Tuesday 16 June 2026 - Pray for those who persecute you

Thursday 18 June 2026 - Give us this day our daily bread

Thursday 18 June 2026 Today is Thursday the 18th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sings The Lord’s Prayer. As you listen, begin this time today by praying the Lord’s Prayer in whatever language is most natural to you. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 6:7-15 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches his friends to pray. We have taken from this the prayer we now know as the Lord’s Prayer. It has become the prayer that many turn to when we don’t know how else to pray. Reflect on the place of the Lord’s Prayer in your life... “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do.’ Jesus’ prayer does not contain empty phrases, nevertheless, there are times when prayer becomes hurried or driven by a need to say something rather than trust that God knows our heart. When you pray, what do you hope prayer will do? As you listen to the passage again, take time to join with the disciples and to offer this prayer from the heart. Notice where each line or word speaks to you and take time to share this with the Lord. Matthew 6:7-15 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' “For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Now, in your own words speak with God simply and in trust, as to a loving parent. 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 17 June 2026 - I will not leave you

Wednesday 17 June 2026 Today is Wednesday the 17th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Enter into prayer now, becoming aware of God’s loving gaze upon you, as we hear Imbere Yanje by Judah Earle: ‘Answer me my God For it is to you that I pray I called to the Lord He heard my cry’. Unyishure Mwami wanje Kuko ari wewe nsenga N’bariye Uhoraho Ijwi ryanje uranyuvma Unyishure Mwami wanje Kuko ari wewe nsenga Ntawundi mfise atari wewe Data Ntamugisha mfise atari wewe S’mfise ichiza inyuma yawe Nashize imana imbere yanje Nashize imana imbere yanje Ntawundi mfise atari wewe Data Ntamugisha mfise atar’ wewe s’mfise ichiza unyuma yawe Nashize imana imbere yanje Answer me my God For it is to you that I pray I called to the Lord He heard my cry Answer me my Lord For it is to you that I pray I have no one else but you Father I have no one else but you I have no good apart from you I have placed the Lord ever before me I have placed the Lord ever before me I have no one else but you, Father I have no blessing apart from you I have no good apart from you I have placed the Lord ever before me Today’s reading is from the Second Book of Kings and we will hear the passage only once today. 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, ‘Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ When he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over. In today’s passage, we watch as Elijah and Elisha walk together - teacher and disciple, mentor and companion - comfortable in both conversation and silence. Let’s walk with them and see what unfolds. Then comes Elijah’s request: “Please stay here.” There is a feeling of finality in the air, though it has not yet been spoken. Elisha responds, “As the Lord lives… I will not leave you.” As one is ready to move forward and the other is not wishing to let go, pay attention to what arises within you — love, resistance, hope. As they reach the River Jordan, Elijah makes a simple gesture, and the Lord parts the water so that they can cross on dry ground. Consider what “Jordan” may be before you. Where have you seen God make a way before, when you thought no way was possible? Then Elijah asks Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha’s request is not for authority or status, but for the spirit that sustained Elijah’s life with God. What might you ask for, if you were offered such a gift? As Elijah is taken into heaven, witness Elisha’s grief before he picks up the fallen cloak. “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Elisha’s question comes from a desire to experience God in his own life. In a time of prayer, share this desire with the Lord in confidence and faith. 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 16 June 2026 - Pray for those who persecute you

Tuesday 16 June 2026 Today is Tuesday the 16th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Love Your Enemies’. As we prepare to pray these lines of scripture today, let this song carry you into prayer. Give to everyone who asks of you Be good to everybody, no matter who Do to them as you would have them do to you Love your enemies No greater love is there than this I laid down my life, and I would do it again I gave it to you, so give it to them Love your enemies Love, love, love your enemies And be children of your father in heaven Children of your father in heaven Turn the other cheek, put down your fists Give up your coat if someone asks for it What have you got that you were not given Give everything And when the sun sets on your labour Turning the tides, but not in your favour Love is a rescue And it'll save you For Love, love, love your enemies And be children of your father in heaven Children of your father in heaven If you love those who love you What good is it What good is it What good is it If you hate those who hate you What good is it Well, it's no good, no good at all If you love those who love you What good is it What good is it What good is it If you gain the whole world But lose your soul Well, it's no good, no good at all It's no good, no good at all Oh love, love, love your enemies And be children of your father in heaven Children of your father Children of your father Children of your father Children of your father in heaven Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ In today’s passage, we are still listening to the Sermon on the Mount, with Jesus continuing to teach a deeper understanding of what the Law asks of the people. His words seem extravagant, asking far more than anyone might think possible. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” What thoughts, what faces, what experiences come to mind when you hear this? “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus describes the Father’s perfection as a willingness to be vulnerable, to offer grace and kindness simply because he is Father - not because of any worthiness in the one who receives. What feelings are arising in you? As you listen to the passage again, consider this indiscriminate, generous love that the Father pours out on all his children. Matthew 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” Take this time of prayer to ask the Lord how you might bear witness to his presence in the world. 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 15 June 2026 - Go also the second mile

Monday 15 June 2026 Today is Monday the 15th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Come, my way, my truth, my life. As you listen to this piece by Margaret Rizza and enter this time of prayer today, begin by inviting the Lord into your life. You might like to acknowledge your need for God, to show you the way, to teach you the truth, to give you life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.’ In today’s passage, Jesus uses imagery to deepen the crowd’s understanding of the Law. We begin by reflecting on and listening to Jesus’ voice as he speaks to the people. How do you feel as you hear these words? Perhaps you sense a challenge in his voice... We sometimes hear that this challenge is not meant to be taken literally. Why would we allow people to walk over us and offer no resistance at all? Yet, during his arrest and trial, didn’t Jesus follow this teaching? What might this say to you about the reality of discipleship? How else might you respond to the reading, knowing that Jesus means exactly what he says? As you listen to the passage again, ask for the inner strength to nurture peace in your life. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.’ End this time of prayer by speaking with the Lord about what has stirred within you. Ask for the grace to trust in God’s guidance for your 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

Sunday 14 June 2026 - Proclaim the good news

Sunday 14 June 2026 Today is Sunday the 14th of June, beginning the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King and Rich Dicas sing, ‘Lord, I Love You More’. I love my family And I love this life that you’ve given me But Lord, I love you more I love the feeling of home And I love the safety of places I am known But still, I love you more Lord, I love you more At the end of the day It’ll be your face I see When I’ve finished running my race I will be falling at Your feet Singing You’ve been worth it all You are worth it all I want my life to count And to know I’ve made an impact somehow But Lord, I want you more And I want to work and achieve To enjoy the comfort it brings to me But still, I want you more Lord, I want you morе At the end of the day It’ll bе your face I see When I’ve finished running my race I will be falling at Your feet Singing You’ve been worth it all You are worth it all Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:36-10:8 When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.’ Matthew tells us that when Jesus saw the crowds harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, he was moved with compassion. It’s out of that compassion that his whole mission flows. As you look at the world around you, what do you see when you look with the eyes of Jesus? What crowds or situations move you with compassion? Jesus sends out the twelve with a remarkable instruction: ‘You received without payment; give without payment.’ The gifts they have been given: healing, freedom, good news, are for sharing freely. What gifts do you feel you have received from God, and how do you feel called to share them with those around you? As the reading is repeated, notice what words or images stay with you. Perhaps it is the image of the harvest, of the sheep without a shepherd, or of the signs of the kingdom. What is God saying to you through this passage? Matthew 9:36-10:8 When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.’ The twelve were ordinary people of very different backgrounds and temperaments, yet Jesus called and sent each one of them. He calls and sends us too. Take time now to speak to him about your own sense of being called – what gives you courage, or makes you hesitant, and what you most need from him to serve as he invites. 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