Thursday 29 January 2026 Today is Thursday the 29th of January, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’ Christe, lux mundi, qui sequitur te, habebit lumen vitae, lumen vitae Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:21-25 [Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hid...
Jan 29, 2026•12 min
Wednesday 28 January 2026 Today is Wednesday the 28th of January, the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. 'Silent, surrendered, calm and still. Open to the word of God.' In all that is going on in and around you, all the movement, all the noise, can you find a moment of calmness and stillness now? Can you feel God’s presence here, and surrender yourself to it? Opening yourself to listen to God’s word? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:1-9 Again [Jesu...
Jan 28, 2026•13 min
Tuesday 27 January 2026 Today is Tuesday the 27th of January, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. 'Wherever love is true, God is there.' As you look around you now, can you sense God’s presence of love? Can you sense God’s Holy Spirit here? In the people around you? In you? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:31-35 Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A ...
Jan 27, 2026•10 min
Monday 26 January 2026 Today is Monday the 26th of January, the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. Bifrost Arts sing, ‘Wisdom and Grace’. As you listen, become aware of the consoling presence of Christ in your life – which could be at work this very moment… Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace You've been our home and our dw...
Jan 26, 2026•13 min
Sunday 25 January 2026 Today is Sunday the 25th of January, beginning the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best, sing Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré, a hymn to the invincible power and utter goodness of God, whose fire lights up the darkness, whose grace overcomes all evil. As I enter into prayer today, I trust myself to that grace, to that powerful goodness. I place myself in the hands of my loving God. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from...
Jan 25, 2026•12 min
Saturday 24 January 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Our readings this week have described both highs and lows in the ministry of Jesus. Great crowds have followed him, hanging on his words. He has taught and healed and confronted evil. But he has also been repeatedly opposed and attacked, often by those religious leaders he might have expected to welcome him. Today’s time of prayer invites you to recall the highs and lows, lights and shadows, of your own life this week. Start by taking a mo...
Jan 24, 2026•9 min
Friday 23 January 2026 Today is Friday the 23rd of January, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Toi, tu nous aimes. “You love us, Lord, source of life.” As you listen, remember that you are in the presence of God right now, that God is looking on you now with love and has called you by name. (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:13-19 [Jesus] went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. An...
Jan 23, 2026•12 min
Thursday 22 January 2026 Today is Thursday the 22nd of January, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Today we hear ‘O Lord, Listen to my Prayer’, by Margaret Rizza. As you begin to pray today, what is on your mind? And what is in your heart? Are you feeling happy with life? Calm? Serene? Or perhaps tired, frustrated, fed up? God knows you better than you know yourself, so you can be honest with God about your feelings, and place yourself now, as you really are, before the Lord. O Lord, listen to my...
Jan 22, 2026•13 min
Wednesday 21 January 2026 Today is Wednesday the 21st of January, the feast of Saint Agnes, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’. Let this song carry you into the presence of God today... 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 dow...
Jan 21, 2026•12 min
Tuesday 20 January 2026 Today is Tuesday the 20th of January, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing: ‘You will make my heart pure’. A pure heart is a heart that is open to God, that doesn’t seek its own advantage, but wants whatever God wants. As I enter into prayer today, I ask for that openness of heart. I ask the Lord to lead my heart to him, to guide me in the way he wants me to go (Lyrics currently unavailable) Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 2:23-2...
Jan 20, 2026•12 min
Monday 19 January 2026 Today is Monday the 19th of January, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Eliza King sings, ‘All Things New’. As you begin this time of prayer, allow yourself to be refreshed by God... You break like the light of the sun Bringing colour to shadows Christ, it was you all along You’re the words of an ancient song, we’ve been singing Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new Behold, He makes all things new You rise, as the br...
Jan 19, 2026•13 min
Sunday 18 January 2026 Today is Sunday the 18th of January, beginning the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Ego vos elegi. ‘I have chosen you out of the world, so that you might go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ As you listen to this chant, take a moment to remind yourself that God calls you, calls you by your name. However unsuitable or unworthy you may think you are, God has chosen you. Ego vos elegi de mundo, ut eatis, et fructum afferatis: et fructus ...
Jan 18, 2026•12 min
Saturday 17 January 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Prepare yourself for prayer today by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. Cast your mind back over the week… we have heard of lives changed through persistence, perseverance and great faith. At the beginning of a new year it may be that these qualities may be part of your resolutions for the future. Take...
Jan 17, 2026•9 min
Friday 16 January 2026 Today is Friday the 16th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. IamSon sings, ‘Always with Me’. Let these lyrics speak deeply to you today. Can you turn them into a prayer? I can make through the day When you're with me on the way In my heart and mind you'll stay I can make it through the night When I'm clinging to your light You will make the darkness bright For you are always, always with me For you are always, always with me In the calm and in the storm When it s...
Jan 16, 2026•13 min
Thursday 15 January 2026 Today is Thursday the 15th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg choir sings the Kyrie: ‘Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy’. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As you listen, you might think for a moment about the need you might have for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for us to show that same forgiveness ...
Jan 15, 2026•13 min
Wednesday 14 January 2026 Today is Wednesday the 14th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taize sings, ‘O Lord Hear My Prayer.’ As you begin this time of prayer today, imagine and rest under the gaze of love upon you from the Creator of the universe. Today’s reading is from the First Book of Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli,...
Jan 14, 2026•13 min
Tuesday 13 January 2026 Today is Tuesday the 13th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. 'In God alone is my soul at rest. He alone is my rock, my strength.' There are probably things on my mind as I try to pray, right now. Things bothering me, worrying me, things I’ve got to do. Those hassles and concerns may be important. But for these few minutes, can I just put them on one side, and find a moment of peace for my soul? A moment of rest with my God, my rock, my strength? Today’s reading...
Jan 13, 2026•13 min
Monday 12 January 2026 Today is Monday the 12th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Ndikhokhele Bawo': Lead me, oh Father, lead me Lead me, my saviour, in all the sorrows of this world, Father, I thank you, for you still protect me Father, Saviour, you calm my fears Father, I thank you, for you still protect me. Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo Bawo, Bawo, Bawo Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile Mmel...
Jan 12, 2026•13 min
Sunday 11 January 2026 Today is Sunday the 11th of January, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Maximilian sings, ‘Jordan’s Waters’. As we prepare to pray with the Lord’s baptism today, compose the scene in your mind... walk towards the river Jordan... what does it all look like? You laid aside Your glory on the banks of the Jordan And all for me You went down to the depths You traded Heaven's borders for the chill of murky waters And took the place of one condemned to death That day John prea...
Jan 11, 2026•11 min
Saturday 10 January 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Many of the readings this week have been from the first letter of John on the theme of love. Our examen today flows from this. The questions invite a positive response. They may remind us of where we’ve also fallen short of the ideal. In the space flowing each question look for the positive, without resisting any regret that might also emerge. Gently, see what comes. When this week did you let God love you? When did you show love for famil...
Jan 10, 2026•8 min
Friday 9 January 2026 Today is Friday the 9th of January, in the season of Christmas. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Jesus’. Can you turn the words of this song into your own prayer today? The wisdom and the word The speaking and the silence The stillness and the stir The Spirit in the quiet The son of God and man The sinner’s lamentation The flesh of the I Am The song of our salvation Jesus, Jesus, Jesus The dawnbird song of life The spring of earth and heaven The water and the wine The everlasting leaven ...
Jan 09, 2026•13 min
Thursday 8 January 2026 Today is Thursday the 8th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings a setting of Ubi Caritas, by Paul Mealor: “Wherever love is true, God is there.” Where can you see love around you today? Where can you find God? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’...
Jan 08, 2026•12 min
Thursday 8 January 2026 Today is Thursday the 8th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings a setting of Ubi Caritas, by Paul Mealor: “Wherever love is true, God is there.” Where can you see love around you today? Where can you find God? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’...
Jan 08, 2026•12 min
Wednesday 7 January 2026 Today is Wednesday the 7th of January, in the season of Christmas. The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Now when Jesus heard that Jo...
Jan 07, 2026•12 min
Tuesday 6 January 2026 Today is Tuesday the 6th of January, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Star of Wonder’. Star of wonder Star of royal beauty bright Shine your light on earth below Guide the way For a King Wise men bring their gifts of gold Sweet perfume and precious oil Holy anointing Gloria, gloria... Empty handed Can I come just as I am? Or like a shepherd, bring a lamb? A humble offering Gloria, gloria... In the heavens Gloria, gloria... Gloria O come let ...
Jan 06, 2026•13 min
Monday 5 January 2026 Today is Monday the 5th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’ by George Arthur: “When we were still far off, you met us in your Son and brought us home.” 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 First Letter of John. 1 John 3:11-21 For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that w...
Jan 05, 2026•13 min
Sunday 4 January 2026 Today is Sunday the 4th of January, in the season of Christmas. 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. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 Blessed be the God and Fathe...
Jan 04, 2026•13 min
Saturday 3 January 2026 Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is the feast day of the Holy Name of Jesus. Take a moment to arrive in a place of quiet within your heart. We read in Psalm 34, ‘I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.’ Now simply repeat the name of ‘Jesus’ several times as if you are letting his name rest on your lips. We will now repeat this by using the names that Isaiah used to describe the coming Messiah. Let these names rest on your lips as if ...
Jan 03, 2026•8 min
Friday 2 January 2026 Today is Friday the 2nd of January, the feast of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, in the season of Christmas. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘He Comes’. How does this song speak to you? He comes, the Lord's anointed One And we shall see His face As clear as if the rising sun Poured out the light of grace He comes, and we shall hear His voice Not as some distant sound But tones that make the heart rejoice When love, long lost, is found He comes, not to the wise and gr...
Jan 02, 2026•13 min
Thursday 1 January 2026 Today is Thursday the 1st of January, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Juliano Ravanello sings Alma Redemptoris Mater: ‘Loving Mother of God’. As we begin the year afresh, let the music help you to recognise the presence of Christ with you today. What are you grateful for as you step into this new year? Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cæli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat populo: tu quæ genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanct...
Jan 01, 2026•13 min
