Listen To the Bible! | King James Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version
Jesus teaches this invitation to deeper prayer. Jesus calls us to pray from the heart, in humility and intimacy with the Father. Take a moment to quiet your mind and open your heart.
I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts. How can my prayer life be more in tune with God’s will?
The world into which Jesus was born was not just one of imperial power—it was a world of cruelty, excess, and moral depravity beyond modern comprehension. The Caesars were not merely rulers; they were demigods in their own eyes, demanding worship, reveling in debauchery, and enforcing their will through brutality. Rome was a world where the strong crushed the weak, where spectacles of torture and death entertained the masses, and where mercy was seen as weakness [ … ]
The Archangel Gabriel is prominently featured in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Gabriel’s first appearance is in the Gospel of Luke, where he appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Zechariah questions the angel, and Gabriel responds with the famous words, ‘And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.’ (Luke 1:19) [ … ]
The people are astonished by Jesus, in whom they see the mighty power of God. Straight away, though, Jesus turns to his disciples to tell them of the truth of his Messianic mission. In veiled terms, Jesus announces his passion and death: the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. There is extreme contrast between the people’s, and the disciples’, understanding of how the Messiah shall be, and the reality of Christ’s true mission on Earth, to suffer, to be crucified, and so to ransom mankind, redeeming us from death and sin. There is secret, hidden truth, which only gradually becomes manifest through the course of the Gospels [ … ]
Today’s Gospel verses invite us once more to consider the true identity of Jesus. This scene is filled both with a sense of preconceptions and expectations, and with the over-riding knowledge of the new, which is the truth of Jesus. Additionally, we are asked by Jesus to declare the truth of our knowledge of who Jesus is. We are invited by Jesus to confess our Christian faith [ … ]
‘What is truth?’ So asks Pontius Pilate at the show-trial of Jesus. Pilate’s question dismisses and inherently rejects categorical truth as value. Pilate throws the truth to the masses – who cry for the blood of Jesus. As Christians, we hope – we pray, we ask – to adhere to truth. This is our truth: that Jesus is the Son of God, that Jesus died for our sins, and that through Jesus we can attain salvation. Yet, even as we seek to live in the truth, we are tested and tempted, just as Jesus was in the wilderness by Satan [ … ]
There is such over-flowing of goodness and joy in our response to Jesus. Faced with such overwhelming power of truth, it is paradoxically to be expected that people will object. We may all have felt a certain closing off at times, a rejection of what might be best in favour of what we know and are accustomed to. Too many of the people of Jesus’ time look set to reject him, just because of who he is and what he represents – i.e. the truth and the new and better way – rather than because of all that he says and does. These people seek evil where there is only good [ … ]
In this passage, the Lord appeared to Abraham in the plains of Mamre in the form of three men. Recognizing their divine nature, Abraham warmly welcomed them into his home and showed great hospitality. The Lord informed Abraham that He would soon return to him, and shared the news that Sarah, Abraham’s elderly wife, would conceive and bear a son. Sarah, who overheard the announcement from inside the tent, laughed in disbelief, considering her advanced age. The Lord gently confronted her doubts and affirmed that nothing is impossible for Him [ … ]
O most loving Sacred Heart of Jesus, as I meditate on your love revealed at the Last Supper, I am humbled by your act of service in washing the feet of your disciples. Help me to have a servant’s heart and to always be ready to serve others. May your words of comfort and assurance be with me always, especially in times of trial. Help me to remember your ultimate sacrifice on the Cross and to love others as you have loved me. Amen [ … ]
In these Gospel verses, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives with his disciples, and at a particular place, Jesus separates himself to pray. Jesus urges his disciples to pray against temptation. In his prayer, Jesus expresses his desire for the cup of suffering to be removed but ultimately submits to God’s will. An angel appears from heaven to strengthen Jesus, and Jesus prays with such intensity that his sweat becomes like drops of blood falling to the ground [ … read more and listen … ]
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the presence of the angel becomes a symbol of divine comfort and support during Jesus’ moment of utmost agony. As Jesus withdrew a stone’s cast away from his disciples and fell on the ground to pray, sweating blood, the world’s sins and crucifixion-horror pressed heavily upon him [ … ]
In the parable of the prodigal son, the story Jesus tells is so homely and familiar to our lives, and to our most basic human and family instincts, that even without the deeper meanings as we interpret the parable, it would be powerfully moving to hear as a tale of estrangement and difficulty followed by forgiveness and reconciliation through love [ … read more … ]
Christian Art | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Prayer And Meditation This relaxing prayer and meditation with Jesus reflects upon three Gospel passages – of Saint Matthew’s Gospel. These [ … ]
The passage, Matthew 19:16-22, recounts the encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus told him to keep the commandments, to which the young man replied that he had done so since his youth. Jesus then told him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him. The young man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions, which he finds himself unable to relinquish [ … ]
Love is the most fundamental and universal human experience. God is love. God created us through Love. Yet love can be elusive and mysterious. It is a word that encompasses a wide range of meanings, from romantic passion to familial affection, from altruistic service to spiritual devotion. In its essence, love is an expression of our deepest longings for connection, belonging, and fulfilment [ … ]
The Book of Job contains the first explicit mention of Satan by name in the Bible, a significant development in the Hebrew Scriptures. Unlike earlier references to adversarial or evil figures, such as the serpent in Genesis, which are not explicitly identified as Satan, the Book of Job introduces Satan as a distinct character who challenges Job’s righteousness before God. This explicit mention marks a maturation of theological concepts within the Hebrew Scriptures, influenced by historical, cultural, and literary developments [ … ]
As I meditate upon the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by its boundlessness and its depth. His love is not limited by time or space, nor is it conditional upon our worthiness. Jesus loves us simply because we are his creation, his beloved children. In Jesus’ love, there is no fear, no judgment, only grace and mercy [ … ]
Dear Jesus, You have taught us the value of each person and the importance of justice. Open my eyes to see the suffering and injustice around me. Fill my heart with compassion and the desire to act. Help me to stand up for those who are oppressed and marginalized, to speak out against injustice, and to work tirelessly for a world that reflects your love and justice. Guide my steps and use my voice to bring about change. May your spirit of justice be my guide, and may I be a beacon of your love in a world that so desperately needs it [ … ]
As adults, we often find ourselves weighed down by the responsibilities and complexities of life. Yet, Jesus, in his profound wisdom, encourages us to become like children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Embracing childlike faith enables us to approach God with innocence, trust, and humility. This collection of prayers is designed to help adults cultivate and nurture that childlike spirit within, as we seek a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father [ … ]
In this passage, the prophet Balaam was on his way to meet King Balak of Moab, who sought to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites. However, God was displeased with Balaam’s intentions and sent an angel to stand in his path to prevent him from proceeding further. Unaware of the angel’s presence, Balaam’s donkey saw the angel with a drawn sword and reacted fearfully, trying to avoid the dangerous path [ … ]
The story of Joseph is of a young man who endured trials and triumphs, demonstrating the power of faith, forgiveness, and God’s providence. Joseph was the favoured son of Jacob, receiving from his father the gift of his coat of many colours, causing jealousy among his brothers. In a moment of jealousy, they sold him into slavery. Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he served in the house of Potiphar. However, he was falsely accused of sexual assault and imprisoned [ … ]
Saint George was born in Cappadocia, present-day Turkey, to Christian parents in the late 3rd century. His father was a Roman army official, which influenced George’s decision to pursue a military career. Saint George rose to a high rank within the Roman army but faced a turning point when Emperor Diocletian issued edicts against Christians in 303 AD [ … ]
We are invited to imagine a time when it seems that honesty and trustworthiness are fading away. Psalm 12 captures this sentiment, as the psalmist contemplates the challenges of finding genuine people and reliable words [ … ]
Psalm 25 is a plea for divine guidance, forgiveness and protection. It is a deeply personal and introspective conversation between the psalmist and the Lord. In this psalm, we find themes of trust, humility, and the recognition of God’s merciful nature [ … ]
Psalm 31 is a heartfelt and poignant prayer that reflects the psalmist’s trust in the Lord, even in adversity and persecution. It is a cry for God’s deliverance and protection, rooted in the psalmist’s faith [ … ]
Psalm 35 is a plea for divine intervention and justice. This psalm, attributed to King David, encapsulates turmoil of a soul unjustly persecuted, seeking vindication and deliverance from those who harm him [ … ]
Psalm 39 is a contemplative reflection on the fleeting nature of human existence. Attributed to King David, this psalm delves into themes of silence, self-control, and brevity of life in face of God’s eternal nature [ … ]
Psalm 41 expresses blessings, pain of betrayal, and the reassurance of divine mercy. This psalm serves as both a heartfelt cry for help and a declaration of trust in the Lord’s sustaining grace [ … ]
Psalm 46 is a testament to God’s unwavering protection, strength, and sovereignty in the midst of life’s challenges. It is a source of solace, reminding readers of the enduring refuge found in God’s presence. This psalm is an enduring declaration of trust in God’s ultimate control over the world’s affairs, even in times of turmoil and uncertainty [ … ]
Psalm 55 is a heartfelt and poignant prayer, a cry for divine help in a time of profound distress and betrayal. The psalmist beseeches God to listen to his supplication, expressing deep anguish caused by treachery of enemies and weight of oppression [ … ]
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus humbly surrendered his own desires to trust in God’s plan. Let us learn from Jesus’ example and place our trust in God, knowing that His plan is always best [ … ]
The meditation on the love of Jesus Christ on Palm Sunday is struck by the imagery of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, though on a donkey. Crowds of people gathered around Jesus, laying down their cloaks and palm branches before Jesus, shouting ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ (Matthew 21:9, KJV) [ … ]
Dear Jesus, In times of trouble and distress, I come to you, seeking comfort and peace. You understand the depths of my heart and the challenges I face. I bring my burdens to you, as they feel heavy and overwhelming. I trust that you will provide the rest and strength I need during these difficult moments [ … ]
In the serenity of the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness a profound and touching display of Jesus’ humanity. As Jesus led his disciples to this secluded place, the weight of the impending events pressed heavily upon him. Jesus’ heart was burdened with sorrow, and Jesus’ soul was deeply troubled. It is essential to recognize that, despite being the divine Son of God, Jesus fully embraced his humanity, experiencing the same emotions and struggles as any human being [ … ]
The thought and value of martyrdom developed within the early Christian community as a response to persecutions Christians faced from the Roman Empire. Despite persecution, many early Christians remained steadfast in faith and were willing to endure suffering and even death rather than renounce their beliefs. This willingness to suffer for their faith came to be seen as a mark of Christian devotion and piety, and the idea of martyrdom emerged as a central aspect of early Christian theology [ … ]
As I pray and reflect on the resurrection of Jesus, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I thank God for his great love for us, for sending his Son to die for our sins, and for raising Jesus from the dead so that we might have eternal life. I pray that I may always walk in the power of Jesus’ resurrection, and that I may be a witness to others of Jesus’ love and grace. Amen [ … ]
As I contemplate the Baptism of Jesus, I am invited to reflect on my own baptism and the significance of this sacrament in my life. I am reminded that, like Jesus, I am a beloved child of God, called to participate in Jesus’ mission of love and reconciliation. I am challenged to live out my baptismal promises, to renounce sin and evil, and to follow Jesus on the path of discipleship. And I am encouraged to draw upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, which is poured out upon me in my baptism, to transform me from within and to make me a new creation in Christ [ … ]
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Jesus was brought to Pilate, the Roman governor, and was then scourged by the soldiers. They stripped Jesus, tied him to a pillar or post, and whipped im with a whip that had sharp pieces of bone or metal embedded in the cords. The blows would have torn into Jesus’ flesh, causing excruciating pain and leaving Jesus covered in blood [ … ]
