Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Thursday 18 December 2025 - You are to name him Jesus Dec 18, 2025

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Thursday 18 December 2025

Today is Thursday the 18th of December, in the 3rd week of Advent. Juliano Ravanello sings the hymn Te Joseph Celebrent. As we prepare to pray with Joseph’s story of preparation for Jesus, let this music speak to you; let it help you build a picture of Joseph of Nazareth in your mind... Te Joseph celebrent agmina caelitum, te cuncti resonent Christiadum chori, qui, clarus meritis, iunctus es inclitae, casto foedere Virgini. Almo cum tumidam germine coniugem admirans dubio tangeris anxius, afflatu superi Flaminis, Angelus conceptum puerum docet. Tu natum Dominum stringis, ad exteras Aegypti profugum tu sequeris plagas; amissum Solymis quaeris et invenis, miscens gaudia fletibus. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:18-25 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. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Imagine Joseph in this story - his confusion, his disappointment, and then his quiet courage when God’s angel speaks to him in a dream. When have you faced a time of uncertainty that required you to exercise trust? How did you experience God during this time? Joseph listens and then acts. What helps you to hear God’s voice - silence, prayer, friends, Scripture, or something else? Is there a place in your life now where you need to hear God say, ‘do not be afraid’? Trust that God is with you in this challenging place. As you listen again, think about how you will spend this week before Christmas preparing to welcome Jesus more fully into our world. Matthew 1:18-25 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. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. As you rest in prayer, ask for Joseph’s quiet strength: to listen deeply, to trust God’s word, and to act with love to bring Jesus to birth in others. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Wednesday 17 December 2025 - This living family tree Dec 17, 2025

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Wednesday 17 December 2025

Today is Wednesday the 17th of December, in the 3rd week of Advent. Paul Zach and Liz Vice with The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Isaiah (O Come)’. For those who walk in darkness The sun is rising, rising, rising The shadow dies Our anguish flies From dawn on high Oh, Lord Jesus, come! The yoke upon our shoulders Is finally breaking, breaking, breaking Our burdens gone In that bright dawn When He has come Oh, Lord Jesus, come! The Son to us is given And we are waiting, waiting, waiting Emmanuel Oh Wonderful! Your peace to tell Oh, Lord Jesus, come! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:1-17 An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 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. Why do you think Matthew was keen to record the genealogy of Jesus? Notice what stirred in you as you heard this long list of names... Which name in the list draws your attention most strongly? Sit with that name for a moment - why might this name be speaking to you today? Perhaps there are names in this list that surprise, unsettle or challenge you. Sit with why this might be... The family tree of faith extends down the generations and includes us. What does belonging to this living family tree of faith mean for you personally? As we hear the second half of the passage again, give thanks for the people who helped you to find your place in the family of Jesus. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 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. In these last moments of quiet, pray for those whom God is calling you to draw into Christ’s family. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Tuesday 16 December 2025 - Obedience and integrity Dec 16, 2025

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Tuesday 16 December 2025

Today is Tuesday the 16th of December, in the 3rd week of Advent. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est: 'Wherever love is true, God is there.' Become aware that God is present here, with you: the God who is love. Present, living, dwelling in every person around you, and in you. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus. Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites. Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul quoque cum beatis videamus, Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus: Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum, Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Where love is true, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one: Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease. And in the midst of us be Christ our God. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time we see that with the saints also, Thy face in glory, O Christ our God: The joy that is immense and good, Unto the World without end. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 21:28-32 What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. Which is better - to refuse to do something and later change your mind, or to agree and then not follow through? What is Jesus teaching us here about obedience and integrity? Notice how this is speaking to you today. What helps you make a good decision: prayer, advice, reflection, experience, or something else? Perhaps there an area of faith where you sense God inviting you to change your mind – to turn back, begin again or act differently. Speak with Jesus about this now. ‘Go and work in the vineyard today.' As you listen again, consider where God may be calling you to serve today. What’s your response to God’s request? Matthew 21:28-32 What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. As you conclude this time of prayer, commit to responding well to God’s calling. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Monday 15 December 2025 - A grace you need Dec 15, 2025

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Monday 15 December 2025

Today is Monday the 15th of December, in the 3rd week of Advent. The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles sing, ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’. Slow down as you step into this time of prayer today. Notice how your Advent journey is going... O Come, O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O Come, of all the nations King, The world awaits its ransoming. Remove our sin and faithlessness, Unite us who Thy name confess. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O Come, Thou dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thy advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O Come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav’nly home. Make safe the way that leads to Thee, And close the path to misery. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O Come, thou Wisdom from on high Who orders all things mightily To us the path of knowledge show And teach us in Thy ways to go. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 21:23-27 When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. The chief priests questioned Jesus’ authority. When have you found yourself questioning God’s ways? What leads to your questioning? Is it curiosity, resistance, fear, a desire to understand more deeply or something else? Where in your life are you being invited to trust the quiet authority of Jesus? Lift that situation to the Lord now. Perhaps there is a grace you need to be open to the authority of Jesus. Ask for that grace. Call to mind someone you know who exercises humble, Spirit-filled authority. Give thanks for them. As you listen to the passage again, notice the calm confidence of Jesus. How might that same authority shape your interactions today? Matthew 21:23-27 When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. As this time of prayer and reflection comes to a close, ask God for wisdom and courage to recognise and honour Christ’s authority. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Sunday 14 December 2025 - A slow, unseen promise Dec 14, 2025

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Sunday 14 December 2025

Today is Sunday the 14th of December, beginning the 3rd week of Advent. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Waiting for the Dawn’. What is your prayer for the weary world today as we wait for the coming of Christ? What glimpses of hope do you see? Silent night, Holy night The stars are shining, for a weary world Silent night, Holy night Long lay the world, waiting for the dawn A glimpse of hope - a weary world rejoices For a new and glorious morn Emmanuel, Emmanuel Silent night, cold and bright That star still shining, for a lonely world Silent night, O that night Few were waiting, as the dawn appeared A glimpse of hope - a weary world rejoices In a new and glorious morn Emmanuel, Emmanuel Emmanuel, Emmanuel The stars are shining, for a weary world Today’s reading is from the Letter of James. James 5:7-10 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. On this Sabbath day, today’s reading from James tells of the importance of patience and endurance in the journey of faith. Let us take a moment to enter more deeply into the Advent longing of God’s people. Imagine yourself standing in a monotone landscape of a quiet, winter field. Where might you be longing for God to act, but nothing seems to be happening? The earth seems asleep, yet beneath the surface something is happening - a slow, unseen promise. But patience can be hard. Where might you recognise the ‘early’ and ‘late’ rains that bring hope? James reassures and encourages; waiting can test us, but it can also transform us. In the quiet, in the longing, God is at work. Advent teaches us that the waiting itself is holy ground. As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might strengthen your heart today... James 5:7-10 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ‘Beloved’. We are reminded in the midst of suffering and waiting, patience and impatience, that the Lord calls, and His presence - quiet, patient, steady - rests upon you like gentle rain. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Saturday 13 December 2025 - Settle into stillness Dec 13, 2025

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Saturday 13 December 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Begin by placing yourself in God’s presence. Allow yourself to settle into stillness inviting God to be with you as you look back over your week. Today is the feast of St Lucy. Her name and her life radiated courage, generosity, and clarity of purpose. This light is a bright star in the Advent sky. Let your mind gently move through the days of the past week. Where did you see light today - moments of grace, kindness, insight, or peace? Where did you recognise where someone reflected God’s light towards you? Did you bring God’s light to others through patience, honesty, or compassion? Were there moments when you hid your light for any reason? Take a moment to consider any times when you felt far from God, caught up in busyness, stress, or distractions of life? Advent is a season of expectation. St. Lucy kept her eyes fixed on Christ. Ask the Lord how you are being called to carry your light into tomorrow... How can you make more room for the Lord’s coming? As you continue your Advent journey, ask for the grace to be more attentive to God’s loving presence - seeing God, most especially, in your own light and the light of others. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Friday 12 December 2025 - Where your longing lies Dec 12, 2025

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Friday 12 December 2025

Today is Friday the 12th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. The Gaudete Ensemble conducted by Eamonn Dougan sing 'O Sapentia' by Margaret Rizza. O Wisdom, Lord God Emmanuel, as I begin my time of prayer today, I acknowledge your wisdom, present here with me, now... Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:16-19 ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ In this passage we experience Jesus’ lament at the world before him. The closed hearts that remain unmoved - not by John’s austerity – not by Jesus’ joy. Imagine the scene; the town marketplace – the centre of any village or town - vendors calling out, children playing, noise everywhere. Jesus stands at the edge, watching the people who have become so accustomed to noise and distraction that they no longer hear the voice of God. Hardly a response to the call of Advent? But maybe so? Is our modern day so different? Where are your feelings at this time? What spiritual 'songs' are playing around you - an invitation to dance, to grieve, or to awake? Let Jesus turn toward you. Hear Him ask gently: “How can I reach your heart today? Share with Him honestly. Tell Him where your resistance is, where your longing lies, and where you desire to be more open. As you listen to the passage again, allow yourself to move away from the crowd and toward the Lord’s invitation. Matthew 11:16-19 ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ “Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” The passage ends with hope: God’s wisdom reveals itself in action, not appearances. In this time of Advent, turn towards the Lord and open your heart and hopes to him. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Friday 12 December 2025 - Toward the Lord’s invitation Dec 12, 2025

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Friday 12 December 2025

Today is Friday the 12th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. The Gaudete Ensemble conducted by Eamonn Dougan sing 'O Sapientia' by Margaret Rizza. O Wisdom, Lord God Emmanuel, as I begin my time of prayer today, I acknowledge your wisdom, present here with me, now... Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:16-19 ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ In this passage we experience Jesus’ lament at the world before him. The closed hearts that remain unmoved - not by John’s austerity - not by Jesus’ joy. Imagine the scene; the town marketplace – the centre of any village or town - vendors calling out, children playing, noise everywhere. Jesus stands at the edge, watching the people who have become so accustomed to noise and distraction that they no longer hear the voice of God. Hardly a response to the call of Advent? But maybe so? Is our modern day so different? Where are your feelings at this time? What spiritual “songs” are playing around you - an invitation to dance, to grieve, or to awake? Let Jesus turn toward you. Hear Him ask gently: “How can I reach your heart today? Share with Him honestly. Tell Him where your resistance is, where your longing lies, and where you desire to be more open. As you listen to the passage again, allow yourself to move away from the crowd and toward the Lord’s invitation. Matthew 11:16-19 ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ “Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” The passage ends with hope: God’s wisdom reveals itself in action, not appearances. In this time of Advent, turn towards the Lord and open your heart and hopes to him. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Thursday 11 December 2025 - Let anyone with ears listen! Dec 11, 2025

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Thursday 11 December 2025

Today is Thursday the 11th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. One Hope Project sings, ‘What Child is This?’ How would you describe this child Jesus, the one for whom we are waiting in this season? What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:11-15 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! In the Second Week of Advent, our passage brings us to John the Baptist. What we know of John recalls the great prophets - those who spoke out against the people’s failings and pointed them toward God’s promise. Despite his recognition of who Jesus is, John never becomes a disciple of Jesus. What is your response to John and his role in the Advent journey? Time seems to twist as we witness the relationship between John and Jesus unfolding in the weeks leading up to the Incarnation. Despite the greatness of John, Jesus reminds us that we are in a more privileged position. As believing Christians, we have our place in the Kingdom of God. How does this assurance feel to you? “Let anyone with ears listen!” As we listen to this very short passage again, we listen for the passion in Jesus’ voice - his desire to burst into our lives. Matthew 11:11-15 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! In a time of prayer, ask the Lord for guidance: how to let go of the old ways and turn toward the new. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

Wednesday 10 December 2025 - Lift up your eyes on high Dec 10, 2025

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Wednesday 10 December 2025

Today is Wednesday the 10th of December, in the 2nd week of Advent. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium: Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always. Entering into prayer today, pause to recognise that you too, are seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in your life, gently guiding you in truth and peace and love. Laetetur cor quaerentium Dominum: quaerite Dominum, et confirmamini: quaerite faciem eius semper. Confitemini Domino, et invocate nomen ejus: annuntiate intergentes opera eius. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 40:25-31 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Today’s passage begins the second part of Isaiah, sometimes called the Book of Consolation. It offers the Advent message of comfort and encouragement, and a promise of salvation. Is this a message you need to hear today? “To whom then will you compare me?” How often do we reflect on the mystery of God’s power and care? Or are the priorities of the day a constant distraction? The Lord invites us to look up - to see the stars in the heavens, the stars the Lord has named and set in place. There is always a moment of awe connected with the bright placing of the constellations. Do you take time to lift your eyes from the “everyday” to the glory of the stars and the world around you? “Even youths will faint and be weary.” As we approach the end of the year, take a moment to recognise where you need renewal - physically, emotionally, spiritually. “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” As you listen to the passage again, consider how you might practice hope in your daily life... Isaiah 40:25-31 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. “They shall mount up with wings like eagles.” I don’t have to do it all myself; I am lifted by the Lord. In these final moments of prayer, respond to the Lord - letting God know what you want or need today. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus

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