Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Monday 23 June 2025Today is Monday the 23rd of June, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. Davy, with the Porter’s Gate, sings Psalm 5. Listen, God! Please, pay attention!
 Can you make sense of all my groans and cries?
 Listen, God! I need your help. 
Every morning you’ll hear me at it again.
 Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar, And watch for fire to descend. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 7:1-5 ‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye. In today’s passage, we may begin by reflecting on how we hear Jesus’ voice as he speaks to the crowd, as he speaks to you. How do you feel as you hear these words? Perhaps you sense both challenge and compassion in his voice? Take a moment to consider how this attitude might affect your relationships, your peace? What “logs” might Jesus be lovingly drawing your attention to? How may you bring these to him for healing? As you listen to the passage again, ask for the grace to be gentle with others and the humility to know your own heart. Matthew 7:1-5 ‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye. “Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” Take a moment in this time of prayer to speak honestly with Jesus, opening your heart to him, trusting in his love. 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 22 June 2025Today is Sunday the 22nd of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, beginning the 12th week of Ordinary Time.    The Convivium Singers sing ‘The Real Presence’ by Margaret Rizza. On this feast day, take a moment to recall any special or significant encounters you have had during the Eucharist... how have you met with Christ in this way?     (Lyrics currently unavailable)  Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.    1 Corinthians 11:23-26  For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.  Today is the feast of Corpus Christi, when the Church celebrates Jesus’ gift to us of the Eucharist. Christian traditions differ in their understanding of what this signifies, but all Christians hold to the importance of recognising him in the breaking of bread. What does this recognition signify to you?    At the Last Supper Jesus tells his disciples to break bread in memory of him, but in John’s Gospel he also tells them to wash one another’s feet in imitation of his own gesture to them. How do the breaking of bread and washing of feet come together in your experience?    We listen to the reading repeated and notice what stands out for us or remains in our heart and imagination. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26  For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.    The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. If we lived every experience of thankfulness as a ‘Eucharistic’ moment, what difference would that make to us? Spend some time thinking of what you are particularly thankful for and take the opportunity to share what is in your mind and heart with 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  

Saturday 21 June 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, a young Jesuit saint who gave all that he had in response to God’s call. This week’s readings have been full of challenge and invitation. Some aspects of the challenge may have appeared superhuman, even mad: generosity in the face of persecution, self-giving without hope of reward, trying to be as perfect as God. We make our examen trusting in God’s amazing grace, given without our earning or deserving it, rather than in any spiritual heroism on our part. Jesus’ teaching on resistance to evil goes against every human instinct to defend ourselves by retaliation or trying to seem stronger than our opponent. At the heart of it lies the mystery of his Passion which in turn leads to the unexpectedness of his Resurrection. Like his disciples, we struggle to make sense of what is happening when we are in the midst of such experiences. What do this week’s readings say to you about your own call to follow Jesus? Jesus takes us beyond mere nonviolence to active love and generosity to those who behave ill towards us. Again, it seems contrary to human nature. How did you find yourself responding to this invitation to radical conversion? What graces have you found yourself praying for this week? Paul takes up the theme of giving beyond what is reasonable. Have you found yourself opening up to that call to radical generosity or is there something that prevents you responding as you might wish? Jesus teaches us to pray, but the prayer he gave can so easily become a formula. When invited to take that prayer slowly and thoughtfully, was there any part of it that struck you and stayed with you? How might you want to pray it in future? Take time to think of the graces you feel you need and want to ask for, graces for yourself and also for the world as it is right now. God is only waiting for you to ask for what you most desire, wanting to fulfil those desires in the way and time that are best. 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 20 June 2025Today is Friday the 20th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    The community of Taizé sing C’est toi, ma lampe, Seigneur.  “O Lord, you are my lamp.  My God, enlighten my darkness”    Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.    Matthew 6:19-23  ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!  Jesus tells us that our heart will be wherever our treasure is. It’s a challenging observation that invites us to consider what we have really set our heart on.  As honestly as you can, are you able to give an answer to that question?    Jesus goes on to talk about what we can truly see, what our real outlook on life is. There is invitation in his words but also challenge. How do you respond to both the invitation and the challenge?    As the reading is repeated, what strikes or stays with you? Where are your thoughts taking you at this time and why?  Matthew 6:19-23  ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!  In light of what Jesus says, and of where your thoughts have led, what do you want to say to him right now? Have courage to speak to him from 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 

Thursday 19 June 2025Today is Thursday the 19th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Pater Noster’, the Our Father. As you listen to this twice through, you might like to pray the Lord’s Prayer in your own language.     Pater noster qui es in coelis,  sanctificetur nomen tuum;  adveniat regnum tuum,  fiat voluntas tua,  sicut in coelo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,  et dimitte nobis debita nostra,  sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.  et ne nos inducas in tentationem  sed libera nos a malo.  Our Father, who art in heaven,  hallowed be thy name;  thy kingdom come,  thy will be done,  on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread,  and forgive us our trespasses  as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil.    2:55  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.    Matthew 6:7-15  ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  ‘Pray then in this way: 
 Our Father in heaven, 
   hallowed be your name. 
   Your kingdom come. 
   Your will be done, 
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
   Give us this day our daily bread. 
   And forgive us our debts, 
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
   And do not bring us to the time of trial, 
     but rescue us from the evil one. 
 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.    Jesus’ disciples ask him to teach them to pray, and this is his teaching for every one of us who follow him.  The words are so familiar, but does something particular strike you today?    Jesus’ prayer encapsulates so much of his teaching: God as loving Father, the kingdom according to God’s will, not our own, dependence on God and forgiveness. What seems most important to you here and why?    As you hear the reading repeated, try to hear Jesus’ words as if for the first time. Is there anything particular that stays with you and strikes your mind or heart in a new way?  Matthew 6:7-15  ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  ‘Pray then in this way: 
 Our Father in heaven, 
   hallowed be your name. 
   Your kingdom come. 
   Your will be done, 
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
   Give us this day our daily bread. 
   And forgive us our debts, 
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
   And do not bring us to the time of trial, 
     but rescue us from the evil one. 
 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.    Take time, in light of this very familiar prayer, to speak to God with your own words and from the heart of your own thoughts and feelings.  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 18 June 2025Today is Wednesday the 18th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    Molly Parden with Bifrost Arts sings ‘Psalm 126’.     Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter  Our tongues they were loosed, loosed with joy  Restore us, O Lord  Restore us, O Lord  Although we are weeping  Lord, help us keep sowing  The seeds of Your Kingdom  For the day You will reap them  Your sheaves we will carry  Lord, please do not tarry  All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy  The nations will say, "He has done great things!"  The nations will sing songs of joy  Restore us, O Lord  Restore us, O Lord Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.    2 Corinthians 9:6-11  The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, 
 ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; 
   his righteousness endures for ever.’ 
 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.  Paul’s teaching on almsgiving echoes that of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel. When we imitate God’s generosity to us, we act in trust that God will supply our needs. What would it take for you to be that generous and that trusting?    Paul makes the point about giving from the heart, as a ‘cheerful giver’. Reluctant generosity is no generosity at all. Can you remember a time when you have been inspired to give cheerfully? Or when it felt too costly?    As the reading is repeated, notice what strikes your heart or takes your thoughts in a particular direction.  What is it and why does it do that?  2 Corinthians 9:6-11  The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, 
 ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; 
   his righteousness endures for ever.’ 
 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.  Thinking about what Paul calls ‘the harvest of your righteousness’, what do you find yourself wanting to say to God?  Take time to speak and to listen to God’s response.  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 17 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 17th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Good to Me’. As you listen, reflect on the ways you have experienced the goodness of God over the years.     I can taste the sweetness of Your mercy  But I feel the sting of grief still in my chest  Not sure I've known the one without the other  So I will cling to the belief I know the best  You have been  You will be  You are so good to me  I reach out my hand in hopes You hold on  But time and time again find empty space  So I will keep open though they're shaking  And call to mind the time I felt the grip of grace  You have been  You will be  You are still here with me  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.    Matthew 5:43-48  ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  Jesus acted out these commands in his life and at his death, yet he was the son of God.  Can he really mean us to try to live like this? How can we even imagine being perfect as God is perfect?    Jesus makes the point that God doesn’t only do good to us when we are good. We are constantly receiving grace when we don’t deserve it. He invites us to go beyond the boundaries of good sense and to imitate the undeserved goodness of God. What are your reactions to such an idea?    As the reading is repeated, notice what words or ideas stay with you and why. Which words stay with you in the particular circumstances of your life?  Matthew 5:43-48  ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  Jesus’ whole teaching here is that God’s kingdom takes us way beyond the limits of polite behaviour or vague benevolence. He invites us to be ‘revolutionaries of tenderness’. Take time to respond to this invitation from 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 

Tuesday 17 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 17th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Good to Me’. As you listen, reflect on the ways you have experienced the goodness of God over the years. I can taste the sweetness of Your mercy But I feel the sting of grief still in my chest Not sure I've known the one without the other So I will cling to the belief I know the best You have been You will be You are so good to me I reach out my hand in hopes You hold on But time and time again find empty space So I will keep open though they're shaking And call to mind the time I felt the grip of grace You have been You will be You are still here with me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Jesus acted out these commands in his life and at his death, yet he was the son of God. Can he really mean us to try to live like this? How can we even imagine being perfect as God is perfect? Jesus makes the point that God doesn’t only do good to us when we are good. We are constantly receiving grace when we don’t deserve it. He invites us to go beyond the boundaries of good sense and to imitate the undeserved goodness of God. What are your reactions to such an idea? As the reading is repeated, notice what words or ideas stay with you and why. Which words stay with you in the particular circumstances of your life? Matthew 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Jesus’ whole teaching here is that God’s kingdom takes us way beyond the limits of polite behaviour or vague benevolence. He invites us to be ‘revolutionaries of tenderness’. Take time to respond to this invitation from 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

Monday 16 June 2025Today is Monday the 16th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As you listen, you might like to think for a moment about your own need for that forgiveness, and the need to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. In a world of pre-emptive strikes and counter attacks Jesus’s words might seem impossibly naïve and optimistic, an invitation to become everyone’s doormat. Does he really mean what he says? How is it possible to be that generous and survive in the world as it is? The Mosaic principle that Jesus contradicts in fact limits retaliation to a fair measure, but Jesus is not satisfied with simple justice. His measure is that of God’s generosity towards us. God is willing to give whatever it takes to win us over. How does it feel to think of this? As we listen to the reading again, notice your feelings as God’s generosity is spelled out. Stay with your feelings, whatever they are, noticing where they come from and are leading you to. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. In the face of this astonishing reading, is there something you want to say to God? Whatever your response may be, take time to speak from 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

Sunday 15 June 2025Today is Sunday the 15th of June, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, beginning the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Bifrost Arts sing, ‘Wisdom and Grace’. Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace You've been our home and our dwelling our place in all generations. Before the earth or the mountains were formed, Lord, You were God. Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace Now the span of our lives, It is made of sorrow and labour As the days pass away like the grass How soon we are gone. Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace Let the work of our hands bring you praise, set Your favour upon us. O establish the work of our hands, May Your kingdom come! Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace Today’s reading is from the Book of Proverbs. This reading is about Wisdom as an expression of God’s nature, a dimension of who God is, depending on your translation - a creation or possession of God. Comparison has been made between Wisdom and Jesus. As you listen, where does this make sense, or indeed, not quite work for you? Proverbs 8:22-31 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. Today is Trinity Sunday. We contemplate the mystery of God as loving relationship between Persons. I wonder what your names for God are? How do you understand or experience each of the three Persons? Try this exercise (which can even be written down): as each Person is named, speak aloud (if alone) or whisper (if in company), or write down your particular names for that Person. Feel free to embellish those words as seems fitting to you. (If you need more time for this, make it). The First Person of the Trinity . . . . . . The Second Person . . . . . . The Third Person . . . . . . Now listen again to this passage about Wisdom with and in God. Catch the delight of the Persons of the Trinity in the goodness of creation. Proverbs 8:22-31 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. Can you imagine Jesus and the Holy Spirit together with God the Creator and doing this: “Rejoicing in the inhabited world and delighting in the human race.”? Watch them rejoicing and delighting in the world, and in 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