Wednesday 24 June 2026 - His name is John

Wednesday 24 June 2026 - His name is John

Wednesday 24 June 2026 Today is Wednesday the 24th of June, the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘How Great Thou Art’. As you come to prayer today, recall the things for which you are grateful to God. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim: "My God, how great thou art!" Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. We will only hear the passage once through today, followed by an imaginative contemplation exercise, so prepare to step into the scene... Luke 1:57-66, 80 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, and our reading reminds us of some of the extraordinary and surprising events surrounding John’s birth. As you begin your time of prayer, try to picture the hill country of Judea with its green, sloping hills and pine forests. Imagine Elizabeth and Zechariah in their house, holding their baby. Listen to their conversation... then the exclamations of joy and the delight of the neighbours and relatives as they come to wish them well. What is it like to become part of this scene? Perhaps there is someone in the home with whom you would like to have a conversation. We now imagine that we join the family for the circumcision ceremony of John. We remember that Zechariah has been mute for nine months, so picture him now as he struggles to communicate by gestures and writing the name of the child. ‘His name is John.’ Imagine that you hear Zechariah recovering his voice and listen as he begins to praise God. What reactions do you see among his family and guests? ‘All these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea.  All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?’ In your prayer now, offer your own praise to God as you recall the life and ministry of John. What would you like to especially give thanks 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

Tuesday 23 June 2026 - The gate is narrow

Tuesday 23 June 2026 Today is Tuesday the 23rd of June, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. 'Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.' The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Bless the Lord, my soul and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul who leads me into life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 7:6, 12-14 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ In today’s reading, Jesus is teaching his disciples on the mountain, delivering the Sermon on the Mount. The first two sentences relate to how we relate to others: the first about taking care, and the second about serving one another.... ‘Do not throw your pearls before swine’ Jesus instructs his disciples.... What gifts from God would you regard as your pearls? Can you recall a time when you shared these with someone and felt they were badly received, or even trampled on? Try to recall how this felt. Jesus also teaches, ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.’ This is sometimes known as the ‘golden rule’. Reflect on this, perhaps calling to mind a way in which this teaching of Jesus shapes your own life and the lives of those around you. As you listen to the scripture again, notice which of these instructions you find to be the most challenging. Matthew 7:6, 12-14 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ Our reading today ends with Jesus presenting us with a choice of either the wide gate that leads to destruction or the narrow gate which leads to life. Take a few moments to imagine these two gates and the paths and choices they present. What has most struck you today in this time of prayer? Share your thoughts with the Lord 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

Monday 22 June 2026 - Songs of joy

Monday 22 June 2026 Today is Monday the 22nd of June, the feast of Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Do With It What You Will’. This song is based on the Suscipe, a prayer by St Ignatius of Loyola. Can you make these words your own today? You have given all to me To you O Lord I return it Everything I have is yours Do with it what you will You will gather all of me Every gift, every burden Every day and every hour Do with it what you will I lift it up, I lay it down 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 Psalm 126. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Our reading today is part of a Psalm of Ascent, a song that would have been sung as a community was returning home after captivity or a long absence. Take a moment to picture yourself within a community of pilgrims, slowly walking, step by step, with shouts of joy. ‘We were like those who dream’ writes the psalmist. What feelings does this journey evoke within you? ‘We were like those in a dream.’ This was a journey that had been imagined and longed for over a long period of time. What is it that you most long for? Speak with the Lord about this longing. As you listen to the psalm again, notice, in particular, the last three verses: the psalmist’s desire for the restoration of their community. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. ‘May those who sow in tears, reap with shouts of joy.’ Who or what comes to mind when you hear this? Perhaps you know of someone who feels as if they are sowing in tears. Bring them before the Lord now, as you end your prayer. 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 21 June 2026 - Sing to the Lord

Sunday 21 June 2026 Today is Sunday the 21st of June, beginning the 12th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 90: You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord, ‘my refuge, my stronghold, my god in whom I trust.’ … Under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day…. Upon you no evil shall fall…. For you he has commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. In the Old Testament reading for today, we encounter Jeremiah the prophet, weary and misunderstood. He hears whispers of betrayal and accusation. “Terror is all around,” he says. How does Jeremiah’s experience speak to you? What voices have followed you this week? Has a sense of fear or feelings of doubt made you feel vulnerable? “But,” Jeremiah says, “the Lord is with me like a dread warrior.” Jeremiah knows that the Lord is with him, and that his persecutors will not have their way. For Jeremiah, God is a God of justice and truth - a God who is always on the side of the needy. Jeremiah understands that God may seem to be testing him, but the Lord’s very presence is a reassurance of God’s care. Take a moment to reflect: where might you feel under pressure? Where are you seeking reassurance? As you listen to the reading again, notice how Jeremiah’s confidence in the Lord grows through prayer. It is perhaps not the ending we - or Jeremiah - expected. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord.” The Sabbath gives us time for vulnerability, and to remember where God has been present, even in times of uncertainty. As this prayer draws to a close, remain with the image of God standing beside you - always faithful. 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 20 June 2026 - God's loving presence

Saturday 20 June 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today’s feast day asks us to be mindful of St Alban, who came to know God through relationship, hospitality, and courage. His faith grew through encounter, and he chose to remain faithful no matter the cost. We are reminded that our relationship with God grows through the everyday moments of our lives. In the Gospel this week, Jesus calls people personally and lovingly, inviting them into deeper relationship and trust. Take a few moments now to place yourself in God’s presence. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths out. As you look back over the past week, invite God to walk with you through your memories. Where have you noticed moments of connection with God - in prayer, in acts of kindness, in conversations, or in quiet reflection? Where have you experienced God through others, through community, or by being attentive to those in need, as St Alban once was? Is there a particular moment that God is drawing your attention to - a time of grace, courage, or invitation? Now notice any moments of difficulty. Where did you experience tension, confusion, fear, or distance - from God, from others, or within yourself? Bring these moments honestly to God, trusting in God’s patience and mercy. Where have you felt drawn closer to God, or been challenged to deepen your relationship? Is there something God may be asking of you? What strength, courage, or guidance do you need, inspired by the example of St Alban? Rest for a moment in God’s loving presence, and end with thanks for the gift of faith — a relationship that continues to grow in both the ordinary and the challenging moments of life. 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