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Wednesday 13 May 2026Today is Wednesday the 13th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. The Monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Le Dieu de Vérité: ‘The God of truth, begotten by the Father, came down from heaven.’ As you listen, place yourself now before the God of truth, the God with whom you can be completely open and honest, the God with whom there is no pretension, the God who knows us better than we know ourselves. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 16:12-15 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’ In a world where truth is debated, with AI-generated videos and content being created, discernment becomes even more precious. ‘When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.’ How often do you seek the Spirit of truth in your daily encounters with the world, with media and in your conversations with others? ‘[The Spirit of truth] will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’ Reflect on some of the things you have heard so far this week that glorify Christ. And then, reflect on the things that didn’t. Notice what sifting through moments in this way does to help your discernment. (You might need a little more time with this one, so feel free to pause and come back when you’re ready!) Listen to the reading again and see if anything speaks to you afresh. John 16:12-15 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.’ “All that the Father has is mine… the Spirit will take what is mine…” Truth emerges in communion and relationship. Speak now, perhaps with the Spirit of truth, or each member of the Trinity, about this invitation to deeper communion with God and others. 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 12 May 2026Today is Tuesday the 12th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Nkosi Siphe' Amandla': ‘Lord, give us strength’. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 16:22-34 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. We hear so many moments in this passage that could each have their own time of reflection. Take some time to consider each of the characters and moments in this text – Paul and Silas singing after their flogging, the jailer in his panic, then relief, then conversion, and the jailer’s family all coming to baptism. What strikes you? Spend a moment with the jailer...that feeling of utter relief. He has been ushered towards God in an astounding turn of events. Have you ever felt a similar way? As you listen again, try to imagine the scene in all its drama and notice what you are drawn to in it. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. Let your reflections draw you into God’s presence. Talk to God about what strikes you in this scene, or simply rest in God’s presence, aware of how you are and how God is with 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
Monday 11 May 2026Today is Monday the 11th of May, in the sixth week of Easter. One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’. As you enter into prayer today, here in this moment, let your soul rest in the presence of the Lord. Here in this mystery Here in Your majesty I find myself With nothing to offer Your love surrounds me You give me yourself My soul rests, my soul rests In your embrace My spirit sings, my spirit sings All your praise Here in your presence The whole host of heaven Bows down low There’s no higher honour No love that’s greater You make us your own You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. Today we meet Lydia of Thyratira. Join the scene – step into it! You might like to sit down with the women gathered there by the river. Listen to the sounds you hear, the water, the different voices – what can you see? Perhaps Lydia has some purple cloth with her...what does the material feel like? Draw your attention to Lydia. We hear she is a businesswoman. She’s also “a worshipper of God”. Perhaps her heart has been prepared and is already attentive to God’s voice. Is this a posture you have in your life at the moment? “The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly...” Notice that the Lord is the active person here in this moment of consolation for Lydia. We might say that she is moved by grace. As you listen again, pay attention to this movement of grace and see if you can recognise it in your own life in some way. Acts 16:11-15 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us. Lydia responds with a generous and immediate “yes” through baptism. A quick discernment! A fruit of this “yes” is her hospitality: ‘come and stay at my home’. As this time of prayer draws to a close, speak to the Lord as one friend to another about where you might let the fruit of hospitality grow in your life; an area where you could bless others. 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 10 May 2026Today is Sunday the 10th of May, beginning the sixth week of Easter. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Deus in adjutorium meum intende: 'O God come to our aid, O Lord, make haste to help us.' Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralysed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. One of the interesting things about this short passage is that it describes a two-stage process that the people of Samaria go through: it doesn’t all happen in one go. First, with Philip, there is a kind of preparatory stage, a preparing of the ground, and then, when the people seem ready, Peter and John arrive to pray for them to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Does that reflect, in any way, your own life, and your own experience of God? - the way “conversion” does not happen all at once? - that God does not come upon us all in one go, but leads us through stages, gradually preparing the ground in us? For the sacramentally-minded, there’s a very explicit connection here, too, with Baptism and Confirmation – Baptism, an initial stage in accepting God’s offer of new life, and Confirmation, the receiving of the fullness of God’s Spirit. If you have experience of those sacraments – your own baptism or confirmation, or one you remember attending – did you make that connection with the preparing of the ground and the receiving of the Holy Spirit in its fullness? Can you make that connection when you reflect on it now? As you hear the reading again, see if you can make that connection with what is described here and the sacraments, or conversions, or Christian initiations that you have witnessed. Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralysed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. It’s striking how straightforward and effective Peter and John’s prayer is here – they pray for the people of Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, and it happens. For us, too, if it is our desire to be filled with the fullness of God’s Spirit, we only have to ask. Is that your desire? Whatever it is you want to ask, whatever it is you want to say to God, whose Spirit is present here now, just say 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
Saturday 9 May 2026Welcome to the Saturday Examen. For Saturdays on Pray As You Go, we are encouraged to look back in gratitude. Maybe even in gratitude for the challenges that we have faced. Ask God for that gift of a grateful heart as you enter into this time of prayer. Now look back at the places where you have spent this week, the people you have met, how you have spent your time. What most stands out as gifts to be grateful for? How have you reacted to God’s presence in your life this week? Where have you been aware of it? Where are you most aware of it now, a little while later? Notice how you’ve responded to God this week, both the highs and the lows. Speak to God for a few moments now about whatever you’re noticing here. Finally, look forward to the week ahead. Perhaps it’s all planned out, perhaps there are surprises around the corner. What do you most need from God in the next few days? Ask for those gifts 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
Friday 8 May 2026Today is Friday the 8th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. Jon Guerra sings, ‘In The Beginning Was Love’. In today’s passage, we are commanded to love others as we have been loved. As you enter into prayer, spend some time reflecting on the love of God the Father at the beginning of all things. In the beginning was love And the love was with God And the love was God He was with God in the beginning And the world was made through him And so was I And there was light And the light was the light of heaven And there was goodness And the goodness walked the earth And there was beauty And the beauty would sing Like a voice in the wilderness Calling my name And before I knew what love was Love was in the beginning In the beginning was the song And the song was with God And the song was God He was the voice in the beginning And the stars would sing for him And so will I And there was light And the light was the light of heaven And there was goodness And the goodness walked the earth And there was beauty And the beauty would sing Like a voice in the wilderness Calling my name And before I knew what love was Love was in the beginning The light shines in the dark The dark has not overcome it Love was in the beginning Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:12-17 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ Spend some time reflecting on the ways Jesus loved... the listening he did on earth...the healings... the compassion... what stands out to you? Sometimes we can get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives, so busy doing things for the Lord that we forget we are called friends, not servants. How does it feel to hear this reminder that you are Jesus’ friend? As you listen to the scripture again, notice what stands out to you afresh... John 15:12-17 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.' ‘I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.’ It seems this is the main point Jesus wants to drive home in this passage. We are friends, we are chosen and we are called to love one another as He has loved us. Speak to Jesus about anything that is lingering in your mind as this time of prayer comes to an end. 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 7 May 2026Today is Thursday the 7th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. The community of Taizé sing Mane Nobiscum: 'Stay with us, Lord Jesus Christ'. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. We return to the theme of ‘abiding’ today. Does anything remain with you from yesterday? Hear that invitation to abide in Jesus’ love again. How have you already responded to this today? ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you...’ How might this shape your actions towards those around you? How might you pass on to others this love received from the Father and from the Son? As you listen again to the words of Jesus, allow yourself to be at home in God’s love. John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. ‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.’ Spend these last moments noticing Jesus’ joy in you... Perhaps your joy doesn’t quite feel “complete”. Speak with Jesus about this joy, asking for a fresh awareness of 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
Wednesday 6 May 2026Today is Wednesday the 6th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. Jonathan Veira sings, ‘Abide With Me’. Become aware of God’s abiding presence as you enter into prayer today. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide: when other helpers fail, and comforts flee, help of the helpless, O abide with me. I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me. Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 15:1-8 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.' Five times in this passage, Jesus says: “Abide in me.” But it’s rooted in a promise: “Abide in me”, he invites, “as I abide in you.” This is not about being in the same place. It’s about a mutual sharing. Jesus declares his sharing in our lives and invites us to share in his. How do you react to this promise, and this invitation? This gift, however, isn’t forced on us. It is offered, again and again. What opportunities, then, will there be in the coming day to express your wish to “abide in him”, to share Jesus’s life? Listening to the passage again, hear particularly the invitation “Abide in me”, recognising that Jesus makes this invitation because he already abides in you. John 15:1-8 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. In the last few moments of this prayer, take time to tell God what you feel about Jesus’s gift of himself to you. Ask God, perhaps, for what you feel will help you to respond more fully to this gift. 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 5 May 2026Today is Tuesday the 5th of May, in the fifth week of Easter. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. ‘Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 14:27-31 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. This peace that Jesus speaks of… what is it? It clearly isn’t just a state of untroubled calm. It’s not some kind of floaty detachment, a carefree lack of concern about others, and about the tensions and struggles of today’s world. What is this peace like? How do you imagine it? When we are gripped by fear or agitation, it can immobilise us. To those who want it, Jesus gives a peace which frees us from this grip, from these immobilising effects, and allows us to engage with life in its fullness and complexity. Is this a gift you desire? Accepting that these gifts come from God, listen again to today’s reading. Listen to what Jesus promises. John 14:27-31 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way. Speak to God in your own words now. What situations in your life are crying out for that freedom from fear and distress, that peace that only Christ can give? Ask God how you might be a channel for that gift of peace. 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 4 May 2026Today is Monday the 4th of May, the feast of the English Martyrs, in the fifth week of Easter. The Cape Town Camerata sings, Ndikhokhele Bawo: ‘Lead me oh Father, lead me. Lead me my saviour in all the sorrows of this world... for you still protect me, you calm my fears.’ Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele (Lead me oh Father, lead me) Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo (Lead me my saviour in all the sorrows of this world, Father) Bawo, Bawo, Bawo (Father, Father, Father) Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me) Mmeli wami Bawo uhlal’ uhlele duzekwami (Father, Saviour, you calm my fears) Bawo ndiyabonga ngoba wena usandigcinile (Father I thank you, for you still protect me) Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 7:55-60 But filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. St Stephen is often referred to as the protomartyr, or “the first martyr”. Throughout the centuries and right up to our present, people all over the world continue to suffer for their faith in Jesus. Is there a person, a particular group, or a country you would like to pray for today? Take a moment to really pray for them now. So often we hear that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father after the Ascension. Notice as Stephen looks now, in this moment of persecution, he sees “Jesus standing at the right hand of God”. What difference might this make? As you hear the reading for the second time, listen for the voice of Stephen saying, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ Acts 7:55-60 But filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. Stephen’s plea for his killers echoes the words of Jesus on the cross. Forgiveness and reconciliation is often the first step to break the cycle of violence, but it is always a difficult step, a step that costs us something. Is there something in you, some situation in your life, that needs forgiveness or reconciliation? Spend these last moments asking the Lord to help you along this path. 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