant in domo tua, in saeculum seculi laudabunt te. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 23:35-43 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ On this feast of Christ the King, you might expect to be led in prayer to an image of God enthroned in majesty, powerful and resplendent. Instead, we encounter a seemingly broken man, nailed to a cross, dying an excruciating death. What is your first reaction to this crucified monarch? Look first at the first criminal, the “bad thief”. What is it that’s leading him to join in the mockery expressed by the people’s leaders and the soldiers? Now look at the other man crucified with Jesus. What does he see in Jesus that prompts him to respond in a very different way? As the passage is read again, listen for the only response that Jesus himself makes here. Luke 23:35-43 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ At one point in his Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius invites the one praying to have a conversation with Christ on the cross. You might try that now, in these last few moments of today’s 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.

Saturday 22 November 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Unusually, almost all the readings this week have had a single focus: Jesus journeying towards Jerusalem, knowing that the likely outcome for him is suffering and death. The scriptures are very clear that he does this for you, for me, for each of us. Can you begin today’s prayer with thanksgiving for what Jesus has done in this journey? Now look at your own, probably very different, journey through this last week. Ask God to show you more clearly now where and how you have met God along your way. Looking back over the week – where you’ve been, what you’ve done, the people you’ve dealt with – notice those signs that show God at work with you. Where have you found light and energy? Where have you felt most fully alive? Next, recall how you have responded to God this week. Thank God for times that response has been a good one. Apologise, perhaps, for times you have ignored God, or mis-used God’s gifts. Your journey continues. As this time of prayer draws to a close, look to the week ahead. What particular gifts and graces do you especially need from God for whatever you face in the coming days? Ask for those 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 21 November 2025Today is Friday the 21st of November, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. Magnificat anima mea Dominum. My soul glorifies the Lord. As I begin my prayer today, what do I want to give thanks for, to praise God for? For these few moments, I allow my mind to dwell on those things for which I am grateful to God. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 19:45-48 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be a house of prayer”; but you have made it a den of robbers.’ Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard. Animal sacrifice was central to the worship in the Jewish temple. Its outer precincts, then, were rather like a busy farmers’ market. Imagine that you have made your way to the temple to meet God in prayer. What would you have made of the commotion that surrounds you there? Jesus offers a different vision of what a place that helps people find God looks like. What kind of surroundings do you find make it easier for you to encounter God in prayer? The chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people feel themselves to be under attack from Jesus and his teaching. What is it in particular that seems to be upsetting them? As the passage is read again, try to see what it is about Jesus’s words and actions that keep the people spellbound. Luke 19:45-48 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be a house of prayer”; but you have made it a den of robbers.’ Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard. Talk, finally, to God, to Jesus, about whatever has caught your attention in this dramatic story. 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 20 November 2025Today is Thursday the 20th of November, in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 4: ‘When I call, answer me, O God of justice. From anguish you released me. Have mercy and hear me.’ Can I make this my prayer too? As I listen, can I bring myself before God, trusting in his justice, his goodness, his faithful love? (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from Psalm 50, or Psalm 51 in other versions of the Bible. Psalm 50:1b-2,5-6,14-15 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. ‘Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’ The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.’ Today’s reading from the psalms starts with a vivid image. God summons the whole earth before him. He has something that he wants to say. Picture yourself called before God in that way, one of a huge crowd of people. It’s not just anyone who has been called. God says, “Gather to me my faithful ones”. What is it like to hear God address you in that way, as one of his “faithful ones”? There’s an invitation from God here too. “Call to me in the day of trouble.” Can you recall days when you’ve done that? Perhaps today is a day of trouble for you. Notice, as you hear the passage again, the response that seems to be expected of God’s faithful ones when they hear this message. Psalm 50:1b-2,5-6,14-15 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. ‘Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’ The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.’ Part of that response is to glorify God. Speak to God now about what you might do today to give glory to God in this way. 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 19 November 2025Today is Wednesday the 19th of November, in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Fiez-vous en lui: “Trust in Him and do not fear. The peace of God will protect your hearts. Alleluia.” Fiez-vous en Lui, ne craignez pas. La paix de Dieu gardera vos coeurs. Fiez-vous en Lui. Alleluia. Alleluia. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 19:11-28 As they were listening to this, [Jesus] went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his servants, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” He said to him, “Well done, good servant! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” (And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.”’ After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Today, notice first the context of this parable. The people are expecting God’s immediate appearance. For them, that means that they are about to be judged. How well they have served God, how they have used their God-given talents. What would your own response be if you were expecting to be judged in this way today? Those judged to have used their talents well, are richly rewarded. What might you be able to point to, if you were asked to demonstrate ways in which you have used God’s gifts well? The man with fewer gifts seems to respond fearfully, afraid that he’ll get things wrong. When has fear stopped you from doing what you know to be right? As you hear the passage again, notice which of its many characters you find yourself identifying with most closely, and why. Luke 19:11-28 As they were listening to this, [Jesus] went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his servants, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” He said to him, “Well done, good servant! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” (And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.”’ After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Finally, talk with the Jesus who tells you this story, speaking about what it has said to you, and how you respond to it. 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 18 November 2025Today is Tuesday the 18th of November, in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach and Sandra McCracken sing, ‘The Zacchaeus Song’. Jesus our Lord came to seek and to save He sought me out and He called me by name Foolish and proud, like a sheep gone astray He said, "Child, to your house I will come today" Much I have gained but I'll give even more Half of my wealth it was robbed from the poor O this injustice, Lord, help me restore For You called me by name and said, "Sin no more" Salvation has come Salvation has come to this house today He said it's more blessed to give than receive To open my hands to the ones I've deceived To bring reparation of all I have thieved Hallelujah, hallelujah, yes, now I can see Salvation has come Salvation has come to this house today What I've taken from the poor, I will give it all away And their cries won't be ignored, I will give it all away Let Your justice be restored, I will give it all away What I thought was mine is yours, I will give it all away Jesus our Lord comes to seek and to save The broken, the lost, and the sheep gone astray O lay down your treasures, for they're just golden chains He says, "Child, I will come to your house today" Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 19:1-10 [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’ We’re quite familiar with the situation shown at the start of this gospel passage. A celebrity has come to town. Everyone is anxious to see him. They’ll do whatever it takes. So, a short-in-stature tax collector casts his dignity aside and scrambles up a tree. What’s going on in the mind of Zacchaeus? He gets more than a passing glimpse of Jesus. Jesus invites himself to dinner at Zacchaeus’s house. What must that have been like for him? This encounter is literally life-changing for Zacchaeus. What was it, do you think, that he saw or heard in Jesus that made such an impact on him? Jesus declares that he has come to save the lost. As you listen again, consider whether there are areas of your own life that need to be saved by Jesus in this way. Luke 19:1-10 [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’ Jesus thinks of you, too, as a son or daughter of Abraham, as a child of God. Take a few moments now to respond to Jesus as he addresses himself to you in this way. 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 17 November 2025Today is Monday the 17th of November, the Feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing the Shestopsalmiye from Rachmaninov’s Vespers. ‘Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.’ As I enter into prayer today, as I enter into this conversation with the Lord, I too ask him to open my lips to speak to him, but first for an open ear to listen to him. Slava v vyshnikh Bogu, i na zemli mir, v chelovetsekh blagovoleniye Gospodi, ustne moyi otverzeshi, i usta moya vozvestyat khvalu Tvoyu Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 18:35-43 As [Jesus] approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. In the gospel readings this week, we accompany Jesus on his final journey before his passion to Jerusalem. He is well aware of the dangers that await him there. Yet he still finds time to reach out to the needy people he encounters. How do you feel about walking this road with him? This blind man is desperate. This may be his only chance to get the help he needs. He’s not prepared to let other, more polite; people silence him. Can you recall a time when you’ve been desperate for help in this way? What happened? What stirs in Jesus as he calls the blind man forward? Can you see the look on Jesus’s face? As you hear the passage again, try to put yourself in the blind man’s shoes. Hear Jesus say to you, as you stand before him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Luke 18:35-43 As [Jesus] approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. In these final moments of prayer, respond to Jesus, telling him what you want or need from him 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.

Sunday 16 November 2025Today is Sunday the 16th of November, World Day of the Poor, beginning the 33rd week of Ordinary Time. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Joy’. 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 Psalm 97, or Psalm 98 in some version of the Bible. Psalm 97:5-9 Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord. Let the sea and all within it, thunder; the world, and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord: for he comes, he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with fairness. Today we are invited to make a journey as the psalm bursts with joy and praise. Imagine standing within this song of creation, waves crashing in rhythm with a divine symphony. There is movement, life and so much joy! All of creation is invited to join in the praise, to witness God’s presence in the natural world, to hear the music of divine justice echoing through it. What is your first response to this reading? Today is World Day of the Poor, with the theme 'You are my hope’. We are invited to extend God’s justice and mercy to the poor today, and not just today. Where do you see injustice in your own heart or in the world? The psalm also reminds us that the Lord brings righteousness. Perhaps the rivers clap their hands not only in joy, but as an encouragement to acts of service, generosity, and social justice? Where may you bring compassion and love, especially to those most in need? As you listen to the psalm again, perhaps you could dedicate part of this day to notice God’s work in creation and respond with gratitude... Psalm 97:5-9 Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord. Let the sea and all within it, thunder; the world, and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord: for he comes, he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with fairness. 'Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things.' We find the psalm’s call to joy intertwined with a call to responsibility. But first, in the stillness of this day, share with the Lord your own need of restoration. Rest in God’s presence and give thanks... 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 15 November 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Become aware of God’s presence. Begin by placing yourself in God’s presence. Allow yourself to settle into stillness inviting God to be with you as you look back over your week. The scripture and the saints of the past week have encouraged us to the Ignatian practice of ‘finding God in all things.’ Ask the Lord to help you to see the Divine in the moments and encounters of the past week. Let your mind gently move through the days of the past week. What moments stand out? Where did you feel joy, peace, or beauty? Where did you notice God’s presence - in creation, in others, or in yourself? Take a moment to consider any times when you felt far from God, caught up in busyness, stress, or distractions of life? We have listened to Wisdom this week calling us to a deeper awareness and connection. How have you heard this invitation? What is God inviting you to notice, change, or embrace? How might you respond? As you prepare for the week ahead, ask for the grace to be more attentive to God’s loving presence - seeing God, most especially, in the ordinary and everyday. 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 15 November 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Become aware of God’s presence. Begin by placing yourself in God’s presence. Allow yourself to settle into stillness, inviting God to be with you as you look back over your week. The scripture and the saints of the past week have encouraged us to the Ignatian practice of ‘finding God in all things.’ Ask the Lord to help you to see the Divine in the moments and encounters of the past week. Let your mind gently move through the days of the past week. What moments stand out? Where did you feel joy, peace, or beauty? Where did you notice God’s presence - in creation, in others, or in yourself? Take a moment to consider any times when you felt far from God, caught up in busyness, stress, or distractions of life? We have listened to Wisdom this week calling us to a deeper awareness and connection. How have you heard this invitation? What is God inviting you to notice, change, or embrace? How might you respond? As you prepare for the week ahead, ask for the grace to be more attentive to God’s loving presence - seeing God, most especially, in the ordinary and everyday. 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