Presence
I bring myself into your presence, O God.
May I always take time to notice and enjoy
the beauty you have created
for my pleasure.
Language List
Community
When you pray you are not alone. You are part of a global community.
Recommended
Daily Prayer - 2013-10-16
Freedom
Your death on the cross has set me free.
I can live joyously and freely,
without fear of death.
Your mercy knows no bounds.
Consciousness
At this moment Lord I turn my thoughts to you.
I will leave aside my chores and preoccupations.
I will take rest and refreshment in your presence Lord.
The Word of God
Luke 11:42-46
'But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practised, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honour in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the market-places. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.'
One of the lawyers answered him, 'Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.' And he said, 'Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
Active
Default
- In this gospel, it is clear that “gloves are off” in the challenges Jesus puts to the Pharisees. It seems that Jesus has had enough. He has listened to and observed the hypocritical religious superiority of the Pharisees for long enough. They have become obstacles to the emergence of God’s kingdom in people’s lives. Their focus on petty rituals and purity fills them with pride and arrogance. They think they are better than ordinary people. Their situation is, in truth, far worse. They have moved away from God. Jesus is calling them to their senses.
- Perhaps Jesus’s words challenge us also. Sometimes we can become complacent and assume that our way of living conforms to the Gospel. Our conversion is on-going. Perhaps I do not speak out when I should!. If so, I may need to pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom in proclaiming Jesus’s message!
Conversation
Dear Lord help me to be always
aware of the important things in life.
To care for those around me.
To seek your presence in all I meet.
Conclusion
I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.
Amen
Prayer for peace:
Following days of rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis called on Christians around the world to fast and pray for peace in Eastern Europe this coming Ash Wednesday.
“I invite everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting for peace, I encourage believers in a special way to devote themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace protect the world from the folly of war.” Pope Francis, 25/02/2022
If you appreciated the daily prayer or have any suggestions or insights we will be glad to hear from you.
- Sacred Space
- Return to the homepage
- Living Space
- Commentaries on the daily readings
- Chapel of Intentions
- Add your Prayer Request and pray for others
- Chapel of Remembrance
- Your prayer for the departed
- Pray with the Pope
- This month's intentions from the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
- About Sacred Space
- The origin of the site and using the prayer
- Questions
- Frequently asked Questions about Sacred Space