Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

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Monday 10 November 2025 - Sincerity of heart Nov 10, 2025

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Monday 10 November 2025

Today is Monday the 10th of November, the feast of Saint Leo the Great, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour.’ I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford I need Thee, oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now, my Saviour I come to Thee Oh, I need Thee Oh, I need Thee I come to Thee Today’s reading is from the Book of Wisdom. Wisdom 1:1-7 Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said. In today’s scripture we are drawn to see the world filled with the Spirit of God — a presence that sees, knows, and sustains everything. Take a moment to consider where you have experienced the presence of God. We are called to goodness and sincerity; to a faith that fills our life; echoing Ignatius’ own sense of “finding God in all things.” God is not confined to ‘holy’ places. Where do you notice the Spirit of God in your life — in nature, in others, in work, in silence? Today is the feast of St. Leo the Great. His teaching deepens this insight. For Leo, holiness is not abstract but embodied in how we live and love — with sincerity, truth, and courage. “Christian, recognise your dignity.” As we listen to the passage again, recognise this dignity within you. Call on the Spirit who dwells within you, asking to be guided with courage, compassion, and integrity... Wisdom 1:1-7 Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish; because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin. For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness. For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues. Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said. ‘For Wisdom is a kindly spirit.’ In a time of prayer, speak now to the Lord as to a friend with sincerity of heart and trusting in his kindness. 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 9 November 2025 - A different kingdom Nov 09, 2025

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Sunday 9 November 2025

Today is Sunday the 9th of November, the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, beginning the 32nd week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing “the Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 2:13-21 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. The Temple was the symbolic centre of power of the religious and political leaders of Israel. These leaders, the chief priests and their scribes, were collecting taxes from the people, some of which went to Rome and some to themselves. They were comfortable, as long as they did their job. The population were peasant poor and living in extreme poverty. Their children died young. This was, and always is, unacceptable. How do you imagine life at this time? Jesus is proclaiming a different kingdom to that of Rome. God’s kingdom was of justice. The poor would have enough to eat in God’s kingdom. For Jesus to be Jesus he has to challenge the oppression of the Empire. Imagine yourself in this time... waiting for Messiah to come. What would you hope for? Now as he hear the passage again, go to that Temple with Jesus and watch what he does, and see why he is doing it... John 2:13-21 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. What does Jesus want to say to you about this act? Speak with him now... Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

Saturday 8 November 2025 - Ask for God's light Nov 08, 2025

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Saturday 8 November 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. For our Examen prayer this week, we’re going to return to the first reading from last Tuesday. We’ll take some of the phrases and turn them into some questions to ponder. Most of them invite a response of gratitude. Take a moment to be still. Breathe in God’s love. Breathe out into God, however you are just now. Do this for a few more breaths... Ask for God’s light to help you to find an answer to one or more of the following questions. Ask for God’s light... Looking at your recent past: When have you used your gifts for good? When were you generous? When were you compassionate? When were you patient in suffering? When did you persevere in prayer? Have you been hospitable to a stranger? Have you blessed those who persecute you? Have you wept with those who weep? Have you rejoiced with those who rejoice? Take one source of gratitude from your list, share it with God, and savour it for a while... If any of the questions reminded you of a missed opportunity, acknowledge this, and take it to God... Ask for the grace you need. 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 7 November 2025 - Proclaim the good news Nov 07, 2025

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Friday 7 November 2025

Today is Friday the 7th of November, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Veni, lumen cordium, veni sancte spiritus. Come Holy Spirit. Come, light of our hearts. When we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays in us. As I begin my prayer today, I pause for a few moments to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten me, to invite the Holy Spirit into my life, into my mind and into my heart. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Romans 15:14-21 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.’ Paul is often proud of what he has been able to do. He acknowledges that it is God’s work through him, as here. Nevertheless, he delights at what God has accomplished through his efforts. Here is a bold question for you: what are you proud of? What has God accomplished through you that you delight in? Consider something you have done for which you are legitimately proud... Now, we know that a certain kind of pride is a sin. The kind that says, “I did this in my own strength, and it proves how much better I am than everyone else!” Yes, that’s not so helpful. However, what if God is also sometimes proud of us in a really good, wholesome way. What if God takes pleasure in how we have worked, and served, and loved? Perhaps God might sometimes be looking on you with real pride. Ask God about this... Listen again, and as you listen, consider how Jesus is listening to Paul writing to the Romans, and seeing all that he has done to spread the gospel... Romans 15:14-21 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.’ How does God delight in you today? Speak to God about this, and really listen... 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 6 November 2025 - Rejoice with me Nov 06, 2025

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Thursday 6 November 2025

Today is Thursday the 6th of November, the Commemoration of All the Departed of the Society of Jesus, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘Foolish and Ruined’. The more that I store up, cling to and covet The less that I truly own Wiser is she who takes up her perfume Breaks the jar, let's it flow On her love she spends it all Many will say it's foolish But I have known love and I'm ruined To those who look on, it's wasteful But to You, it is beautifully given Love can look strange to religion Love can look strange to religion It cannot be bought with silver or gold But still will cost all I have But as treasure decays and earth fades away There won't be a thing that I lack So why would I hold my love back? Many will say it's foolish But I have known love and I'm ruined To those who look on, it's wasteful But to You, it is beautifully given Love can look strange to religion Love can look strange to religion Broken and poured out My love is fragrant now I will not withhold From the lover of my soul Broken and poured out My love is fragrant now I will not withhold From the lover of my soul Broken and poured out My love is fragrant now I will not withhold For my love, You're worth it all Many will say it's foolish But I have known love and I'm ruined To those who look on, it's wasteful But to You, it is beautifully given Love can look strange to religion Love can look strange to religion But I'd rather be foolish and ruined I'd rather be foolish and ruined Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 15:1-10 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ What kind of shepherd would abandon ninety-nine sheep to fend for themselves in order to rescue one that had run away? What woman would spend more on the party than the value of coin she’d found? So, ask yourself: what image of God is Jesus presenting here? The tax collectors and other ‘sinners’ were drawn to Jesus even though they knew him to be so good. Somehow, the vibe he gave off, was not judgement but rather acceptance, welcome and love. What image of God is Jesus giving witness to? The amazing grace of God is always surprising. You might feel you’re a lost sheep at times, who deserves to stay out in the cold because you got yourself into the mess you’re in. It’s just not how God sees things. Dare you believe that your extravagant God rejoices in you just as you are? Listen again to Jesus who preaches his gospel in word and in deed. So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ As this time of prayer comes to a close, spend time with the God presented to you by Jesus. Why not speak with Jesus about this image? 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 5 November 2025 - You will be blessed Nov 05, 2025

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Wednesday 5 November 2025

Today is Wednesday the 5th of November, the feast of All Saints of the Society of Jesus, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Madison Cunningham with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Little Things with Great Love’. In the garden of our Savior, no flower grows unseen; His kindness rains like water on every humble seed. No simple act of mercy escapes His watchful eye — for there is One who loves me: His hand is over mine. In the kingdom of the heavens, no suffering is unknown; each tear that falls is holy, each breaking heart a throne. There is a song of beauty on every weeping eye — for there is One who loves me: His heart, it breaks with mine. Oh, the deeds forgotten; oh, the works unseen, every drink of water flowing graciously, every tender mercy, You’re making glorious. This You have asked us: do little things with great love, little things with great love. At the table of our Saviour, no mouth will go unfed; His children in the shadows stream in and raise their heads. Oh give us ears to hear them and give us eyes that see — for there is One who loves them: I am His hands and feet. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 14:12-14 [Jesus] said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ Of course, there is nothing wrong with inviting friends or family round for dinner. Jesus surely joins us at these gatherings and delights in the conviviality. Yet there is something else he seems to want from his closest friends. Jesus is encouraging us to find creative ways of being radically generous. Generosity towards the poor, welcoming strangers, hospitality to those who cannot repay us concretely, random acts of kindness: the closest followers of Jesus do these things. When have you surprised yourself by your own generosity? What’s it like to remember that? What is that like for Jesus who sees you doing it? Listen to him again and notice that deep longing in him for an epidemic of generosity... Luke 14:12-14 [Jesus] said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ Is there something that suggests itself to you now, a way of being more extravagantly generous? Why not speak to Jesus as one friend speaks to another about it? 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 4 November 2025 - Hold fast to what is good Nov 04, 2025

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Tuesday 4 November 2025

Today is Tuesday the 4th of November, the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. The Brilliance sing, ‘Brother’. Today we will hear St Paul’s instruction, ‘Bless those who persecute you’. How easy do you find this? Allow this song to take you into a place of preparation for prayer... When I look into the face of my enemy I see my brother, I see my brother When I look into the face of my enemy I see my brother, I see my brother Forgiveness is the garment of our courage The power to make the peace we long to know Open up our eyes To see the wounds that bind all of humankind May our shutter hearts Greet the dawn of life with charity and love Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Today, we will practise ‘Lectio Divina’ together, a way of praying with Scripture where you hear the passage slowly and stay with whatever phrase is speaking to you. You might like to imagine you are receiving it as those in the early Church, or even as a monk in the Middle Ages, simply listening... Listen to the whole reading. What draws you? Romans 12:5-16  So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.  Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.  Is there a word or phrase that catches you? If yes, repeat it a few times as you breathe. Where does the phrase take you? Share this with God... On this second read through, notice what moves you. We’ll leave a little more space this time... Romans 12:5-16  So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.  Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.  Recall again the phrase you picked out earlier. What’s God’s invitation here? How would you like to respond? 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 3 November 2025 - I say to you, rise Nov 03, 2025

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Monday 3 November 2025

Today is Monday the 3rd of November, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, in the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Versa est in luctum by Alonso Lobo. Versa est in luctum: My harp is tuned for sorrow. ‘Tuning your harp for sorrow’ is a conscious, deliberate preparation for sadness to come. Perhaps there is sadness in you on this day of commemoration. Let Jesus be with you in this music... Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 7:11-17 Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Today we mark All Souls’ Day - a day to remember and pray for all who have died. This gospel is an illustration of Jesus’ understanding of grief and his ability to bring about new life. This new life does not cancel out the reality of death. Christian hope sits alongside our experience of grief. Many of us will have lost loved ones over the last year. Take a moment to remember what they were like. Perhaps they were difficult people, perhaps they were delightful; or were they both at times? Who comes to mind for you? Consider how God is receiving them, loving them. Might you imagine Jesus and you and that person all together? What happens? How might God want you to pray for this person? As you listen to the gospel again, notice the compassion of Jesus. Luke 7:11-17 Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country. Perhaps our intercessory prayer adds to the mix of love in God’s universe in a way that makes a difference. So, add your love to the mix. Take a moment to pray for all those who have died this year; for their families and their friends... 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 2 November 2025 - Blessed are the merciful Nov 02, 2025

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Sunday 2 November 2025

Today is Sunday the 2nd of November, the feast of All Saints, beginning the 31st week of Ordinary Time. Nóirín Ní Riain, with the monks of Glenstal Abbey, sings the Beatitudes. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' In today’s reading, we hear Jesus preaching on the Beatitudes. Take a moment to imagine Jesus and his disciples up the mountain, surrounded by crowds of ordinary people, the local community of the Galilee and beyond, listening intently to his words, feeling encouraged and each identifying with anticipating and receiving God’s blessings in their own situations. Now we will listen again to the list of blessings that Jesus describes to them, one by one. Each blessing will be followed by a pause. As you hear the words, notice which blessing you most long for or identify with in your own situation. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Pause ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Now, as you look at this scene, on the mountain, take your place in this community. Look around you on this mountain, and notice, in the crowd, the faces of people you know, the living saints and pray for God’s blessing on them today. Finally, seated in this sacred space, let the Lord gently draw near to you as you pray and receive his blessing. 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 1 November 2025 - The worship of heaven Nov 01, 2025

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Saturday 1 November 2025

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. In the Church calendar, we are preparing to focus on All Souls and All Saints days. We read in Revelation: 'Day and night without ceasing they sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’ We begin our prayer today picturing this scene... try to imagine your presence in prayer with the Lord becoming part of the worship of Heaven. Let some of the faces of the saints you have encountered come to mind. Give thanks to God for those who have loved you and have influenced your life. As we begin to reflect on the past week, a selection of readings will be read. Try to let each of these scenes come alive to you as you listen: When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are set free from your ailment. Then he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,  built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?”  But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him and sent him away.  Which one of these readings feels most meaningful to you today? Stay with this reading for a while. Now, as you recall the past week, is there a moment when you felt especially close to the Lord? Give thanks for this moment. Now try to recall when you felt most distant from the Lord. Give this moment and the events which surrounded it, to the Lord. As we come to the end of our prayer time, we recall again this time of remembrance of the saints. During the final moments of prayer, let this scene from the book of Revelation become present to you, and take time to enjoy the light and the promise of God: ‘They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.’ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

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