Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Friday 16 January 2026 - Son, your sins are forgiven Jan 16, 2026

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Friday 16 January 2026

Today is Friday the 16th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. IamSon sings, ‘Always with Me’. Let these lyrics speak deeply to you today. Can you turn them into a prayer? 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 mothers 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 Gospel of Mark. Mark 2:1-12 When [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ A one-storey building, a thatched roof, a crowded house, a man lowered down on a stretcher. It’s a vivid picture. Just for a moment or two, hold that image before your mind’s eye, and see what you notice. Imagine yourself as that man on the stretcher, and the expression on Jesus’s face as you are lowered down and appear out of nowhere in front of him. How do you feel as you see that look on his face? As you hear the reading again, imagine it unfolding like a film in front of you. Hear the dialogue, see the action, allow yourself to be moved by the drama of it all. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ At the end of all this, suppose Jesus turns to you and says: “Well then. What do you make of all that?” Take a little while to respond to his question 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

Thursday 15 January 2026 - Be made clean Jan 15, 2026

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Thursday 15 January 2026

Today is Thursday the 15th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg choir sings the Kyrie: ‘Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy’. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As you listen, you might think for a moment about the need you might have for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for us to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:40-45 A leper came to [Jesus] begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Let this story play in your imagination. Imagine first this man, suffering from the disfiguring skin disease of leprosy. What is his life like? What are his emotions as he approaches Jesus and is healed? Now imagine what Jesus is like in his scene. He is “moved with pity”. His heart goes out to the man. Imagine how he looks at this man, how he speaks to him, how he moves…. Hold these feelings and these images in your mind as you hear the scene described a second time. Mark 1:40-45 A leper came to [Jesus] begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Christians are called to develop a heart like Jesus’s – a heart that goes out to people who are suffering. In these last moments of the prayer today you might want to ask Christ to help you develop a heart like his, that feels compassion, that eagerly seeks to reach out and help. 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 14 January 2026 - Speak, for your servant is listening Jan 14, 2026

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Wednesday 14 January 2026

Today is Wednesday the 14th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taize sings, ‘O Lord Hear My Prayer.’ As you begin this time of prayer today, imagine and rest under the gaze of love upon you from the Creator of the universe. Today’s reading is from the First Book of Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord. Eli, the old holy man has a new young assistant, Samuel, but it takes the wisdom of the old man to let the young man know that God is speaking directly to him. God speaks directly to each one of us. When have you felt that God was saying something to you? God has traditionally been seen as speaking in dreams, imagination, convictions, feelings – so many different ways – and not just as a booming voice from heaven, but when thoughts come to mind that bring life, enthusiasm, virtues, love and goodness. Can you recognise God speaking to you in these ways? Sometimes we may find it hard to believe, given the immensity of the universe, that any creator of such unimaginable vastness could be interested in relatively insignificant us. But as you hear the story again, you might like to reflect on the fact that showing interest in a single individual is exactly what God does here. 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord. It might be a good time now, in the quiet of your heart, to speak those words of Samuel: "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening", then don't force any answer – be still and wait for a reply. 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 13 January 2026 - A man with an unclean spirit Jan 13, 2026

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Tuesday 13 January 2026

Today is Tuesday the 13th of January, in the 1st 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 Mark. Mark 1:21-28 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, [Jesus] entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Imagine for a moment this man possessed by an unclean spirit, perhaps shouting obscenities, perhaps known for frightening people passing by. How do you think the people in the synagogue might have reacted to this man, and to what Jesus does? What struck the people was that Jesus taught with authority, backing his words with extraordinary actions. How do you imagine this moment of authority? What strikes you about Jesus’ authority? As you listen to the reading again, imagine the scene as vividly as you can – the tones of voice, the postures, the looks on people’s faces… Mark 1:21-28 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, [Jesus] entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. What desire do you have to speak and act as Jesus did, with that kind of integrity and authority? In the closing moments of this prayer time, talk this over with the Lord, asking perhaps for the gift, the grace to practise what you believe. 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 12 January 2026 - The time is fulfilled Jan 12, 2026

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Monday 12 January 2026

Today is Monday the 12th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Ndikhokhele Bawo': Lead me, oh Father, lead me Lead me, my saviour, in all the sorrows of this world, Father, I thank you, for you still protect me Father, Saviour, you calm my fears Father, I thank you, for you still protect me. Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo Bawo, Bawo, Bawo Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile Mmeli wami Bawo uhlal’ uhlele duzekwami Bawo ndiyabonga ngoba wena usandigcinile Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:14-20 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. This story vividly illustrates the calling of the first disciples. As Christians in the modern world, we find ourselves called in very different ways. But we probably face the same sort of incredulity and fear that those first disciples did. Can you hear Jesus calling you to follow him now? Imagine yourself in the place of these early disciples. We’re told that they leave their nets and even their father “immediately”. Notice how your own heart responds to their readiness... Is this something you resonate with? As you listen to the reading again, imagine yourself being called by Jesus in the here and now. How do you feel? Mark 1:14-20 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. Today, think about the notion of calling. How do you respond to that call? What are the ways in which you live your faith that shows your calling? Speak with Jesus about any challenges or glimpses of gratitude this prayer time has brought up that you would like to talk over with Him. 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 11 January 2026 - This is my Son, the Beloved Jan 11, 2026

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Sunday 11 January 2026

Today is Sunday the 11th of January, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Maximilian sings, ‘Jordan’s Waters’. As we prepare to pray with the Lord’s baptism today, compose the scene in your mind... walk towards the river Jordan... what does it all look like? You laid aside Your glory on the banks of the Jordan And all for me You went down to the depths You traded Heaven's borders for the chill of murky waters And took the place of one condemned to death That day John preached for man to draw near But God it's You that came down here Making shorter Man's road to You In Jordan's waters I'm being made new As You plunged into the deep in search of muddy pearls Son of Man, You left behind Your robe There You found me in the dark and as You rose out of the mire This prodigal came up dressed in gold When You rose out of that pale grave into a hot Judean sun With a violence the heavens did divide Father You came running, and You wrapped me in Your voice Shouting "this son of mine was dead but now's alive!" Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ Pause for a moment to take in the scene... How do you imagine Jesus being affirmed by God on this day of his baptism? In the same way Jesus receives this love, to seems to be the case that God wants to offer a touch of love, a personal, affective experience of love, to those who seek God. Have you had such an experience yourself? If yes, remember it; if not, ask God whatever you want to ask. A time to savour or to seek. As you listen to the reading again, imagine Jesus really basking in the love of God. How does he respond? Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ Jesus knows, really knows, he is the beloved Son. Sit with him on the bank of the river and see what that’s like for him. Ask him if you want, or just sit in companionable silence. 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 10 January 2026 - You are called to be loved Jan 10, 2026

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Saturday 10 January 2026

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Many of the readings this week have been from the first letter of John on the theme of love. Our examen today flows from this. The questions invite a positive response. They may remind us of where we’ve also fallen short of the ideal. In the space flowing each question look for the positive, without resisting any regret that might also emerge. Gently, see what comes. When this week did you let God love you? When did you show love for family or friends? When did you extend love to strangers? Have you shown compassion to the poor this week? How have you cared for the earth? You are called to be loved, and, in turn, to reflect God’s love into the world. What grace then do you want to ask God 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

Friday 9 January 2026 - Love one another Jan 09, 2026

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Friday 9 January 2026

Today is Friday the 9th of January, in the season of Christmas. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Jesus’. Can you turn the words of this song into your own prayer today? 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 First Letter of John. 1 John 4:11-18 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. It always begins with God’s love: God’s love for the world, and God’s love for you. Take a moment to breathe in God’s love, just as you are, right now... And as you breathe out, share with God how you are in this moment... Take another three deep breaths. Breathe in God’s love again and this time, breathe that love of God out into the world... John tells us that God’s love drives out fear. Can you bring to God an area of fear and let God love you in that part of your life? As we listen to the reading again, notice the ways that John speaks of abiding in God’s love... 1 John 4:11-18 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. John is clear in his message today: “Love one another”. What does this beloved disciple want you to know? Speak to the Lord about what has been prompted in you 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 8 January 2026 - Beloved, let us love one another Jan 08, 2026

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Thursday 8 January 2026

Today is Thursday the 8th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings a setting of Ubi Caritas, by Paul Mealor: “Wherever love is true, God is there.” Where can you see love around you today? Where can you find God? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. A self-confessed believing Christian who doesn’t love, does not really know God. And "everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”.. What’s the implication of John’s teaching here? Are there any people, individuals, groups, or even nations you can think of who really exemplify knowing God through this love of one another? Those who are, “belovers”... You might like to really thank God for these people. Perhaps there are people or groups who you are concerned don’t quite match the description of knowing God in this passage... you might like to offer a prayer for them. Be like a leaf! Leaves can’t manufacture anything without sunlight. If they are receptive to that gift of light, they grow in themselves and then give of themselves to the tree and the world. As you listen again, how does this passage remind us that our love for others flows from God’s love for us? 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ generous, sacrificial love brings us home to God. Notice that there’s no mention of God’s wrath or a need for punishment here. Take a moment now, just to let God love 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

Thursday 8 January 2026 - Let us love one another Jan 08, 2026

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Thursday 8 January 2026

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