We read in the Bible of Jesus’ need to withdraw to quiet places to be alone with his heavenly Father. Imagine that you do this now, with Jesus beside you. Where would you like to go?

Spend a few moments picturing this quiet space…perhaps as a remembered place or by bringing it to life in your imagination.

Find a space to sit together and simply enjoy being present with Jesus. Take time to look around together. What do you notice?

Now, picture Jesus as he leans towards you and asks, “How has your week been?”

What would you like to share with him?

Now, he asks, “When did you sense me close to you?”

“And when did you feel most alone?”

Take time to let your conversation together continue.

Perhaps you want to share something you are grateful for?

Maybe you have a request.

Now, tell Jesus a little about your week ahead.

Perhaps there is something that concerns you…

or something you are looking forward to…

When you feel ready, in your mind, stand up and walk a while together.

You may like to hold onto a moment from this reflection, perhaps to return to, as you journey into the week 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

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium:

Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always. Entering into prayer today, I too am seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in my life, gently guiding me in truth and peace and love.

Laetetur cor quaerentium Dominum:

quaerite Dominum, et confirmamini:

quaerite faciem eius semper.

Confitemini Domino, et invocate nomen ejus:

annuntiate intergentes opera eius.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 6:1-15

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Imagine today, that you are among the large crowd approaching Jesus as he is sitting with his disciples. Having heard the stories from others about how Jesus heals the sick, think for a moment what it is you seek from Jesus as you approach him in the crowd today.

After a while of following and listening to Jesus you notice that you, like many others, are hungry. Watch the disciples as they consult with Jesus to try to solve this problem.

Close by, you notice a small boy with a basket of loaves and a couple of fish. You see him offer his food to the disciples as they pass by. What goes through your mind as you see him giving up his lunch?

The disciples take the offering to Jesus then you and those around you are asked to sit down on the grass in groups of fifty people. Watch the thousands of others also sitting in groups and listen in to the conversations of those around you as they react with their questions, perhaps laughter or complaints about their hunger or the heat. What does it feel like to be here?

After a while you see Jesus take the boy’s loaves and fish and lift them high, giving thanks to God. What does Jesus look like as he does this?

Next, you see the disciples coming towards you with overflowing baskets of fish and bread, plenty for everyone. As you and the others around you take the food and share lunch together, imagine the smell of the bread and the texture and taste of the fish in your mouth as your hunger is satisfied.

Some around you are proclaiming, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ Perhaps you can join in with the conversation.

As Jesus begins to withdraw from the crowd, imagine that you rise from the grass and walk a while with him. What would you like to share with him about your experience in prayer today?

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

Eliza King sings, ‘Christ Abides’.

In the crowded thoughts, You are an open space

And I hear Your voice, calling me to come away

Where the eagles fly, You're raising me high with You

To heavenly places, heavenly places

I have the mind of Christ

My portion is His perfect peace

For Christ abides with me

I'll seek You, Lord, and here in Your shadow hide

I won't dread the day, nor fear the terror of the night

Though thousands fall, I've been seated all along

In heavenly places, in heavenly places

I'm with you in heavenly places, in heavenly places

I have the mind of Christ

My portion is His perfect peace

For Christ abides with me

He's closer than a friend

He takes the weary by the hand

And says, "Come abide with me"

"Come abide with me

For my yoke is easy and my burden light

I will raise you up like an eagle into flight

You will not grow weary nor will you be faint

In your every weakness, I will be your strength"

I have the mind of Christ

My portion is His perfect peace

For Christ abides with me

He's closer than a friend

He takes the weary by the hand

And says, "Come abide with me"

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

In today’s reading, John gives us a description of who Jesus is, where he comes from, the truth he speaks and the gifts he brings. He begins by proclaiming, ‘The one who comes from above is above all’.

Take a moment to reflect on the words ‘above all’ and see what images come into your mind.

Perhaps there are disturbances in the world at present where you need to remember that God is greater than even these. Offer them as a prayer to God who is above all.

‘The Father loves the Son and has placed all things into his hands’. Now with these words in mind, let your thoughts turn to someone you know who is suffering. Maybe they need to know or feel that they are held in the hands of the Son. You may like to name them and picture them as you pray.

As you listen to the reading again, notice all that God gives through his Son.

John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

John writes, ‘Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life’. Take a moment to let these words rest upon you. Let them reassure you, delight you perhaps, and give you 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

The community of Taizé sing Gott ist nur Liebe. ‘God is nothing but love. Dare to give all for love. Give yourselves without fear.’

Gott ist nur Liebe. Wagt, für die Liebe alles zu geben.

Gott ist nur Liebe. Gebt euch ohne Furcht.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

Today’s reading comes in three parts to give time for reflection.

John 3:16-21

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life’.

Picture for a moment, God, beholding the World in his arms and gazing with great tenderness upon his creation…

…upon the seas and the earth

…upon every living creature

…and upon you.

Now picture Jesus, God’s Son being born…

growing up…

walking among us…

loving us…

‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Perhaps you know someone who finds it difficult to believe in Jesus being the Son of God. Picture this person now, as one for whom Jesus came to this world. Imagine the loving gaze of the Lord upon them.

Pray that one day, they too will become aware of this loving gaze.

'And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’

Where do you experience light and dark in the world around you?

Spend time with the Lord sharing a situation where you sense darkness.

Give thanks to the Lord for a situation where you experience light.

Finally, sit with these opening words once more, asking God to enable their significance to touch you deeply. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.’

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

The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Bind Us Together’. Today we reflect on the fellowship of the early believers of Jesus. As you listen to this music, become aware of God’s love for your own community of believers…

Bind us together within your love

Bind us together within your holy love

As we shared in our sorrows, we will share in your joy

Bind us together in love

Bind us together and be our peace

Bind us together and be our perfect peace

Though the tempest may rage, we will rest in your joy

Bind us together in peace

Bind us together and give us hope

Bind us together and give us endless hope

Though our tears were our bread, we will feast in your joy

Bind us together in hope

Bind us together and make us one

Bind us together and make us truly one

In your love, in your peace, in your hope, in your joy

Bind us together as one

In your love, in your peace, in your hope, in your joy

Bind us together as one

Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.

Acts 4:32-37

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

In today’s reading, we continue to journey with the early believers as we hear about their life together. ‘Everything they owned was held in common.’ As we hear of the trust and love of these early believers, try to recall a time when you have shared your possessions and received help from other believers.

‘There was not a needy person among them.’ What would it be like to experience a fellowship like this?

As you listen again, notice if anything arises as a challenge for you regarding this way of living.

Acts 4:32-37

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

If this was your Church community, which things would you find easy to share, and which things would be more difficult to surrender? How might the Lord call you to be a Barnabas as you encourage others in their ministries?

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

Harpa Dei sing, Abune dbashmayo; the Our Father in Aramaic. As you listen to this prayer in the same language Jesus would have spoken, notice what is staying with you… you might like to pray the Our Father alongside in your native, heart language.

Abune d'bashmayo

nithqadash shmokh

tithe malkuthokh

nehwe sebyonokh

aykano d'bashmayo oph bar`o

hab lan lahmo d'sunqonan yowmono

washbuq lan hawbayn wahtohayn

aykano doph hnan shbaqan l'hayobayn

lo ta`lan l'nesyuno

elo paso lan men bisho

metul d'dylokh hi malkutho

whaylo wteshbuhto

l`olam `olmin

Amin

Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.

Acts 4:23-31

After [Peter and John] were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:

“Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples imagine vain things?

The kings of the earth took their stand,

and the rulers have gathered together

against the Lord and against his Messiah.”

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

In today’s reading we join the disciples with Peter and John. Having healed the man at the Temple gate, they are released from being apprehended by the Sadducees. They have spoken the praises of God publicly and boldly and have been given a strict warning not to continue to speak about Jesus. Together as they gather now, the community raise their voices in worship. Try for a moment to picture this prayer meeting as if you are there, listening to the voices of the believers, singing their praises to God.

Try to imagine what feelings are around, with increasing faith and their wonderment in witnessing healings, signs and wonders. Can you recall a time when you have experienced a sense of awe in the presence of God? What was this like?

As you listen to the reading again, continue to imagine that you are present with the apostles and their friends.

Acts 4:23-31

After [Peter and John] were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:

“Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples imagine vain things?

The kings of the earth took their stand,

and the rulers have gathered together

against the Lord and against his Messiah.”

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

‘The place where they were gathered was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness’.

Although under constant threat of punishment, the believers are being given grace to keep on speaking about Jesus. End your prayer time today by speaking with the Lord about the reading. Where might you need his grace today?

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

'Do not doubt but believe'

Today is Sunday the 27th April, beginning the 2nd week of Eastertide.

Steffany Gretzinger sings ‘Open Our Eyes’. As we prepare to hear today’s gospel passage of Thomas seeing Jesus for the first time in Resurrected form, take a moment to ponder the ways you long to see Jesus…

Open my eyes, Lord

I want to see Jesus

To reach out and touch him

And say that I love him

Open my ears, Lord

And help me to listen

Open my eyes, Lord

I want to see Jesusㅤ

Open my eyes, Lord

I want to see Jesus

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

“The doors were locked for fear…”. Do you have any “locked doors” in your life?

Thomas had not seen the Lord as the others had at first… sometimes, we might be quick to judge Thomas in this moment… but is it possible that not just doubt, but also grief was playing a part here? The trauma of Jesus’ death?

As you listen again to second part of the reading, notice the evangelist tells us at the end why he wrote the gospel. What was his reason for writing? Does it touch you at all?

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Finally, just think back over the last few minutes. What thoughts and feelings arose in you during this time? Can you turn them into a prayer to God?

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

Thank you for waiting around for this short announcement.

We have been listening to our community for the last few years and are now making changes to our app. We will be simplifying your daily prayer journey and hope that these changes will allow for a better service and an even smoother time of prayer.

From the 28th April, we will begin to phase in our new app experience over the coming weeks. This should happen automatically, so you don’t need to download a different app.

We believe that prayer should be between you and God, therefore we have strong privacy policies in place. However, this unfortunately means that we won’t be able to carry forward any journal entries, favourited prayers or downloads into our new app, as we do not store any data, and therefore can’t migrate it. We are sorry for this and understand it will be difficult. However, we invite those who would like to save any journal entries to do so by copying and pasting the days they would like to move over to a personal digital notebook on their own device. Also, you can note down any favourite prayer days and re-favourite any of them on the new app. You can also get in touch with us through our website or by emailing [email protected] and we can assist you.

Although this is a new change, we hope that the app will bring about a fresh season and a steady home for your prayer life, and we have plenty of new content arriving for everyone too.

Thank you for your support, and to everyone who has given financially towards this project. If you would like to support us in this new stage, please head over to prayasyougo.org/donate to take a look at our new website and to help grow prayer journeys for a global community.

Thank you, and every blessing for Eastertide.

The presence of God

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. 

As you look back over this week of prayer, what really stands out for you? Did you at all feel the presence of God in your prayer this week? 

 

Was there one particular scripture passage or verse that really spoke to you this week? What do you think it is saying to you now? 

 

Was there a point when you experienced a lightness of heart, and felt that God was there? 

 

Was there a moment when you had no sense at all of the presence of God? Why do you think that might have been? 

 

What do you think God is saying to you today in your prayer? How are you going to respond? 

 

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 

Thank you for waiting around for this short announcement.

We have been listening to our community for the last few years and are now making changes to our app. We will be simplifying your daily prayer journey and hope that these changes will allow for a better service and an even smoother time of prayer.

From the 28th April, we will begin to phase in our new app experience over the coming weeks. This should happen automatically, so you don’t need to download a different app.

We believe that prayer should be between you and God, therefore we have strong privacy policies in place. However, this unfortunately means that we won’t be able to carry forward any journal entries, favourited prayers or downloads into our new app, as we do not store any data, and therefore can’t migrate it. We are sorry for this and understand it will be difficult. However, we invite those who would like to save any journal entries to do so by copying and pasting the days they would like to move over to a personal digital notebook on their own device. Also, you can note down any favourite prayer days and re-favourite any of them on the new app. You can also get in touch with us through our website or by emailing [email protected] and we can assist you.

Although this is a new change, we hope that the app will bring about a fresh season and a steady home for your prayer life, and we have plenty of new content arriving for everyone too.

Thank you for your support, and to everyone who has given financially towards this project. If you would like to support us in this new stage, please head over to prayasyougo.org/donate to take a look at our new website and to help grow prayer journeys for a global community.

Thank you, and every blessing for Eastertide.