Thursday 27 October 2022

Today is Thursday the 27th of October, in the 30th week of Ordinary time.

The community of Taizé sings Veni Creator Spiritus: Come, Creator Spirit.

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.


Paul has taught the Ephesians about God’s lavish grace and how to live from that place. Now his prayer is that ‘they will be strong in the Lord’.

Can you identify with Paul’s words, of being in a spiritual battle, of struggling as you live for Christ today?

Are you feeling strong in the Lord right now or perhaps you are feeling weak, tired, fragile maybe?

Paul describes a soldier dressed for battle. What piece of armour do you most need today? Ask the Lord for this gift now.

What does it feel like to wear this piece of armour?

As you listen to the reading again, keep alert. Become aware of the Spirit’s presence in your life to protect and guard you.

Prayer is a powerful part of a Christian’s life, ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication,’ Paul writes.

As this time of prayer draws to a close, share the day ahead of you with Jesus. You may like to ask Him for strength and boldness as you seek to be Christ’s ambassador 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.