Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Friday 27 March 2026 - Growing and deepening Mar 27, 2026

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Friday 27 March 2026

Today is Friday the 27th of March, in the fifth week of Lent. Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Good to Me’. Can you trace the goodness of God in your life at the moment? I can taste the sweetness of Your mercy But I feel the sting of grief still in my chest Not sure I've known the one without the other So I will cling to the belief I know the best You have been You will be You are so good to me I reach out my hand in hopes You hold on But time and time again find empty space So I will keep open though they're shaking And call to mind the time I felt the grip of grace You have been You will be You are still here with me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 10:31-42 The Judeans took up stones again to stone [Jesus]. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Judeans answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. Imagine yourself in the area of the Temple. See Jesus. See the people wanting to attack him. Where are you in this scene? What do you want to say those holding stones? Say it now. What do you want to say to Jesus? Say that too. Jesus’ words about himself and God challenge the onlookers. What ideas about God do you find challenging? How do you react when your image of God is threatened? How can you ensure that your relationship with God is growing and deepening? Jesus replied, 'I have shown you many good works from the Father.’ As you hear the passage again, identify some of the good works of God that you have seen. John 10:31-42 The Judeans took up stones again to stone [Jesus]. Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ The Judeans answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods”? If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there. End this time of prayer by speaking with God about what has stirred in you. Ask for the grace to recognise and trust God’s work in your life. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Thursday 26 March 2026 - The meaning of your name Mar 26, 2026

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Thursday 26 March 2026

Today is Thursday the 26th of March, in the fifth week of Lent. 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.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Genesis 17:3-9 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.’ Names matter. In the scriptures, encounters with the living God often lead to a change of name to reflect a new direction or a fresh calling given by God. What is the meaning of your name? How does your name reflect your relationship with God? Have you ever been given, chosen, or lived with a new name or identity? What difference has this made in your life or faith? God makes some extraordinary promises to Abraham – promises filled with hope, fruitfulness and a future beyond what seems possible. How are you included in the promises made to Abraham? ‘I will establish an everlasting covenant between me and you.’’ As the passage is read again, linger with these words. Genesis 17:3-9 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.’ What does it mean for you today to be in an everlasting relationship with the living God? In these final moments of prayer, rest in God’s presence - the God who knows you by name, calls you into fullness of life and promises never to let you go. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Wednesday 25 March 2026 - Do not be afraid Mar 25, 2026

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Wednesday 25 March 2026

Today is Wednesday the 25th of March, the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, in the fifth week of Lent. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing a litany to Mary, the Mother of God. 'O Mary, you have opened for us the gateway of paradise. O Mary, queen of glory, who shares the joy of the angels.' As I listen, can I reflect for a moment on today's feast? How, through this woman – Mary – God brought his Son into the world, and the world was changed, for ever? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. God’s plans come in the most unexpected and surprising ways, as we see today in the meeting between Gabriel and Mary. The angel begins his extraordinary message to Mary with the words: ‘Do not be afraid.’ Has an invitation from God ever surprised or frightened you? Talk with God about that now. Hear those words spoken to you: ‘Do not be afraid.’ Mary was perplexed and questioned the angel. In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to grasp God’s plans? Tell God about those now. Ask for the ability to trust God’s purposes for you and others. For nothing will be impossible for God. As you listen again, ponder how these words apply to you and your community. Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak to God, echoing Mary’s words: ‘Here I am… let it be with me according to your word’. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Tuesday 24 March 2026 - Many believed in him Mar 24, 2026

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Tuesday 24 March 2026

Today is Tuesday the 24th of March, in the fifth week of Lent. Paul Zach sings, ‘From the Dust’. How do these words speak to you today as you continue on your Lenten journey? From the dust we came To the dust we shall return From the dust we came To the dust we shall return God everlasting Age unto age, the same We are a moment Then like a breath we fade From the dust we came To the dust we shall return From the dust we came To the dust wе shall return God everlasting Wе are cut down as grass Seeds in the morning Then by the night, we pass O Lord, have mercy Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:21-30 Again [Jesus] said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Today, we hear Jesus speaking of going where others cannot come. What do these words stir in you? Confusion, fear, resistance, longing – or something else... Jesus says ‘you are from below, I am from above.’ Sometimes, we have the tendency to cling to ‘below’ ways of thinking, judging and acting... do you notice this in yourself? In what areas of your life would you like to grow more into the likeness of Christ – born from above? As you hear the passage again, listen for the final words: ‘Many believed in him’. John 8:21-30 Again [Jesus] said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Then the Jews said, ‘Is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying, “Where I am going, you cannot come”?’ He said to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.’ They said to him, ‘Who are you?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.’ They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him. In these final moments of prayer, like those in the passage, ask Jesus the question, ‘Who are you?’ Listen in stillness for Jesus’ response within you. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Monday 23 March 2026 - Neither do I condemn you Mar 23, 2026

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Monday 23 March 2026

Today is Monday the 23rd of March, in the fifth week of Lent. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus’. O the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of thy love Leading onward, leading homeward To thy glorious rest above O the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread his praise from shore to shore How he loves us, ever loves us Changes never, nevermore How he watches o'er his loved ones Died to call them all his own How for them he's interceding Watching o'er them from the throne O the deep, deep love of Jesus 'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me And it lifts me up to glory For it lifts me up to thee Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 8:1-11 Early in the morning [Jesus] came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ Imagine the scene described in this passage. Observe who is gathered there... Notice what you can see and hear... What is the atmosphere like as the woman is brought before Jesus? Who do you identify most closely with in this passage? Why might that be? Watch now as Jesus writes on the ground. What do you think he is writing? As you listen to the passage again, pay special attention to the ending. John 8:1-11 Early in the morning [Jesus] came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’ Now hear Jesus say, ‘I do not condemn you’. Perhaps he is saying this to you... What might Jesus be asking you to change in your life as he invites you to be free of sin? In these closing moments of prayer, give thanks to Jesus who sets you free and invites you into new life. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Sunday 22 March 2026 - You are in the Spirit Mar 22, 2026

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Sunday 22 March 2026

Today is Sunday the 22nd of March, the fifth Sunday in Lent. It is the Spirit of love who gives life. God is the source of all life, the one in whom we live and move and have our being. As you look around you now, can you sense the presence of that God? Can you sense God’s Holy Spirit here? In you? Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans 8:8-11 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. Paul here makes a distinction between being “in the flesh” and being “in the Spirit”. Take some time now to ponder the differences... ‘You are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.’ Where have you noticed the Spirit of God making itself known in you this week? Now hear the passage being read for you once more. Is there something that really stands out for you as you listen? Romans 8:8-11 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. Lastly, you might like to look back over these last few minutes. What did you experience going on inside you? Could you turn it into a prayer to God? You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Saturday 21 March 2026 - Look prayerfully back Mar 21, 2026

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Saturday 21 March 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. On Saturdays we like to look prayerfully and reflectively back at what we have done during this week, both our activities and our praying, to get used to seeing where God has been. Let yourself settle into prayer now... Begin by reflecting on three things, possibly, but not necessarily, three moments in prayer, when you felt the touch of God this week. Now think of just two things for which you would like to tell God that you are sorry. Finally think of just one thing that you are being challenged to work on in the coming week. And ask for God’s help. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Friday 20 March 2026 - The voice of Jesus Mar 20, 2026

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Friday 20 March 2026

Today is Friday the 20th of March, in the fourth week of Lent. Jon Guerra sings, 'Jesus'. The wisdom and the word The speaking and the silence The stillness and the stir The Spirit in the quiet The son of God and man The sinner’s lamentation The flesh of the I Am The song of our salvation Jesus, Jesus, Jesus The dawnbird song of life The spring of earth and heaven The water and the wine The everlasting leaven My life, my truth, my way The stone on which I stumble The vineyard owner's wage The shepherd of the humble Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord I have believed That you are the Christ The Son of God It’s true, but who Are you to me You are my life The love of God My Lord, my God Stay close, don’t be far You know how I need you Make in me a heart Pure enough to see you In every speck of dust In dry and lonely places And in every one of us Be light, be kind, be gracious Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 7:1-2, 20, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. Jesus went “up to Jerusalem in secret,”. Step inside this scene...What is the mood of this passage? Really get a feel for it... “Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill?... Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah?” There’s a lot going on in this scene... we see how information or misinformation is spreading; crossed wires, rumours...where is the truth? Perhaps you can recognise similarities in the world today. In your day-to-day life, are you able to let the truth of who Jesus is cut through competing narratives? As you hear the passage again, listen for the voice of Jesus... John 7:1-2, 20, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.’ Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.’ Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. ‘Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I am from...’ How would you respond to Jesus here? Perhaps you want to cry back to him... Spend these last moments really recognising Jesus’ voice and speaking back. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Thursday 19 March 2026 - God's careful plan Mar 19, 2026

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Thursday 19 March 2026

Today is Thursday the 19th of March, the feast of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the fourth week of Lent. The nuns of Mary, Queen of Apostles, sing the hymn Te Joseph Celebrent. Te, Ioseph, celebrent agmina cælitum Te cuncti resonent christiadum chori Qui clarus meritis junctus et inclytæ Casto fœdere Virgini. Almo cum tumidam germine conjugem admirans dubio tangeris anxius, afflatu superi flaminis angelus conceptum puerum docet. Tu natum Dominum stringis ad dexteras, Aegipti profugum tu sequeris plagas: amissum Solymis qæris et invenis, miscens gaudia fletibus. Post mortem reliquos sors pia consecrat, Palmanque emeritos gloria suscipit: Tu vivens, superis par, frueris Deo Mira sorte beatior. Nobis Summa Trias parce precantibus: da Ioseph meritis sidera scandere, ut tandem liceat nos tibi perpetim, gratum promere canticum. Let the hosts of heaven celebrate you, Joseph, Let all the choirs of Christendom resound you who, famous for your merits, was joined to the glorious Virgin in chaste wedlock. When your betrothed became great with precious seed, amazement and doubt made you anxious. It is by the breath of the divine Spirit, an Angel tells you, that the son has been conceived. You did embrace the new-born Lord, and to the furthest Egypt coasts you followed Him in exile, Lost in Jerusalem, you sought and found Him, mixing joy with tears. After death most are blest by a loving destiny and, when they have won the palm, they are welcomed into glory. But you, while you lived, like the saints above, were with God, blest more than others by this wondrous lot. Spare us, highest Trinity, as we pray, Grant that through Joseph's merits we may rise to heaven, So that at last we may offer perpetually our grateful songs. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:16-18 And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate the feast of St Joseph, who helped bring up Jesus. Matthew presents us with a family tree for Jesus that presents him as the offspring of 3 x 14 generations, from Abraham, to whom God’s promises were originally made, through David, who seemed to have fulfilled them, to the Deportation to Babylon, to the arrival of Jesus as Messiah. What do you think this gospel reading is trying to tell us? “Before they lived together, Mary was found to be pregnant”. Imagine for a moment that you’re with Joseph as he discovers this...Is this a bit shocking? How might he be feeling? See if you can speak with Joseph about this... “From the Holy Spirit”. Does this make a difference to the shocking news? Continue imagining Joseph’s response as this unfolds... As you listen to the passage again, try and get a sense of God’s careful plan to bring Jesus to us, and Joseph’s place within it... Matthew 1:16-18 And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Finally, just reflect on all the movements that have taken place inside you during this time, and see if you can turn them into a prayer to God. You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

Wednesday 18 March 2026 - The Lord has comforted his people Mar 18, 2026

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Wednesday 18 March 2026

Today is Wednesday the 18th of March, in the fourth week of Lent. IamSon sings, ‘Always With Me’. How is God with you today, accompanying you on your journey? I can make through the day When you're with me on the way In my heart and mind you'll stay I can make it through the night When I'm clinging to your light You will make the darkness bright For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the calm and in the storm When it seems I'm all alone It's your hand I find to hold In each hour of unrest When it seems I've nothing left You speak peace in every breath For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the morning, in the evening When I'm waking, when I'm sleeping When I'm arriving, when I'm leaving You will have me in your keeping Even from my mother’s womb Never hidden from your view I was always known to you When I fade away in death You will catch my final breath You will take me to my rest For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 49:8-15 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out’, to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. We might call this “a poem for those who feel abandoned by God”. The people of God insist that “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me”. Have you ever felt like this? God insists to the people that “I have answered you…I have helped you”. Sometimes when we reflect back, we’re able to see that God has been with us in unexpected places and in unexpected ways... take a moment to do this now... “I will turn my mountains into a road”. As you listen again, reflect on what God is offering the people... Perhaps this is being offered to you today... Isaiah 49:8-15 Thus says the Lord: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out’, to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. ‘...yet I will not forget you.’ Hear these words spoken to you today from the Lord. What would you like to say in return as this prayer comes to a close? You have given all to me To you, Lord, I return it Everything is Yours Do with it what You will Give me only Your love and Your grace That is enough for me Amen

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