Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Wednesday 1 July 2026 - Seek good and not evil Jul 01, 2026

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Wednesday 1 July 2026

Today is Wednesday the 1st of July, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The choir of Portsmouth Cathedral sing Psalm 85 – Lord thou art become gracious unto Thy Land, thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. Lord, thou art become gracious unto thy land; thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the offence of thy people, and covered all their sins. Thou hast taken away all thy displeasure, and turned thyself from thy wrathful indignation. Turn us then, O God our Saviour, and let thine anger cease from us. Wilt thou be displeased at us for ever? and wilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to another? Wilt thou not turn again, and quicken us, that thy people may rejoice in thee? Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hearken what the Lord God will say; for he shall speak peace unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not again unto foolishness. For his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall flourish out of the earth, and righteousness hath looked down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall show loving-kindness; and our land shall give her increase. Righteousness shall go before him, and shall direct his going in the way. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Amos. Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. God's words in today’s passage may sound harsh. But hear them come out of love; love for all the world, love especially for the poor and the vulnerable. When God sees his children exploited and impoverished, there is no ritual observance, no pious sacrifice, that can appease. What is it that stops you from sharing in God’s love for the outcast and those on the edges of society? Do you find yourself just accepting that the world is unjust? Or perhaps the injustice and poverty of so many overwhelms you... How is God with you in these movements of your heart? As you hear those words of God again, remember that God challenges those He loves; he wants us to grow and to share in his joy and love. The passion of his anger is also the passion of his forgiveness. As you listen, allow that passion to stir in your heart. Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Today, can you let these words touch you? Speak to God out of your feelings – or your lack of feelings. Tell him what is in your heart. Ask for the help of his grace. 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 30 June 2026 - Why are you afraid? Jun 30, 2026

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Tuesday 30 June 2026

Today is Tuesday the 30th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing, Nada te turbe: ‘Let nothing trouble you or make you afraid. Those who have God will lack nothing. God alone is enough.’ Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Todo se pasa, Dios no se muda (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) La paciencia todo lo alcanza (Solo Dios basta) Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta En Cristo mi confianza (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Y de Él solo mi asimiento (Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta) En sus cansancios mi aliento (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Y en su imitación mi holganza (Solo Dios basta) Aquí estriba mi firmeza (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Aquí mi seguridad (Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta) La prueba de mi verdad (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) La muestra de mi firmeza (Solo Dios basta) Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Ya no durmáis, no durmáis (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Pues que no hay paz en la Tierra (Solo Dios basta) No haya ningún cobarde (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Aventuremos la vida (Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta) No hay que temer, no durmáis (Nada te turbe, nada te espante) Aventuremos la vida (Solo Dios basta) Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Jesus’s reaction in this story is hard to understand. He doesn’t seem that bothered about the storm raging on the sea. But he’s really surprised by the terror and panic of his friends. How come they don’t see that they are totally safe with him around? The sea could be seen as a symbol of the chaos out of which God creates the world, the disorder the world often reverts to. How do you react to the little “chaoses” that come into your life? Do you panic like the disciples? Put up defences? Resign yourself to the inevitable? Or do you put all your trust in the Lord? Now imagine yourself in that situation which threatened you, as you listen to the reading again. Jesus is there with you this time. Tell him, “Lord, save me, I am going down.” Listen to what he says, see what he does. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Notice where you’ve felt drawn to the Lord in this prayer... Perhaps you felt drawn to the God who will not let you be lost? You might want to speak to Jesus, hand over some of your worries and insecurities... And give Him thanks for all He is to 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

Tuesday 30 June 2026 - Lord, save us Jun 30, 2026

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Tuesday 30 June 2026

Today is Tuesday the 30th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing 'Nada te turbe': Let nothing trouble you or make you afraid. Those who have God will lack nothing. God alone is enough. Nada te turbe, nada te espante Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta Nada te turbe, nada te espante Solo Dios basta Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Jesus’s reaction in this story is hard to understand. He doesn’t seem that bothered about the storm raging on the sea. But he’s really surprised by the terror and panic of his friends. How come they don’t see that they are totally safe with him around? The sea could be seen as a symbol of the chaos out of which God creates the world, the disorder the world often reverts to. How do you react to the little “chaoses” that come into your life? Do you panic like the disciples? Put up defences? Resign yourself to the inevitable? Or do you put all your trust in the Lord? Now imagine yourself in that situation which threatened you, as you listen to the reading again. Jesus is there with you this time. Tell him, “Lord, save me, I am going down.” Now listen to what he says. See what he does. Matthew 8:23-27 And when [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ Notice where you’ve felt drawn to the Lord in this prayer... Perhaps you felt drawn to the God who will not let you be lost? You might want to speak to Jesus, hand over some of your worries and insecurities... And give Him thanks for all He is to 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 29 June 2026 - I will follow you Jun 29, 2026

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Monday 29 July 2026

Today is Monday the 29th of June, in the 13th week of Ordinary Time. In today’s reflection, we will pray with the idea of what it costs to follow Jesus. As you listen to Jon Guerra singing, ‘Take Up Your Cross’, become aware of Jesus’ loving presence with you. If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it If anyone claims to worship God Let him give all away Take up his cross Follow me Whoever would save his life Will lose it Whoever loses his life for me Will find it What would it profit a man If he gains the whole world And forfeits his soul What would it profit a man at all What would it profit a man If he dies with a barn full of silver and gold What would it profit a man at all If anyone would come after me Let him deny himself Take up his cross Follow me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:18-22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ In our passage today, Jesus speaks of the “cost of following”. When the scribe declares that he will follow Jesus wherever he goes, we might have expected Jesus to respond with a lighter tone, some congratulatory remarks, or even a pat on the back. Instead, Jesus responds by saying, “follow me, and I promise it will be tough.” How do you feel about this challenging invitation? If Jesus was inviting you to follow him here, what would be the first thing that you would want to “sort out” before feeling free to fully join him? Are you able to give that up? As this short passage is read again, imagine the scene, with you in it, perhaps in the place of the scribe – share what it feels like to speak these words to Jesus, and to hear his reply. Matthew 8:18-22 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ "I will follow you wherever you go." Are these words you want to speak to Jesus now, in response to his challenge? Perhaps you would choose different words. Whatever it is you want to say, speak to the Lord who is listening to you 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

Sunday 28 June 2026 - The Lord has sent his angel Jun 28, 2026

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Sunday 28 June 2026

Today is Sunday the 28th of June, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, beginning the 13th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach, Jessica Fox and iAmSon sing ‘Bless the Lord’. What are the great things the Lord has done for you? Bless the Lord O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name For he has done great things Bless His holy name Bless the Lord O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name For he has done great things Bless His holy name Bless the Lord O my soul And all that is within me Bless His holy name For he has done great things Alleluia Bless His holy name Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts. Acts 12:1-11 About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, ‘Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.’ He did so. Then he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.’ In today’s reading we hear of the killing of James the brother of John by Herod, then move on quickly to hear the story of Peter’s release from prison. We take a moment to acknowledge the stark difference in outcome for these two beloved followers of Jesus. We hear that when Peter was imprisoned and four squads of soldiers were sent to guard him, the church was fervently praying for him. How and when have you been supported in prayer? And what difference did this make to you? As you listen to the reading again, in your imagination, keep company with Peter as he awakes and follows the angel. The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, ‘Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.’ He did so. Then he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.’ As we approach the end of this prayer time, we remember how the church was praying earnestly for Peter in prison. Who perhaps needs your earnest prayer in their current situation? Pray for them now as you come to the end of this time. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 27 June 2026 - Gratitude and prayer Jun 27, 2026

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Saturday 27 June 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. You may like to take a little longer to prepare yourself for prayer today. So, take a moment to allow yourself to feel comfortable wherever you are. What do you need to be at home with the Lord and feel comfortable? Become aware of the rhythm of your breathing. If you are feeling anxious about something, acknowledge this with the Lord who already knows, understands and welcomes you with whatever you bring to prayer today. Continue to breathe slowly and imagine that you are beginning to come to rest in the Lord’s loving presence. You may like to imagine that you are leaning on him. We will read through a selection of verses from this week’s scripture passages. You may use these to jog your memory, or perhaps just notice which verse most speaks to you today. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed.  Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God.  Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose.” As you sit with the Lord today, share any memories from your prayer times this week, or reflect on the verse that most speaks to you today. Now call to mind some of the moments in the past week. Which moment most stands out to you as being a life-giving moment? Which moment stands out as being a life-draining moment? Offer these moments to the Lord in gratitude and prayer. For the remaining time in prayer, focus once again on your breathing and simply let the Lord surround you with his loving presence. 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 26 June 2026 - Be made clean Jun 26, 2026

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Friday 26 June 2026

Today is Friday the 26th of June, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing: ‘Inhliziyo Zethu’: ‘You will make my heart pure’. A pure heart is a heart that is open to God, that doesn’t seek its own advantage, but wants whatever God wants. As I enter into prayer today, I ask for that openness of heart. I ask the Lord to lead my heart to him, to guide me in the way he wants me to go. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 8:1-4 When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ Try to picture this man with leprosy now...his appearance...his garments...his posture...his diseased skin...how do his isolation and suffering show on his face? ‘The leper came to Jesus and knelt before him.’ Now picture Jesus with the leper, knelt at his feet... How does Jesus welcome him?... Look at him?... Perhaps touch him?... Gaze upon this scene for a moment with your heart. The leper asks, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ As the reading is read again, continue to watch the scene, noticing what most moves you. Matthew 8:1-4 When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ Jesus says to the leper, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Perhaps there is something you would like to ask of Jesus today. In the quiet, bring your own requests to his feet as you pray. 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 25 June 2026 - The house of your faith Jun 25, 2026

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Thursday 25 June 2026

Today is Thursday the 25th of June, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. 'In God alone is my soul at rest. He alone is my rock, my strength.' There are probably things on my mind as I try to pray, right now. Things bothering me, worrying me, things I’ve got to do. Those hassles and concerns may be important. But for these few minutes, can I just put them on one side, and find a moment of peace for my soul? A moment of rest with my God, my rock, my strength? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 7:21-29 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. We might have been familiar with the house on the rock parable since childhood, but today we are going to reflect on this parable of Jesus as if we were doing an examen. Reflect on your life recently. When did you most hear and act on the wise words of Jesus? Maybe you can recall a moment of consolation, as if the house of your faith was built on a rock. When recently have you not acted on Jesus’s words, perhaps leaning on your own understanding only? Maybe there was a feeling of your house collapsing under the buffeting of the rain and wind when your circumstances were challenging. Or perhaps you feared this happening. As we hear the reading again, offer these times, times of wisdom and times of foolishness, to God and his loving mercy... Matthew 7:21-29 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. As we prepare to end our time of prayer, offer your gift of faith to the Lord, whether you feel that it’s built on the sand or on rock at present. Let him see your heart and listen for his voice. 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 24 June 2026 - His name is John Jun 24, 2026

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Wednesday 24 June 2026

Today is Wednesday the 24th of June, the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘How Great Thou Art’. As you come to prayer today, recall the things for which you are grateful to God. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim: "My God, how great thou art!" Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. We will only hear the passage once through today, followed by an imaginative contemplation exercise, so prepare to step into the scene... Luke 1:57-66, 80 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, and our reading reminds us of some of the extraordinary and surprising events surrounding John’s birth. As you begin your time of prayer, try to picture the hill country of Judea with its green, sloping hills and pine forests. Imagine Elizabeth and Zechariah in their house, holding their baby. Listen to their conversation... then the exclamations of joy and the delight of the neighbours and relatives as they come to wish them well. What is it like to become part of this scene? Perhaps there is someone in the home with whom you would like to have a conversation. We now imagine that we join the family for the circumcision ceremony of John. We remember that Zechariah has been mute for nine months, so picture him now as he struggles to communicate by gestures and writing the name of the child. ‘His name is John.’ Imagine that you hear Zechariah recovering his voice and listen as he begins to praise God. What reactions do you see among his family and guests? ‘All these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea.  All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?’ In your prayer now, offer your own praise to God as you recall the life and ministry of John. What would you like to especially give thanks for? 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 23 June 2026 - The gate is narrow Jun 23, 2026

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Tuesday 23 June 2026

Today is Tuesday the 23rd of June, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. 'Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.' The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Bless the Lord, my soul and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul who leads me into life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 7:6, 12-14 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ In today’s reading, Jesus is teaching his disciples on the mountain, delivering the Sermon on the Mount. The first two sentences relate to how we relate to others: the first about taking care, and the second about serving one another.... ‘Do not throw your pearls before swine’ Jesus instructs his disciples.... What gifts from God would you regard as your pearls? Can you recall a time when you shared these with someone and felt they were badly received, or even trampled on? Try to recall how this felt. Jesus also teaches, ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.’ This is sometimes known as the ‘golden rule’. Reflect on this, perhaps calling to mind a way in which this teaching of Jesus shapes your own life and the lives of those around you. As you listen to the scripture again, notice which of these instructions you find to be the most challenging. Matthew 7:6, 12-14 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ Our reading today ends with Jesus presenting us with a choice of either the wide gate that leads to destruction or the narrow gate which leads to life. Take a few moments to imagine these two gates and the paths and choices they present. What has most struck you today in this time of prayer? Share your thoughts with the Lord 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

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