Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Saturday 25 April 2026 - An invitation from God Apr 25, 2026

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Saturday 25 April 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. At this point in the week, people often find it very helpful to reflect on how the prayer went this week. Perhaps you could think of three moments during the week when you felt God was very close to you. Or can you remember two moments in the week when you turned away from God, or where God seemed to be absent? What was going on here, do you think? In the coming week, is there one area of your life where you think God might be inviting you to develop? What would that be? How will you respond to that invitation, in the next day or so? 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 24 April 2026 - Who are you, Lord? Apr 24, 2026

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Friday 24 April 2026

Today is Friday the 24th of April, in the third week of Easter. Juliano Ravanello sings, ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’: Come, Creator Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 9:1-20 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ Our story today offers an encounter with the extraordinary person who will be the hero of the second half of Acts of the Apostles. Later on, he will be known to us as “Paul”; for the moment he is “Saul”, whom we encountered approving of the execution by stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Saul is arresting all the followers of Jesus whom he can find. Imagine Saul for a moment at this point... what is his tone of voice like? His demeanour? How does it make you feel? Saul asks, “who are you, Lord?”. Who does he think he is talking to at this point? Now listen as the story is read once more to you. This time, what do you find most remarkable about it? Acts 9:1-20 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ He answered, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ Saul proclaims “in the synagogues, saying ‘[Jesus] is the Son of God’.” Imagine what has happened to his heart! Speak with the Lord about this change of heart, noticing if there’s anything within yours that needs converting today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Thursday 23 April 2026 - He proclaimed the good news Apr 23, 2026

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Thursday 23 April 2026

Today is Thursday the 23rd of April, the feast of Saint George, in the third week of Easter. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: 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. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 8:26-40 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.’ The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. This is really a most extraordinary reading, so take a moment to let it come alive for you... Reflect for a moment on the angel and the Spirit... both moving Philip from one place to the next... one by prompting, the other by snatching! What do you notice as you ponder these? We hear this Old Testament quotation “like a sheep he was led to the slaughter”... What does this stir in you? Now listen as the story is read once more to you. As you follow the story, simply notice all the different words about movement and motion... Acts 8:26-40 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: ‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.’ The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. We hear that the eunuch 'went on his way rejoicing’. Can you capture some of this rejoicing after hearing the story today? Speak with the Lord about your experience in this time of prayer... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Wednesday 22 April 2026 - Here is your son Apr 22, 2026

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Wednesday 22 April 2026

Today is Wednesday the 22nd of April, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus, in the third week of Easter. Gillian Fisher and Michael Chance sing Stabat Mater Dolorosa by Pergolesi. ‘By the cross from which hung her son, his mother stood in sorrow and tears.’ As I listen, I can prepare myself to contemplate, today, Mary’s share in the suffering and the sacrifice of Jesus, a sacrifice made freely, and made out of love for the world. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 19:25-27 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. Try gazing at this scene: what stirs for you as you gaze upon it? What is the most striking thing about it? Who are you most drawn to? “From that hour, the disciple took her into his own home”. How do you imagine life for them after this moment? Listen again to the passage and place yourself there. Perhaps choose a person to be in the scene this time... John 19:25-27 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. Finally, just look back over the last few minutes of prayerful reflection. What was going on inside you? Could you turn all that 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

Tuesday 21 April 2026 - I am the bread of life Apr 21, 2026

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Tuesday 21 April 2026

Today is Tuesday the 21st of April, in the third week of Easter. Jon Guerra sings, ‘I See the Birds.’ Can you rest in the simplicity of Jesus’ care for you today? Do not be anxious about your life I heard you say to me You dress the lilies You leave the weeds The sower of the seed Am I in charge of my own mind Or is it in charge of me? I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again You've held me sturdy You've led me on Through years of joy and grief So don't you leave me All on my own You know me, Lord I'm weak I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again Oh, be my help again Don't you worry, child Don't you worry, child He won't leave you by yourself In times of trouble, he's your help I'm letting go of my own life I'm letting go again I see the birds up in the air I know you feed them I know you care So won't you teach me How I mean more to you than them In times of trouble Be my help again Be ever present Lord, won't you be my closest friend In times of trouble Be my help again Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 6:30-35 So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. This is part of a speech that arose from Jesus’ feeding of the multitudes. “What sign are you going to give us?”. This seems like a very bold question to ask Jesus! They almost sound entitled... What is your reaction to it? “Our ancestors ate the manna in the desert”. Why do they mention this, do you think? “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry”. Have you found this to be true in your life? Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Is there anything that leaps out of the passage as you hear it? John 6:30-35 So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Finally, as you look back over this time of quiet prayer, where did you find the presence of God? Or was it an absence? Can you turn that into a prayer to God that sums it all up? 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 20 April 2026 - Believe in him Apr 20, 2026

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Monday 20 April 2026

Today is Monday the 20th of April, in the third week of Easter. 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. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 6:22-29 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ We shall be remaining with the Gospel of John for the remainder of the Easter season; John can be quite different from the other gospels, but very rich indeed; and we are breathing quite a different atmosphere. Jesus seems to “go missing” in this portion of the gospel... Maybe you feel this happens to you! Recall a time where you have felt that Jesus is missing.... The crowds are looking for Jesus. Imagine you are one of them now... notice why it is you are looking for him? Because everyone else is? Or maybe you are hoping for a sign or healing. Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Stay in the crowd and notice that by praying today, you too are looking for Jesus... John 6:22-29 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ Perhaps you would like to stay with this today, knowing that this is the work of God.... believing in Jesus. What would you like to say about this to God? Speak 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

Sunday 19 April 2026 - Faith and hope Apr 19, 2026

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Sunday 19 April 2026

Today is Sunday the 19th of April, beginning the third week of Easter. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus... and the things of the earth will fall strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.’ Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of the earth Will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace In the light of His glory and grace Today’s reading is from the First Letter of Peter. 1 Peter 1:17-21 If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Peter is writing to the persecuted church to encourage them in their faith, by firstly reminding them to live with reverent fear, or perhaps we might think of it as “holy awe”, with God as their Father. In which ways do you love and serve God the Father with this “reverent fear”, this “holy awe”? Peter continues by reminding the church of the gift of their salvation, redeemed not with perishable silver or gold, but something more costly, something beyond value. So, ponder now on the sacrifice of Jesus, of his precious blood, of the outpouring of his love for you. As you listen to this reading again, imagine that Peter is addressing you personally and notice which words move you. 1 Peter 1:17-21 If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. In this short reading, Peter has reminded us of Jesus’s costly sacrifice on the cross and of the glory of the resurrection, so, take a moment now to offer your faith and hope in Him as an outpouring of gratitude 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 18 April 2026 - God's presence Apr 18, 2026

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Saturday 18 April 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take a few moments to calmly and quietly arrive with the Lord in prayer today. If you can, choose a comfortable position in which to pray. Focus on slowing down your breathing. Then, if you notice any distractions or thoughts on your mind clambering for your attention... try to gently release them. Imagine that you open your diary from the past week, running your fingertip across the pages or screen, showing the Lord the events of each day. Notice which moments most stand out to you? Call to mind any moments you had almost forgotten When did you feel most aware of God’s presence with you? When did you feel most distant from God? Move your thoughts to the coming week, and again, as if mulling over your diary with the Lord. Try offering the coming week to Him, asking for His presence to be with you, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. 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 17 April 2026 - Five barley loaves and two fish Apr 17, 2026

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Friday 17 April 2026

Today is Friday the 17th of April, in the second week of Easter. The Porter’s Gate sing ‘New Every Morning’. Can you join in with this song as we prepare for prayer today? You are not what you have done Or what has been done to you You are something like the rising sun Can't you see that you are new You might have your father’s name Or bear the shame he left behind But there's new life flowing through your veins Leave some room to be surprised You are new every morning You are new every morning Each day a resurrection waiting to break through You could try just for a start To put the judge back on thе shelf All the lovingkindness in your hеart Have a little for yourself You are new every morning You are new every morning Each day a resurrection waiting to break through You are new You think hope is lost but it's just underground The flame might be an ember but the fire won’t go out All the evidence is pointing to the truth That daily resurrection is still happening in you You are new every morning You are new every morning Each day a resurrection waiting to break through You are new Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. Today, we will only hear the reading once. John 6:1-15 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. Today, we will step into the scene – immerse ourselves in it as we savour the miracle we find in this passage. Imagine that you have been following Jesus for a couple of days, eager to listen to him. You, like many, have walked a long way. Have a look around at those who are travelling beside you, eager to hear Jesus’ teaching. Perhaps you are unsure of how long you will be travelling - imagine that you are beginning to feel hungry and weary, wondering how long you can keep going. As the crowd approaches Jesus, you feel caught up as the crowd surges forward. You notice Jesus in deep discussion with his disciples. Watch them talking together, what is their mood like? Watch Jesus now as he surveys the extent of the crowd...see a small boy approach him with his lunch. Jesus unpacks the lunch, holds out five barley loaves and two small fish. What are you thinking as you see this? Now the disciple John asks you to sit down. Watch as thousands of people begin to sit. Take a moment to feel the ground beneath your body, feel the relief as you sit and rest. Jesus takes the small amount of food, raises it and gives thanks to his Father in heaven. What do you notice about Jesus? Just minutes later a basket arrives at your feet, full of broken bread and fish. You reach out and take some, what does it taste like? Now look around you at the vast crowds as they share the food, listening to the sounds of their voices as they eat and talk together. What is it like to be part of this picnic? Finally, watch the baskets passing by, containing the leftover food, which people are refusing as they are full. What has most struck you as you have been part of the crowd today? End your prayer by sharing your experience with the Lord. 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 16 April 2026 - We must obey God Apr 16, 2026

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Thursday 16 April 2026

Today is Thursday the 16th of April, in the second week of Easter. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing Ngaza Ngambona: ‘They are blessed who keep his commandments; they will have their eternal place. Come in, all of you, so that you may be happy and be able to say, I’ve seen him on the cross, the one who loves me. Teach me, Father, to love you, praise you and pray to you.’ Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 5:27-33 When they had brought [the apostles], they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. In today’s reading, we hear that Peter and the disciples have continued to teach about Jesus in public despite being warned by the authorities not to do so. Now they stand before the council and the high priest. Picture this scene as if you are one of these disciples. They are accused of filling Jerusalem with their teaching. Imagine this happening now...as the disciples share the joys they have encountered, of healings, of forgiveness of sins, of the death and resurrection of Jesus...of eternal life...imagine people gathering and hearing this for the first time...picture some becoming followers. Peter speaks to the Council, declaring, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority.’ How do you feel as you hear these words? Emboldened? Determined to keep on speaking or perhaps scared, as you wonder what the consequences might be? As you listen to the reading again, notice the confidence in Peter as he continues to speak out. Acts 5:27-33 When they had brought [the apostles], they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. Now imagine the strength of the presence of the Holy Spirit with Peter and the disciples as if you are there with them... Which gift do you most need today? The boldness of Peter, the persistence of the disciples, fresh joy in the gospel or maybe just refreshment? Speak with the Lord about this gift as you come to the end of this prayer 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

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