Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Saturday 14 June 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This weekend we celebrate Trinity Sunday – God in relationship of love between three Persons. As you look back over the week or a longer period, ask yourself the following questions . . . When have you shared in the creativity of God the Creator? . . . How have you been as Christ to someone else? . . . When did you dance with the Holy Spirit? . . . And also ask yourself: when did you neglect to care for God’s creation? . . . How have you fallen short of the call to be like Christ? . . . When did you resist the Spirit’s offer of grace? . . . How does the Trinity want to come close to you now? . . . Let them, and be together a while . . . 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 13 June 2025Today is Friday the 13th of June, the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. ‘Wherever love is true, God is there.’ Reflect on the people who will be around you today. Picture their faces. Think of the lives they lead: their work, their worries, their passions, their loves. God is present in there: the God who is love. Present, living, dwelling in every one of these people, and in you. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus. Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites. Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul quoque cum beatis videamus, Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus: Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum, Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen. Where love is true, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one: Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease. And in the midst of us be Christ our God. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time we see that with the saints also, Thy face in glory, O Christ our God: The joy that is immense and good, Unto the World without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. If sometimes you feel afflicted, perplexed, persecuted or struck down, well, you’re in good company. Paul seems to think that there is nothing unusual about any of these states. Life, including Christian life, is often hard! We don’t need to pretend otherwise. And you already know that this has been the case for you. Yet, our struggles are never pointless, and we need never despair. God is always at work for good. It is the same God and the same good that brings about the resurrection of Jesus. We are caught up in the same salvific work of God in Christ. You might feel like a clay jar. Nevertheless, there is treasure in you and God knows it is there. Consider that for a moment . . . Listen to Paul again. He really knows what he’s talking about here. 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. What’s the particular treasure – a treasure within you and your life – that God is showing you at the moment? . . . look at it together and, well, treasure 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

Thursday 12 June 2025Today is Thursday the 12th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. Good Shepherd Collective sings, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. As you enter prayer today, notice if anything is distracting you, or holding you back. Lay it at the feet of Jesus. You might like to use the music as a tool to help you stay in the here and now with God... Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty Glory to the Father, Amen Alleluia, alleluia Alleluia, alleluia Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty God in three Persons, blessed Trinity Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:20-26 [For I tell you,] unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. This is one of those scripture passages that can stir many kinds of reactions and emotions within us. Take a moment to notice what is around for you after hearing it. We hear the gravity of what can lie in our hearts; it is not enough to avoid the act of murder, because seething, resentful thoughts are also harmful. Jesus calls us to a higher standard. Today’s teaching is showing us how important it is to resist those seeds of hatred that will destroy relationships, community and the concord of our own soul. Jesus does not want that for us. We can also see why we need Jesus! It wouldn't be right either to conclude that there is no place for any kind of anger in our lives. Anger is an emotion, and emotions are a part of what makes us human. Anger is often a legitimate response to injustice. Jesus was quite capable of that himself. It can even be channelled into courageous, prophetic witness, such as the turning over of the tables in the Temple. Let us discern whether the anger we experience is taking us towards the Kingdom of God, or in a very different direction. Listen to Jesus again and catch the passion and the flourish of his teaching. Be in the crowd as he really goes for it . . . Matthew 5:20-26 [For I tell you,] unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. If there is someone you are very angry at, take a moment to admit it. Take how you feel to Jesus now. He will understand . . . 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 11 June 2025Today is Wednesday the 11th of June, the feast of Saint Barnabas, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Worst Days’. God of everything You reached out to me Made a home in my heart I just can't explain I just stand in awe Of Your wonderful love And even on my worst days It stays the same I just don't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Love that knows no end I'm wrapped up in the arms of my Father I'll never lose my position I will always be Your child That's all that matters ‘Cause even on my worst days It stays the same I just can't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Oh it reaches to the depths of my soul and it won't let go Oh wonderful love There's no where else I'll rather be, no where else for me Oh wonderful love From Calvary to eternity, I'm Yours forever Oh wonderful love (Oh Jesus) Your love knows no ending, the sweetest of tastes Oh wonderful love How high How wide How deep Is Your love Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 11:21-26 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. The early Church is growing, and the Gentiles are especially being added to its number. As the Gospel is preached there is often opposition, and sometimes, as we see here, a delightful receptivity. Where do you see an openness to the Gospel in your life or work? Barnabas is moved and delighted by what he sees. He knows that he believes in Jesus and the transformation that Jesus brings. What’s it like for him to see this becoming true for others? We are not meant to follow Jesus on our own. We need one another. Who are the people who have encouraged you in your Christian life? One meaning of the name Barnabas is Son of Encouragement, so it may even have been a nickname given to him because he often took this role. Listen again and notice the encouraging role Barnabas himself is playing… Acts 11:21-26 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. How have you encouraged others in their following of Jesus? How might you be a Son, a Daughter, a Bringer of Encouragement? Speak to the Lord about this now, as one friend speaks to another. 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 10 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 10th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’ Christe, lux mundi, qui sequitur te, habebit lumen vitae, lumen vitae Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, [so that they may see your good works] and give glory to your Father in heaven. Jokes don’t translate well across the millennia, but you might imagine Jesus raising a smile or two at his examples of gone-off salt and how not to use a lamp... Take a moment to reflect on these images of salt and light... The right amount of salt on food brings out the best of it. How are you bringing flavour to your world? What’s the invitation here? A warm light brings people together and allows fellowship to happen: cooking (with a dose of salt of course), eating together (salt on the side), laughter, party games, friendship, intimacy… Where do you bring warmth and light to others? Where you bring flavour and light, carry on! Are there ways you can do even more of that? Maybe there are, or perhaps it’s simply continuing to do what you do – a little salt and a little well-placed light make a big difference… Listen again and let Jesus speak directly to you Matthew 5:13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Eugene Peterson in the Message translates it like this: “You’re here to be the light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.” I wonder: what particular God-colour are 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

Monday 9 June 2025Today is Monday the 9th of June, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Gaudete Ensemble sings Ave Maria by Margaret Rizza. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. After the Ascension of Jesus, his disciples, the women and the men, including Mary his mother, were at prayer. How did they pray? What were they actually doing? How do you picture their prayer? We might imagine them praying with the psalms and the use of other prayers and liturgies known by heart. Perhaps there was a re-reading of the prophets and finding the story of Jesus prefigured in ways they had not seen before. They may have sometimes used their own words as people do today in prayer groups. Maybe a candle would have been lit, and all would sit in silence, remembering the last few days, weeks, years with Jesus. Be with them in that space for a little while... As you listen again to the passage, consider the different characters who make up this early Church. Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. To which individual or grouping are you most drawn to from this time of prayer? Find a place with them in particular, and talk or sit in silence together. You might want to imagine them with you as you talk to Jesus about your experience there... 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 8 June 2025Today is Sunday the 8th of June, the feast of Pentecost.    The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing, Voici le temps: This is the time, most Holy Spirit, when you, One with the Father and the Son, come to shed your light in the hearts of your faithful.  Pause for a moment, and become aware of the Holy Spirit, present here, come to give life and light. Pause for a moment, and welcome that light into your life.    (Lyrics currently unavailable)  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 2:1-11  When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.  Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’  Our reading for today is the extraordinary story of the first Pentecost, which you might think of as the birthday of the Church.   “They were all together, in one place”. This is the first description of the Church as it is born... How does this sentence land now in light of the Church today?   “In our own languages, we hear them speaking of God’s deeds of power”. How do you see this in the Church today?   “They were filled with the Holy Spirit.” As you listen to the reading again, notice the effect this has on them. Have you ever felt this?   Acts 2:1-11  When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.  Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’  Finally, just think back over the last few minutes. What thoughts and feelings arose in you during this time? Can you turn them into a prayer 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  

Saturday 7 June 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen.    Take a moment to become still and alert to God’s presence, wherever you find yourself today.   As you look back over this week of prayer, what really stands out for you? Did you at all feel the presence of God in your prayer this week?    Was there one particular scripture passage or verse that really spoke to you this week? What do you think it is saying to you now?    Was there a point when you really experienced a lightness of heart, and felt that God was there?    Was there a moment when you had no sense at all of the presence of God? Why do you think that might have been?    What do you think God is saying to you today in your prayer? How are you going to respond?    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 6 June 2025Today is Friday the 6th of June, in the 7th week of Eastertide.    Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘I Love You, Lord’. Can you make these words your own today?     I love You, Lord  And I lift my voice  To worship You  Oh, my soul rejoice  Take joy, my King  In what You hear  May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear  I love You, Lord  And I lift my voice  To worship You  Oh, my soul rejoice  Take joy, my King  In what You hear  May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 21:15-19  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’  This is perhaps a rather tense conversation between Jesus and his leading apostle, since it is not long ago that we heard Simon Peter robustly assert, no less than three times, that he had no idea who Jesus was. How do you think Simon is feeling in the course of this interchange?  Jesus indicates that life is not going to be easy for him; and then says, “Follow me”. Could this command be given to you, do you think? If so, how would you feel about it?  Now listen once more as the passage is read to you.  Notice the instruction that Peter is given as they talk... What does that tell you about the heart of Jesus?  John 21:15-19  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’  Finally, see if you can gather together all the thoughts and feelings that have been operating inside you during this time, and turn them into a prayer. What do you want to pray for at this moment?  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 5 June 2025Today is Thursday the 5th of June, the feast of St Boniface, in the 7th week of Eastertide.    The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the Benedictus: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!  He has visited his people and redeemed them. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old. A saviour who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us.  So his love for our ancestors is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered. He swore to Abraham our father to grant us, that free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve him in holiness and justice all the days of our life in his presence.”    Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel; quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebis suae  et erexit cornu salutis nobis, in domo David pueri sui,  sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius,  salutem ex inimicis nostris, et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos;  ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris, et memorari testamenti sui sancti,  iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, daturum se nobis,  ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrum liberati, serviamus illi  in sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris.  Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius,  ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius in remissionem peccatorum eorum,  per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri, in quibus visitabit nos oriens ex alto,  illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent, ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 22:30; 23:6-11  Since [the tribune] wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them.  When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamour arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.  That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’  Paul has noticed that some of his opponents were Sadducees, while others were Pharisees, two groups that were bitterly opposed to each other. How might we preach the gospel by noticing and recognising who we are talking to? How can we adapt in such situations? Perhaps there is a particular group or person in your life at the moment who could benefit from this...  “The Lord stood near him, and said “Keep up your courage”. Have you ever experienced such a whisper from God?  Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. What really strikes you about it, here and now?  When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamour arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.  That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’  Finally, just look back over this time of reflection. What thoughts and feelings do you notice arising in yourself? Do you think that you could turn them into a prayer in your own words?  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