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Friday 14 August 2026 - Give thanks to the Lord
Yesterday00:12:26Tap to summarizeFriday 14 August 2026Today is Friday the 14th of August, the feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Paul Zach sings, ‘Nothing to Fear’. How do you receive these words? How might you gently place all your hope and trust in God today? When you pass through the waters I will be with you And the depths of the river shall not overwhelm When you walk through the fire you will not be burned I am the Lord, I am the Lord And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always In the depths of your sorrow I wept beside you When you walked through the shadow I drew you near And yesterday, today, tomorrow, always the same I am the Lord, I am the Lord And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always And there is nothing to fear, nothing to fear There is nothing to fear, nothing to fear For I am with you always What can separate you from My perfect Love What can separate you from My perfect Love What can separate you from My perfect Love Do not fear Do not fear Do not fear Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say on that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah says: surely God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid. Maximilian Kolbe, whose feast falls today, is remembered for offering his life in place of a stranger in the starvation bunker at Auschwitz. He led the other condemned men in prayer and singing as they waited to die. His trust clearly did not remove his fear but went on alongside it. Is there anywhere in your life that trust and fear are having to sit together, rather than one simply replacing the other? Isaiah promises a joy that does not wait for easier circumstances. Kolbe's fellow prisoners spoke of him bringing something like that joy into the bunker itself. Where do you go, or who do you turn to, when you need to draw on joy that has nothing to do with how well things are going? As we listen to the reading once more, let the repeated command to give thanks and sing settle into you. Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say on that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Is there anyone whose costly love has shown you what trust looks like in practice? What gifts do St. Maximilian’s freedom from fear and courageous love encourage you to ask God for? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen
Transcribe →Thursday 13 August 2026 - Just as I was commanded
2d ago00:14:45Tap to summarizeThursday 13 August 2026Today is Thursday the 13th of August, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum: My eyes are on the Lord God. Wherever you are right now, on the way to work, walking in the park, sitting at home, driving… what can you see? What can you see around you? Remember for a moment that God is present in all of this, that all of this has been made by God, and is loved by God, that God holds you, and all of this, in the palm of God's hand. Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum Like the deer that yearns for running streams So my soul is yearning for my God My tears have become my bread day and night As I hear it said: 'Where is your God?′ Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum By day the Lord will send His loving Spirit By night I will sing praises to the God of my life Send out Your light and Your truth as my guide To lead me to Your holy ground Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum Then shall I go to the God of my joy Singing praise, praise on the lyre and the harp Why so downcast my soul? Put your hope and trust in my Saviour, my God Today’s reading is from the Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel 12:1-12 The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house. Therefore, mortal, prepare for yourself an exile’s baggage, and go into exile by day in their sight; you shall go like an exile from your place to another place in their sight. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious house. You shall bring out your baggage by day in their sight, as baggage for exile; and you shall go out yourself at evening in their sight, as those do who go into exile. Dig through the wall in their sight, and carry the baggage through it. In their sight you shall lift the baggage on your shoulder, and carry it out in the dark; you shall cover your face, so that you may not see the land; for I have made you a sign for the house of Israel. I did just as I was commanded. I brought out my baggage by day, as baggage for exile, and in the evening I dug through the wall with my own hands; I brought it out in the dark, carrying it on my shoulder in their sight. In the morning the word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, has not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said to you, ‘What are you doing?’ Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel in it.’ Say, ‘I am a sign for you: as I have done, so shall it be done to them; they shall go into exile, into captivity.’ And the prince who is among them shall lift his baggage on his shoulder in the dark, and shall go out; he shall dig through the wall and carry it through; he shall cover his face, so that he may not see the land with his eyes. God tells Ezekiel that he lives among a people who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear. It’s a hard, uncomfortable line, because it so easily describes any one of us. Where might you have eyes to see but, if you are honest, choose not to? Ezekiel is not simply asked to speak a message; he is asked to act one out in public, packing his bags like an exile, digging through a wall, covering his face, in full view of people who will mock or misunderstand him. Has following God ever made you feel foolish, or exposed, in the eyes of people around you? How have you dealt with that? Listen again to the first part of this reading, and notice what it costs Ezekiel simply to obey. The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house. Therefore, mortal, prepare for yourself an exile’s baggage, and go into exile by day in their sight; you shall go like an exile from your place to another place in their sight. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious house. You shall bring out your baggage by day in their sight, as baggage for exile; and you shall go out yourself at evening in their sight, as those do who go into exile. Dig through the wall in their sight, and carry the baggage through it. In their sight you shall lift the baggage on your shoulder, and carry it out in the dark; you shall cover your face, so that you may not see the land; for I have made you a sign for the house of Israel. If you suspect you have been choosing not to see, can you ask God for clearer sight? Speak honestly about what it would cost you to act on what you already know. 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
Transcribe →Wednesday 12 August 2026 - I am there among them
2d ago00:13:33Tap to summarizeWednesday 12 August 2026Today is Wednesday the 12th of August, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings ‘One in Christ’, by George Arthur: ‘When we were still far off, you met us in Your Son’. As you begin to pray today, notice the work of reconciliation God is doing in your life at the moment. It might be slow, but become aware of Christ’s work, even in the small details. When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 18:15-20 ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ Jesus gives a very practical instruction for what to do when someone has wronged you: go and point out the fault, but privately, between the two of you alone, not to a third party first, or to everyone but the person concerned. Where do you find it easier to talk about a hurt than to talk to the person who caused it? The passage ends with a promise: where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, he is there among them. That promise is made not in the context of worship but in the middle of a passage about conflict and reconciliation. Have you ever recognized, only afterwards, that Christ was present in a difficult conversation you would rather have avoided? Listen to the reading again, paying attention to how much care Jesus takes over each stage of this process. Matthew 18:15-20 ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ If there is a relationship in your life that needs this kind of honesty, bring it to God now, and ask for the courage to begin, gently, with the person concerned. 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
Transcribe →Tuesday 11 August 2026 - One such child
3d ago00:13:30Tap to summarizeTuesday 11 August 2026Today is Tuesday the 11th of August, the feast of Saint Clare, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. As you listen to today’s song, notice if anything stands out to you in the lyrics. Can you turn this into a short prayer? Jon Guerra sings, ‘Who Is Greatest?’ Who is greatest in the kingdom? The kingdom of heaven Who would you say? Not the rich and not the strong Not the brilliant, but the small Lowly ones will be made first To inherit the universe So become like children And you will be the greatest In the kingdom of heaven So don't despise any small ones I tell you, their prayers always reach God Just like oak trees in a field They’ll stand tall when all is healed Lowly ones will be made first To inherit the universe So become like children And you will be the greatest In the kingdom of heaven Don't be afraid Don't be afraid I’m with you 'til the end of the age Lowly ones will be made first To inherit the universe So become like children And you will be the greatest In the kingdom of heaven Who, then, is greatest in the kingdom? The kingdom of heaven Who would you say? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. ‘What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’ The disciples want to know who is greatest, and Jesus’ answer puts a child among them, measuring greatness not by status but by littleness. Clare of Assisi, whose feast falls today, fought her whole life to keep her sisters in that same littleness, insisting on what she called the privilege of poverty. What status, security or standing do you find yourself reluctant to let go of? The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that has strayed and rejoices over it more than over all the rest. It is not the will of the Father that even one of these little ones should be lost. Can you recall a time when you knew yourself sought out like that, not because you had earned it, but simply because you had wandered? Listen to the reading again, and let yourself be, this time, the child, or the one sheep who is searched for. Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. ‘What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’ Clare’s joyful littleness was fierce and determined. Is there a place in you that still wants the security of being counted great, or are you willing to let go and let your truest self be found instead? 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
Transcribe →Monday 10 August 2026 - Share abundantly
4d ago00:12:53Tap to summarizeMonday 10 August 2026Today is Monday the 10th of August, the feast of Saint Laurence, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time. In our song today we hear the words of the Suscipe, a prayer known to be prayed by St Ignatius of Loyola: ‘You have given all to me, to You Lord, I return it.’ As you enter into this time of stillness, what can you offer the Lord today? Listen as Hannah Boesen, with The Porter’s Gate, sings, ‘Do With It What You Will’. You have given all to me To you O Lord I return it Everything I have is Yours Do with it what You will Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. Paul tells the Corinthians that the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. St. Laurence took that teaching to its limit: a deacon of Rome entrusted with the Church's wealth; he is remembered for telling the prefect who demanded the treasures be handed over that the poor themselves were the true treasure of the Church. Where in your own life are you sowing sparingly out of caution, when something in you already suspects you could sow more freely? Paul says that giving should never be reluctant or under compulsion, but cheerful, because God is able to provide every blessing in abundance. What would it take for your own giving of time, attention or resources to feel less like a transaction and more like an overflow of that abundance? As we listen to the reading once more, notice which phrase about sowing, giving, or abundance catches your attention this time. 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. Talk to God now about what you find easy to give, and what you hold back. Can you ask Laurence's boldness for yourself where generosity still feels like a risk rather than a 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
Transcribe →Sunday 9 August 2026 - Do not be afraid
5d ago00:13:55Tap to summarizeSunday 9 August 2026Today is Sunday the 9th of August, beginning the 19th week of Ordinary Time. The Chamber Orchestra of London, directed by Alistair King play a setting of Psalm 46, God is our refuge and strength: a help in the trials that would crush us. So we will not be afraid... when the earth heaves, and the mountains are thrown into the depths of the seas. As you enter into prayer today, ask yourself what you are afraid of. Can you hear the words of Jesus? Do not be afraid. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans. Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ As you rest in this quiet, gently call to mind your own journey of faith. Over the past year, how has your trust in God grown or changed? Notice where that trust has deepened, and where it may still feel fragile or uncertain. Hold all of this gently before God. Growing in trust is often not straightforward. There are moments when we feel shaken, or surprised by how God comes close to us. Take a moment now to remember a time of uncertainty in your life. What was happening? How did you feel? And as you recall this moment, notice how God was present - perhaps quietly… perhaps unexpectedly… How did that presence give you strength to endure or to move forward? Now, as you listen again to the Gospel story of Jesus walking on the water… Notice Peter. Watch his courage, his hesitation, his fear, his trust. Allow yourself to enter into his experience. Have you known similar moments of stepping out in faith? Have you felt both trust and doubt at the same time? Our God does not rush or pressure but patiently invites us to grow in trust at our own pace. Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak with Jesus as you would with a close friend. Share with him: the ways your trust has grown, the places where you still struggle, the desires you carry in your heart. Ask Jesus to draw you more deeply into a trusting relationship with him - to follow him more closely, and to trust him more fully. 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
Transcribe →Saturday 8 August 2026 - Invite God to be with you
6d ago00:09:11Tap to summarizeSaturday 8 August 2026Welcome to the Saturday Examen. As you begin this time of prayer, take a moment to become aware of yourself and your surroundings. If it helps, gently close your eyes. Notice your breathing. Slowly inhale… and exhale. As you breathe in, imagine the breath of God filling you with life. As you breathe out, let go of the distractions and burdens of the week. Before reviewing your week, invite God to be with you. Ask for the grace to see your week as God sees it - with kindness, truth, and gentle understanding. Now, begin to look back over your week, as if watching a film in slow motion. Recall the beginning of the week. What was happening? Move to the middle of the week. How were you feeling? Come to the end of the week. How did things unfold? As you watch these moments, notice the rhythms - the ebbs and flows - of your experiences. As you look back: What are you thankful for? Where did you notice moments of hope, joy, or peace? When did you feel most alive or encouraged? Now gently turn to the more difficult parts of your week. When did you experience tension, frustration, or anxiety? What weighed heavily on you? In these moments, where was God? Perhaps hidden, perhaps inviting you, perhaps simply present. Speak honestly with God about these experiences. As you come to the end of this examen, place your week before God. Thank God for all the ways God has been present—seen and unseen. Now look toward the week ahead: What important moments are coming? What do you hope for? What do you need? Ask God to accompany you in all that lies ahead. 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
Transcribe →Friday 7 August 2026 - The path of discipleship
1w ago00:12:32Tap to summarizeFriday 7 August 2026Today is Friday the 7th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Hannah Boesen with The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘As You Deserve’, from Companion Songs. This song was written with Pray As You Go and inspired by St Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity: Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your holy will. You might like to carry these words into prayer today... Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 16:24-28 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the path of discipleship as one of dedication and self-offering. As you settle into prayer, bring to mind the sacrifices - large or small - that you have made along your journey of faith. Moments when you have chosen love, service, or trust. Stay with those memories for a moment…and quietly thank God for the grace that flowed from them. The Christian journey is a continual turning of the heart - a gentle reassessment of how we are walking, whether towards God’s presence… or away from it. As you continue praying, notice if there is some part of your life that is still in need of change or renewal. Without fear or hesitation, offer this part of yourself to the merciful presence of the God of compassion. Jesus’ words may feel challenging, but they are also filled with promise - a promise of life, fullness, and completion for those who follow him. As you listen again to this Gospel passage, pay close attention to the words of Jesus. Let them echo within you. What might the fullness of God’s presence look like in your own life? How do you imagine that promise taking shape? Matthew 16:24-28 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ Finally, take a moment now to speak with Jesus as you would with a trusted friend. Share your hopes… your fears… your desires… and your worries. And as you do, allow his gentle, transforming presence to meet you… to console you… and to lead you forward. 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
Transcribe →Thursday 6 August 2026 - This is my Son, the Beloved
1w ago00:14:03Tap to summarizeThursday 6 August 2026Today is Thursday the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘Show Me Your Face’. As we begin this time of prayer, you might like to make this your prayer: ‘Let me see your face, O Lord’. Moses stood on a mountain Waiting for You to pass by You put Your hand over his face So in Your Presence, he wouldn't die And all of Israel saw the glory And it shines down through the age Now You've called me To boldly seek Your Face Show me Your face, Lord Show me Your face And then gird up my legs That I might stand in this holy place Show me Your face, Lord Your power and Your grace Your power and grace I would make it to the end If I can just see Your face David knew there was something more Than the ark of Your presence In a manger Messiah was born Among kings and peasants And all of Israel saw the glory And it shines down through the age Now You've called us To boldly seek Your face Show me Your face, Lord Show me Your face And then gird up my legs That I might stand in this holy place Show me Your face, Lord Your power and Your grace Your power and grace I will make it to the end If I can just see Your face I know I will make it to the end If I can just see Your face Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ As you start this time of prayer, bring to mind those unexpected moments in your life when God’s presence became clear to you - perhaps quietly, perhaps with surprising light. The disciples are overwhelmed by the radiance shining from Jesus - a glimpse of glory they did not expect. In their amazement, they want to hold on to this moment, to build tents and remain in that place of comfort and certainty. As you stay with this image, notice if something similar stirs in your own heart. Have there been times when you have wanted to hold on to a moment of consolation? To make your faith a place of comfort alone? Gently ask yourself: Where might I be trying to “build tents” in my spiritual life? What might be inviting me to move beyond them? The light of Christ does not remain still. It draws us forward. As you listen again to this Gospel passage, pay attention to Jesus - to his words… to his actions… to the quiet authority of his presence. What is his light awakening in you? What is he inviting you to do? Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ Finally, take a moment to speak with Jesus, as one speaks with a close friend. Share your hopes… your desires… your dreams. And then 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
Transcribe →Wednesday 5 August 2026 - Great is your faith
1w ago00:14:07Tap to summarizeWednesday 5 August 2026Today is Wednesday the 5th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. The King’s Singers sing Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis. ‘I have never put my hope in any other but in you’. As you begin this time of prayer today, can you speak those words to God? Can you place all your hope, all your trust, all your faith in him? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 15:21-28 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. Today’s Gospel brings before us the persistent faith of the Canaanite woman. Despite a lack of response, she continues to call out to Jesus, trusting that he will hear her. As you begin, you might recall moments when persistence in faith - your own, or that of others - has made a difference. Times when hope did not fade… Times when God’s healing presence found a way into your life. As the story unfolds, even the disciples seem uneasy, wanting to send the woman away. Their desire to protect what is familiar becomes a barrier. Gently ask yourself: Have there been moments when I have been slow to welcome others? Times when I have been wary of what is new, or hesitant to listen to voices from the margins? Bring those moments before God now, without fear. And, if you can, ask for the grace to see as God sees… and for forgiveness where it is needed. This is a God who both challenges and listens. A God who meets persistence with compassion. As you listen again, in your imagination, to the exchange between Jesus and the woman, notice the words that stay with you…the tone… the movement of the encounter. Allow whatever stirs within you to surface. Matthew 15:21-28 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. And now, speak to Jesus as one friend speaks to another. Share what is on your heart - your desires, your questions, your hopes. What is Jesus inviting you to do with the faith you have received? How might you be called to trust more deeply… or to persevere more faithfully? 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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