Who's using Pray-as-you-go?
Ever wondered who else besides you uses Pray-as-you-go? Where in the world they are? Whether they listen on the train or the bus, or walking the dog, or at home? What they think of it?
Well, here's a few....
Gareth from Swindon, Wiltshire, UK, writes: At times I feel my life is scattered even worthless, as it were. Listening to the music, the readings, thoughts and the voices is so soothing, gentle, relaxing and sometimes inspiring. A few sessions I specially reserve and go back listening to again and again as they translate exactly that part of my life. By mere coincidence I was on the train coming home from London, reading a free newspaper when I discovered your website. Maybe the great Divine showed me the light then, approximately two years ago. Despite all sort of difficulties, being away from home and living a life full of uncertainties, I still believe there is Hope, thanks mainly to your website. Thank you very much for your great work. God Bless.
Ray Peterman from Massillon, Ohio, in the USA, writes: I am just an old hippie (61)
that has finally seen the light, that Jesus does save.I have found a new commitment to prayer and just happen to stumble into your site. I started to use Lectio Divina and your site has become part of my daily prayer life. I love everything from the bells as the call to prayer to the help from the questions that stimulate my thought process. I access your site at 10:PM every evening and find it a peaceful and filling way to end my day. I intend to use my mp3 player when I am out of town. I have even thought of taking it to my men's Bible study to share with the guys. Thank you very much for this outreach to the world. I pray that many more
find this site and most importantly that they find salvation in Christ. I am not a Catholic and find it most exciting when believers come together for the cause of Christ. May God bless you and your effort.
Jan Harris from Victoria, Australia, writes: I bought my first iPod and started looking at podcasts to download last month. I stumbled upon your site and and so elated with what I found. As a Benedictine oblate form St Mark's Abbey in Camperdown, Victoria I am used to daily times for prayer and meditation. But when I found this site I thought I had reached heaven itself. Your daily podcasts are quite simply profound and I wake each morning and wecome the day with you and God. It is so heartening to read all the other responses made by others around the world who, like me, listen daily to our little iPods with reverence and joy. Thank you so very much for providing this vital service.
Kathleen from Seattle writes: I'm relatively new to pray as you go. It's exactly what I was looking for. I found it on itunes. I use it every morning when I wake up. It's the first thing I do when I wake up. It's perfect. I'm able to focus and it's a great way to start my day. I love the music in the beginning. I usually listen through the whole podcast then listen to the music one more time at the end. Love it! Love it! Love it!
Alex Zech writes from Japan: First of all a big thanks to all who work on producing this professional, high-quality podcast - for free! I live in Japan and we Catholics make up only about 0.5% of the population, therefore unlike in my native Bavaria there are no reminders in daily life which invite you to pray. I especially miss the sound of church bells and the churches, but since a friend introduced me to this podcast about 6 months ago I once again started praying on a daily basis. I usually listen to it just before going to bed and often re-read the passage from the Bible first thing in the morning. I have also introduced some of my Japanese, non-Christian friends and colleagues to it and some of them also listen to it on a daily basis. I wonder if your team realises what great missionary potential this podcast has! Thanks again and all the best wishes from the far east.
Pamela Houk from Louisiana, USA, writes: I am a Catholic wife and mom in a small rural village in south Louisiana in the USA. I discovered pray-as-you-go through iTunes. My husband gave me an ipod for Christmas last year and I have almost filled up all 80gb, mostly with Catholic podcasts, hymns, music, etc. I look for PAYG to download every time I open iTunes. I created a playlist for each day of the week and update them with the current PAYG podcast along with other hymns, prayers, divine office, meditations, etc. I am so very happy with pray-as-you-go. My prayer life is Ignatian-based and so PAYG fits right in with my daily prayers. Also, the nightly examen is excellent. I travel 3 hrs a day for work and listen to the daily reflection on my way into the city in the morning. It makes a great difference in my day. I especially like the format with the bells and the music. The voices of the reader and narrator are excellent. Some similiar podcasts are just dull plain reading of the scripture. The reflection for Advent is a great idea. I have meditated on Deus Caritas Est and am enjoying revisiting it. I listen to the nightly exam after my night prayers. I thank you so much for creating this podcast. Please continue to do so. I would miss it greatly.
Laurel Coote from California, USA, writes: Last Christmas, I received an iPod from my husband and so, began searching the iTunes store for podcasts. Just before Lent, I came across Pray As You Go, and was immediately drawn to the music, the readings and the calm it afforded me. And so, I decided to use it as a part of my Lenten practice — something I would "take on" for Lent (rather than the something I would deny myself). Three mornings a week I wake before sunrise to work out and have found that my favorite time to listen is on my 12-minute drive to the gym, a time when traffic is actually light in Los Angeles, and a time when I can begin my day alone and quiet, with God. It has transformed me into a person who now has a daily ritual of quiet time with God – someone I had never been. Thank you for the gift of word, music and spirit. Initially, I had longed for readings for the weekend days as well, however, my Sunday reading takes place at my church, and I celebrate Saturday as my contemplative day of rest with my family.
Katharine Gordon from Washington DC, USA, writes: I use Pray-As-You-Go on the metro or the bus. As a busy graduate student, while I have the best of intentions to do more regular, concerted Ignatian prayer, it often just does not happen... However, through the eight minutes five days a week, that I can do on my commute with my MP3 player, I can at least get a bit of a focus. One thing that is great about your prayers, when I am doing it in the midst of my world, is looking at the world that is going by. For example, if the music is along the lines of "He Hears the Cry of the Poor" and I'm on the bus, travelling through the really abandoned and neglected areas of the city, where, especially as winter approaches, I see many homeless people, I more easily connect my spirituality with what I am seeing through my own eyes, and find a greater peace in my work, which partially includes advocating for these poor.
 John & Karen Morley from Hampshire, UK, write: We just sat and went through the 8 minute review at the end of the day and it was truly wonderful. Peaceful, spirit filling and a real sense of calm and taking away of the worries of the world. The music is divine, and the speaking voice so just 'right'. The content is amazing, one feels those having built this whole web site must be mega gifted, but of course that’s obvious really.... Anyway, thank you from the heart and God bless you for your work and ministry to us.
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Donna Kimbell from Rock Island, Illinois, USA, writes: I'm a newcomer to broadband, and a non-Catholic friend talked me through itunes, PAYG sign up over the phone! I couldn't be happier with my morning ritual of tuning in, volume raised, sitting in my 'meditation' chair across the room and listening to each day's opening talk, music, queries and the universal Glory Be at the end. Your readers have beautiful voices and the variety of music is wonderful. My next purchase will be an MP3 or ipod player so I can listen to you on morning or evening walks as well! Thanks to you and to my good friend, Cynthia! |
Ignacio de la Torre from Madrid, Spain, writes: Thanks to you for this initiative which is greatly welcomed. I took St. Ignatius's spiritual exercises during one year with the Madrid Jesuits and my biggest fear was to lose contact with spirituality once exercises were finished. Pray-as-you-go has helped me a lot to keep it up!
Dr Robert Maccini from New Hampshire, USA, writes: After a long search, I hit upon PAYG on iTunes. Spot on! I edit theological and biblical studies books. Before I start punching keys at the computer, I start my morning with PAYG, ably assisted by my cat, Zoe. The content is outstanding, and the length is perfect for me. This podcast has helped me to recover and rediscover the discipline and blessing of praying regularly at the start of the day, before the world's demands come flooding in. Thanks for this wonderful ministry, and please keep it going.
Marilyn from Sanford, Florida, USA, writes: I wanted to take the time to tell you about what pray-as-you-go has meant to me. I found it through Sacred Space where I try to pray often, and I download it to my ipod to carry along for my walks or during the day when I need a spiritual refuge. But on a more serious note, I credit this with having lifted me out of my depression and having restored my faith. Quite recently, I had lost faith for a lot of reasons, too many to list here. I felt alone, frightened, and ready to call it quits, on not just faith but life. The more I tried to push the Lord away, the more I felt a small pull: a still, small voice drawing me back, not wanting to let me go. I ignored until I could not anymore. I had used Sacred Space and pray-as-you-go on and off before, even if I had to force myself to sit and do it, not really believing in it. This time was different. When I was looking for new music to download, I came across it in Podcasts, not once, but several times by "accident", it kept popping up and felt the Lord pushing me to give us another chance. It has not been an easy journey, not for one with a stubborn and independent will. But someone there should know, it has been more than just a daily blessing to me. It helped me respond to the Lord and quite literally saved my life. Many thanks to you all, and may God continue to bless this ministry and all who participate in it!
Sonia Sinisterra from Colombia writes: I am an executive coach, and discovering a spiritual path that resonates with me has been an important part of my life journey. A Jesuit friend, Jorge Julio Mejía, sent an email to his yahoo group, letting us know about Pray-as-you-go. This has been a wonderful gift for me, because it has helped me find a way to pray that really speaks to me. This has helped me structure my daily praying practice and I listen to it every day in my computer, at home, at the beginning of my day. As I wake up early in the morning, I sit in my bed and start my daily prayer listening to pray-as-you-go. The way it is structured has brought the scriptures closer to me and has become the best way to start my day connected to God. Thanks to all that have made this initiative possible! You have helped me find a much enjoyable way to start every day bringing God to my life and speaking to Jesus as a loved friend as I prepare for my day. I carry the daily message of the prayer into the day. Many times when the going gets difficult, I connect to Pray-as you-go, stop in the middle of the day and re-connect to God, supported by this wonderful website. I am very auditive, so the music and the voice of the person that leads the prayer are so beautiful that creates a perfect space for my daily praying practice. May God bless all of you that work to keep this initiative alive.
David Barbour, a Methodist Minister in South Africa, writes: I would like to thank you for the service you provide. There are times when I wish to sit back and be led through my private worship of God. You help me do this and with the added benefit of beautiful music. If I could add I really enjoy the music when the words are in English as I find it more meaningful being English speaking. I say this because I was so impressed with the St Patrick's prayer sung today (24th August). Thank you.
Donna Kimbell from Rock Island, Illinois, USA, writes: I'm a newcomer to broadband and a non-catholic friend talked me through itunes/PAYG sign up over the phone! I couldn't be happier with my morning ritual of tuning in, volume raised, sitting in my 'meditation' chair across the room and listening to each days opening talk, music, queries and the universal Glory Be at the end. Your readers have beautiful voices and the variety of music is wonderful. My next purchase will be an MP3 player/ipod so I can listen to you on morning or evening walks as well! Thanks to you and to my good friend, Cynthia!
Aldrin Hitalia from Zamboanga City, the Philippines, writes: I work in a Jesuit university and learned about PAYG from a Jesuit friend. Since then I have always downloaded the prayers in my mp3 player and prayed during my early morning walks. The music and the guided reflection always help me in my prayer. Thank you so much for this ministry. I have printed the posters and posted them in the faculty workroom and invited friends to the web site. I hope you will continue this wonderful work. God bless you all. Muchisimas gracias!
 Rob Kaczmark from Illinois, USA, writes: I just wanted to say thank you for what you all do. I look foward everyday to listen to the daily prayer. I especially like the fact that you release the entire week ahead of time, so I already have the entire week on my iPod at once. The Pray-As-You-Go podcast has really helped my spiritual growth. Thank you again and God Bless.
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Dane Anthony from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, writes: I was introduced to Pray-As-You-Go by one of my best friends in a small group. My wife and I are faithful daily listeners. We sit together listening to it through my computer. We have been experiencing for many months a significant family crisis and PAYG has, in many ways, become "church" for us. Our congregation uses the music from the Taize community and hearing the community sing in some of the meditations maintains for us a on-going connection with our own congregation. Our youngest child just went away to college and I have been sending her the meditations as well. Thank you for this gift. It helps us begin each day in an intentional and focused way, knowing our Father is present in both pain and joy; hope and despair. |
Christiane (30) from Munich, Germany, writes: I would like to say thank you for pray as you go. I found pray as you go by searching the internet for Ignatius of Loyola, of whom you can find a huge painting in my favourite church in Munich (St Michael). I use pray as you go in the evenings. After a long day of working, studying and socializing, Pray as you go helps me to calm down and to focus on the most important again. It actually brings me down to earth. Thanks again!
Kathy, from Clovis, California, USA, writes: I download "Pray as You Go" on my I-POD. Last summer before our family was going to go to Hawaii, I was on the Sacred Space website, wishing there was a way I could do daily meditation on scripture while I was away, and then I saw the link to Pray as You Go. I felt to blessed to have this daily meditation while overlooking the ocean. As a busy mom that is always on the go, this is convenient for me to listen to after I drop off the kids to school. Pray as you Go has been a blessing to me.
A C Cruz, from the Philippines, writes: I just wrote to to express my gratitude for pray-as-you-go. With the labours of everyday, and tons of distractions left and right, man can get lost from his centre and get tangled up in the world. Pray-as-you-go has been a sanctuary, a quiet dwelling place for tired troubled souls seeking the peace and love of our Lord. I told my friends about it and I hope they too are touched by the Lord through your program. Thank you so much. Keep up the excellent work!
Donna, from Australia, writes: Thank you to all at the team of 'pray-as you-go'. I have a young baby and therefore find it difficult to get out a lot. I enjoy listening and praying each morning with your broadcast. It provides a point of sanity and peace in what is a busy and sometimes stressful time. Thank you so much.
Rev Fiona Stewart-Darling, from London, UK, writes: I have recently returned from a sponsored trek in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, to raise funds towards the costs of staffing the Docklands Chaplaincy to the Business Community in Canary Wharf. As an Anglican priest who is a workplace chaplain I do not always manage to get to my local church to say morning prayer with my colleagues, as my working day at Canary Wharf often starts earlier than the time at which my colleagues pray together, so I often listen to Pray-as-you-go on my Ipod as I walk to Canary Wharf from home. I found it invaluable to be able to have a few minutes each day on the Trek in Morocco when during all the hustle and bustle I was able to spend time quietly with God, in such an amazing location where one could not help but be in awe and wonder of the creator God. One of the days downloads was about God's unconditional love, it was just incredible to be such an insignificant human being in such a vast place of beauty and creation and yet still know that God unconditionally loves us. I know that many who work at Canary Wharf also find this site really helpful. Thank you for providing it.
Morgan McQuiston, from Walnut Creek, California, USA, writes: I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy and have come to rely on your Pray-As-You-Go podcast. I just discovered podcasting earlier this year and found the pray-as-you-go series on iTunes during Lent. I came to rely on is so much as part of my daily prayer. So I was extremely happy to find that the series was ongoing and did not end at Easter. I listen every day on my way to or from work and your prayer time helps center me for the rest of the day. I'm so glad someone has found a way to use technology in such a positive way. What you do really makes a difference! Please keep it up!
Pastor Jan Wolsheimer, from Woerden in the Netherlands, writes: I listen to the "pray-as-you-go" podcast very often, I can't remember how I found it. It's a relief in the midst of a hectic world. The combination of the beautiful music, the bible reading and the good reflecting questions stir my soul. And guess what: I am not even a Catholic! In fact I am an evangelical pastor! I mostly listen to the podcast while I walk the dog in the morning. It's a great way to start my day. Thank you and God bless.
Colleen Edwards, from San Juan Capistrano, California, USA, writes: I learned about pray-as-you-go.org last week from one of my dear Cursillista Sisters. Running a high-growth marketing and PR agency serving global and start-up clients can be extremely hectic. I've added your site to my calendar as a recurring appointment to start each workday by getting centered on Christ. What an incredible way to spend time with our Father! Rest assured I'll be telling many others about your site. Blessings to you and thank you for your great work!!!
Candy Smaill, from British Columbia, Canada, writes: Just want to thank you so much for the wonderful prayer website, pray-as-you-go. It is a wonderful tool for prayer for me. I love the format. The beautiful music, the scripture of the day, the beautifully swirling imagery and the questions and thoughts that are posed to the me the listener. And the universal Glory Be at the end. Thank you! This is really enabling me to be in the Lord's presence. I feel truly blessed. Your ministry is a godsend in this busy world of computers and ipods, etc. Thanks for using your talents to bless so many people, and to glorify God. May God richy bless all of you!
Tom Burns, PhD, from Tennessee, USA, writes: I am a clinical psychologist in Tennessee and a client suggested I take a look at the pray-as-you-go website after we discussed its utility in his life and how it related to his psychotherapy. I got "hooked" last fall even though I don't easily define myself as religious. I was raised an Evangelical United Brethren, later became a Quaker and then in the last fifteen years have gravitated toward Unitarian-Universalism. Coincidental with finding out about pray-as-you-go, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I've been downloading and engaging in a spiritual practice of sorts via pray-as-you-go for almost a year now. It's an important part of my life and I miss it when I skip a day. It's helped temper my own arrogance and helped me feel humble before God. And this even when I don't consistently or often agree with Catholic theology. It doesn't matter to me. The Jesuits, beginning with the Berrigan brothers, have been models for me in their commitment to social justice. That commitment is revealed often in the Biblical passages read and in the queries you pose. I brought my i-Pod to the hospital when I had my surgery, which has turned out to be very successful. Pray-as-you-go has been an essential part of my recovery and continuing faith journey. Thank you very much.
Jeff Baker from Omaha, Nebraska, in the United States, writes : I'm a 19-year veteran police officer and a recent convert from agnosticism. I was baptized into the Catholic faith during the Easter Vigil, 2007 at St Vincent de Paul Church in Omaha, Nebraska. I discovered your website from a link on the Creighton University Online Ministries site. I have always loved the UK, culture, roads, food, people, sportsbiking, your accent and dialect, just about everything. (Perhaps one day I can travel there.) I now have yet another reason to love you. I cannot adequately express what a wonderful service you're providing to visitors of your site. I now begin each morning with the daily file, listening to the music, scripture passages, and provocative questions being posed, and contemplating my life within God. Since my conversion, I have felt a tremendous debt to give back for all I've received through Christ. I started a humble little apostolate catering to Catholic police officers, but it's quickly morphed into a blog, www.defendusinbattle.org and bi-monthly subscription list of hundreds who receive my newsletter. I have added pray-as-you-go to my blog links and will devote an article to it in my next issue. God bless and keep up the great work!
Paul writes from Galway in the west of Ireland: I saw a reference to your website about 6 months ago and visited out of curiosity. Since then my PC auto-downloads each week's meditations and I listen to them each morning as I set up my desk for work. It's quite a calming way to start the day, I particularly enjoy the readings, many of which I remember from school but would have forgotten. The music that is interspersed, especially the Gregorian and French chants always enhance the message for me. It makes me remember my faith in a different way. Thank you.
Barry Welsh from Wrexham, Wales, writes: I found your site while surfing the net. I listen to the daily meditationsn on the bus to work, and they are a real blessing. This last week God showed me that he had chosen me, not some version of me that other people want me to be, but me. I am not a Catholic but I have great respect for traditional Catholic spirituality. Love to all at PAYG.
Graham Devlin from Stirling, Scotland, writes: Just a note to say how much I enjoy and value the podcast. I first heard about the website from our parish news letter. I listen on my way to work each day, passing Stirling Castle, the Wallace monument and Ochil Hills, very inspiring and sets up the day just great. Your podcast really helps my faith to grow and has broadened my knowledge of the gospels.
Thai Nguyen from New York, writes: I discovered pray-as-you-go through the iTunes Podcasts recently. I once belonged to the Christian Life Community, but haven't been involved with CLC for nearly 8 years. I have really missed going through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises regularly. What a wonderful way to begin the day as I stand crammed like a sardine in the New York subways! Thank you for making this available and I am certain to share it with all my friends! God bless as you continue this wonderful work!
Heather Davis writes from Beijing, China: Hello from a Canadian living in Beijing. What a wonderful discovery I made last year during Lent. I use Sacred Space regularly and your website was mentioned in one of the newsletters so I went and checked it out. At that time you were only going to do the project during Lent. How thankful I am that you continued on. Every weekend I download onto my iPod and then listen to your podcast as I am going to work. Thank you for your ministry.
Lina Chang from Los Angeles, California, USA, writes: I'm an engineer by profession, living and working outside Los Angeles. A web search on Jesuit communities in an effort to locate a friend of mine, a Jesuit priest, led me to several related websites and consequently to yours. It was a momentous find. Here in the States we don't have anything like it. Every weekend I rush to download your weekly program. I convert the MP3 downloads to AAC format to play them on my iPod. (MP3 format is fine, but I go for sound quality.) I listen to your meditations daily, before going to work or after work, at home or in my car. I make it a habit to find a quiet moment during the day where I can sit and listen to the daily meditation. They help me get in the right frame of mind to face every
brand new day with its highs and lows. I wish there were also meditations for Saturdays and Sundays too. Your musical selections are great. They really show your good taste. I love Gregorian chants, but I've learned to like the other non-traditional works. (I bought a Keur Moussa CD. It's amazing I've gone this far!) I truly enjoy and appreciate your sharing this treasure - meditation, with the public. Keep up the good work and many thanks for sharing the Jesuit tradition!
Liliana Zalles from The Hague, the Netherlands, writes: I heard about Pray-as-you-go looking for catholic websites and immediately I began to hear the daily prayings. It was amazing! Here in the Netherlands, it's difficult to find a church and people with whom you can share your faith. For me this website, Pray-as-you-go is now a friend, I always listen in my iPod while I'm cycling, or when I need time for meditation. It's really helpful for me, hear the readings, hear beautiful melodies, feel the presence of God! Thank you for this brillant idea, you are helping a lot. It could be nice to have the meditations of Saturdays and Sundays too.
Sarah Willis from Guernsey, the Channel Islands, writes: I first heard about Pray As You Go while on retreat at Loyola Hall almost a year (!) before I first used it. I decided to subscribe to PAYG after my car was written off in an accident and I found myself catching the bus to and from work each day. It's a marvellous resource. The bells and the well chosen music and guidance creates a sense of stillness in my soul and allows the words of the Gospel to sink deeply in. I usually listen to each day's podcast two or 3 times - always on the way to work and last thing at night when I'm in bed, and sometimes at lunchtime or on the way home from work too. It's helped me to make my days more focused on God. I'm such a convert that for Lent this year I've been sending my friends CDs of PAYG so that they can use it too!
Fredrik, from Sweden, writes: I ran over your fantastic website by an accident, but I just love it! I have to go about half an hour by bus every day. And on the way to work I sit still and listen to the daily prayer from your website! It really helps me to focus on my job and Jesus, and it has really made my belief deeper... So thank you a lot! I think it's a fantastic way of using the possibilities that the Web offers. Keep on doing the good work!
Carmel Moore from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, writes: I am a Sister of Saint Joseph. I noticed there was no one from our beautiful country in your feedback news, so here I am. I love Pray-as-you-go! I found it through looking at the Sacred Space website and I downloaded on my new mp3 player, a Christmas gift. I look forward to the daily readings, the sound of the bells calling me to prayer, then such beautiful music, the real voices doing the readings and the time to listen deeply. I am not new to lectio divina but there is something calming and creative about your production which draws me. It is a precious time to sit in the early morning and listen; I have been on a train, but usually I am in our little chapel. (Others think it is a bit unusual to see me not praying but plugging in! I believe it is helping me in a very stressful time of my life to centre easily!) I told one of our local priests and he is already ‘hooked’ or hooked up! Many blessings on your marvelous ideas.
Cathy, from New Jersey, USA, writes: I am a 55-year old businesswoman who, like many others, finds it difficult to integrate contemplative practices into a 50 hour work-week filled with client demands, business travel, and family responsibilities. I don't recall how I stumbled upon Pray-as-you-go, browsing through the internet, but I was immediately intrigued by the concept. I had recently become very interested in establishing a daily prayer routine. I knew of podcasts, but had never actually subscribed to one, but the directions were very easy, as are the weekly downloads. The length of each session is perfect. I find it to be a wonderfully inspiring way to integrate meditation on the scriptures and sacred music into my day. I usually listen while taking my dog Laddie on our morning walk, or if I'm traveling, I listen on the plane. The music is usually a wonderful conduit into my interior world, and the readings are instructive and the interpretations and guided meditations are very inspiring. I love the speakers' calm, gentle voices and I have come to feel as if I know them. Thank you for this wonderful offering. I have forwarded the website to friends and colleagues.
Lauren, from St Louis, Missouri, USA, writes: I am a freshman at St Louis University, a Jesuit school in the USA. For the past few weeks the campus ministry program has been encouraging students and teachers to use pray-as-you-go, especially during this Lent season. I decided to try it out, as my Lenten promise to see if it would work for me. I download the prayers every week and put them on my iPod. I try to listen to them in a quiet place, like in the chapel downstairs or while I am lying in bed. It has been life-changing for me. I have learned to listen to what God is saying and just pray about everything. I have finally learned to dedicate time to him. If you decide to do pray-as-you-go, do it with all of your heart, no matter how busy you think you are. Listen to what God is saying, talk to him about everything that is going on, just sit in his presence. It will change your life if you let it.
Elizabeth Ferreira from Queenswood, Pretoria, South Africa, writes: I learnt about pray-as-you-go from a poster on the noticeboard at the back of our church. Our parish has 24 hour adoration of the Blesed Sacrament; therefore there is/must always be someone praying in the side chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. Over the holiday seasons there are always gaps as people go on holiday and the hourly captains and coordinators are always filling in for someone. I did many hours of substitution in December and thought I could try something new in these hours. My son received an i-pod from his grandfather for Christmas and I could take over his MP3-player. So after learning how to use this apparatus I downloaded your prayers and music and now have another wonderful companion during most of my hours of adoration. I love it and thank you. I will support you!
Eunice Relyveld from Antwerp, Belgium, writes: I am a Candidate-postulant from the Carmel of Antwerp. I found Pray-as-you-go on the top 10 podcast list from iTunes. I've downloaded it, and loved it immediately. I listen to it daily about 15 minutes before the Holy Mass starts. I was so enthusiastic about it that I shared it with my fellow Carmelite sisters, and our Rev. Mother Mary-Margerite listens to it every day. I can't imagine my day without my 10 minutes' Jesuit meditation. I understand more about the Gospel, and see things through other eyes now... For example, the genesis meditation, it started snowing here and going with my hands through the snow was completely different since that meditation. It was Gods creation!! I always knew that, but now I was aware of it. It's really excellent!!! Thank you, Jesuit Media Initiatives.
Dr Michelle Francl, from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA, writes: I discovered Pray As You Go by accident, while posting my own podcast at iTunes (quantum chemistry). I generally listen on my evening walks, but yesterday I listened while waiting for surgery (much to the amusement of the nurses). Music, readings and reflection enabled me to face that experience, and the complications that followed knowing full well I was held in the presence of God. Thanks!
Mary Holt, 27, from Chicago, USA, writes: I can't remember how I heard about pray as you go -- I think maybe it was on a website somewhere. It was pretty early on, because it was during Lent 2006. I listen every morning on my subway ride. When my mp3 player broke, I was very dissapointed I couldn't get my PAYG podcasts anymore. Then my boyfriend gave me a new one for Christmas, and the first thing I thought was "I can listen to my daily meditations again!". I find it very calming and peaceful -- it is a wonderful way to start the day, centered on what is important. Sometimes it is hard to listen with all the train announcements, but I still find it worthwhile. Thank you for this resource -- I really appreciate it.
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Frances Chadwick from Staffordshire, UK, writes : I heard about pray-as-you-go at a retreat at Loyola Hall, Prescot, Lancashire, and am very grateful for it. I use it each morning on the bus going to work. My daughter gave me her cast-off mp3 player and that's how I listen. I had got out of the habit of regular daily prayer, and this has helped me to get back into praying and meditating. It gives my thoughts a God-ward direction at the beginning of the day. I appreciate the fact that the reading is repeated. I agree with other contributors that it would be great to have pray-as-you-go for Saturdays as well, and maybe Sundays - although being at the Mass is central on that day. Thank you so much.
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 Susanne and Bernhard Glifberg, from Karlstad, Sweden, write : We are very happy for this gift,this weekly meditation. It is marvelous. Our time of meditation is on the bicycle through the dark mornings here in Karlstad. Warm greetings and blessings.
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Jay Ledner from Brooklyn, New York, USA, writes : I just found your iTunes podcast site and I think it is great. Also it is very well done. The music, the text, a question, and then a re-reading. Very simple. Very moving. And I am a religious Jew, and still I find your site one of the best out there! I have not been exposed to the New Testament, in a long time so I feel that it is a great way to learn.
Christian from Spa, Belgium, writes: I am 34 years old and a very regular listener. Less frequently I listen to Father Roderick's podcast (Daily Breakfast). From there I found other podcasts, including yours. I use it at work while programming.....;-), working in the garden. But, and for this I am very grateful, I by now especially see Pray-as-you-go as an important tool in my spiritual development. Next to my daily routine this means that whenever I create time for reflection, I regularly start with some episodes of Pray-as-you-go. For me going in this case is spiritual...not physical. I have found it a wonderful experience..... love, peace and well-being guaranteed after listening to Pray-as-you-go!, thank you..... !
Tracy Smith from Ongar, Essex, England, writes: I just wanted to write and thank you for Pray-as-you-go. I have been ill for the last five years with ME or CFS (different people call it different things). I am a Christian, but have been unable to go to church in all that time because of my condition. At first, I would go through the daily office every day and also do some intercession, but even that got too much for me. I also lost my ability to read all but the shortest of passages, and so my bible reading stopped at that time too. I was in something of a wilderness until a friend of my told me about Pray-as-you-go. It is perfect for me, as it is not too long and there is a bible reading every day. I find that having it read twice is very helpful, as my mind does not work or retain things as well as it ought. So I am just writing this to encourage you to continue to do this wonderful work. You don't know how much it means to people like me. It is my only act of worship and without you, there would be none, as indeed, there was before my friend introduced me. I am making a donation today as a token of my gratitude.
Alyson Meadowcroft from Jersey (Channel Islands) writes: I am Head of the Religious Studies Department at Beaulieu Convent Secondary School. In September of this year, Marta Pugsley was appointed as our School Chaplain. Marta was already using Pray-as-you-go, and she introduced me to it. On Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8.30 we meet in the school's chapel for Prayer Group. We use Pray-as-you-go. Marta downloads it at the beginning of the week, onto a CD, and we listen to it each morning. We are slowly but surely building up a small group of staff/students, who attend faithfully when it is possible. Each of them has said the same thing: you become addicted to the experience, and it is a wonderful way to start the day! I listen at home as I am getting ready for school, my computer is in my bedroom. Pray-as-you-go has strengthened my faith beyond belief, it is hard to put what I mean into words. My job/personal life are going through a great deal of changes at the moment, and I do not think I could cope without starting each day like this. On Thursdays and Fridays I listen at home. How I wish it was on Saturday and Sunday as well! There have been so many mornings when I have woken up, full of apprehension and worry for the coming day, but I never fail to find an answer as I listen. This Christmas, for the first time in my life, I have been alone, but Pray-as-you-go was there for me. God bless all who are involved in Pray-as-you-go. I hope that they will be rewarded one day for their wonderful work. And God bless Marta for bringing it into my life.Steve Bogner from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (author of the blog, Catholicism, Holiness and Spirituality) writes: I first found out about Pray-as-you-go from Rob Marsh SJ at his blog, All Things Seen and Unseen, and I've been listening since the first week you started! I listen to it on my drive into work, and am always pleased with the production - the music, the speakers, the reflections, and the meditations. Thanks for this wonderful ministry.
Joan Conway, from Greenbelt, Maryland, USA, writes: The addition of Pray-as-you go to my lunchtime at my computer has been very fruitful for me. I find the use of imagery and music great supports to my prayer. My only regret is that you don't have the readings available for Saturday and Sunday. Creating these meditations must be a significant amount of work and the attention to detail is evident and most appreciated. I just got an iPod for Christmas and now I can download these for use everwhere.
Hasler from Caracas, Venezuela, writes: I discovered Pray-as-you-go while I was surfing the internet, on Sacred Space, to be specific. I put the prayers in my iPod, and I listen them when I think I need it. I go to a place where I can be alone and start listening. Sometimes I stop the recording and talk to God. Afterwards, I continue listening. I think this kind of prayer is a very good idea because many people have a very busy life, and with this resource they can relax some minutes and talk to God. I would like you to create Pray-as-you-go in other languages because I'm Venezuelan and I don't understand some things in the English version.
Paul from Montréal, Canada, writes: I'm a 31 year-old French student in Ph.D. philosophy, living this year in Montreal. I heard about Pray as you go thanks to the web site of the French Province of the Society of Jesus. Ignatian spirituality is my way to pray and to lead my personal relationship with Christ. I found Linda Roberts from Irvine, California, USA, writes: Hi, I'm up in the middle of the night unable to sleep, surfing the Pray as you Go website. I found the page where others share their experiences with Pray as you Go and I want to add my voice. My spiritual life is changed for the better because of Pray as you Go. I am a Protestant who has read the word for many years. But "hearing" the word (and the music) has helped me hear God's voice in new ways. I am touched at a deeper level and am extremely grateful to those of you who work on this website. I too, wish there were entries for the weekend. It is such a normal part of my life to listen, that I miss it on Saturdays and Sundays. I have gone to church my whole life. I'm married to a pastor. I lead classes at church and yet Pray as you Go has touched my heart in ways nothing else has. I typically listen to each selection 2 or 3 times a day. I listen as I drive around town, after dropping kids off at school, when I'm doing errands, and on my way to carpool pickup. If I have the chance, I listen at home and do some journal drawings related to what I hear in both the music and the scripture. Thanks be to God and thanks be to you all who make this website happen. I am richly and deeply blessed.
Teresa Faust from Vermont, USA, writes: I wanted to let you know that this American Protestant is really enjoying your Pray-as-you-go podcasts. I think the whole thing is done very well. The great selection of music is one of my favorite aspects, but I also appreciate the time given after a thoughtful question is asked, and that a real Bible selection is read. I like the variety of speakers. I also appreciate that a couple of week's worth of podcasts are available, as I'm not very consistent with my downloading days. I have downloaded various religious podcasts, but yours is the only one I have kept coming back to. It's a great thing, and I hope it is blessing many people.
Matt Beaver from Texas, USA, writes: Thank you so much for producing these meditations and scripture readings. I am a Baptist Youth Pastor from Texas - yes, I know, probably the last person you would expect to find listening to a Jesuit Podcast. PAYG has given me strength and confidence in the Lord. I listen to it in the morning so that I can sit and be quiet before the hectic day begins. The advent podcasts have been especially meaningful. My wife has a back injury that is extremely painful and her family is going through some hardship. These podcasts help me minister to her. If God promises to make Juniper grow in the desert then he can restore all things in us. Thank you again. God bless.
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Tim Selah, from Rio Grande, New Jersey, USA writes: I have found this 'pray as you go' resource to truly be a "treasure buried in my backyard". Using it in the car is my favorite place as sadly this is one of the few places these days to be alone with one's own thoughts. It's also become a mission for me of sorts, I've yet to burn a week to CD and not run into someone within a few hours that would greatly enjoy such a thing in their life, regardless of where they worship or even if they don't at all! I pray the great work of this site continues to grow. |
Evelyn Gordon-Firing, from Uruguay, writes: I don’t really know how to express my gratitude for your Pray-as-you-go meditation. It is nearly a year since a friend started giving me the week's program on CDs and now I depend on them to start my day. I am an English woman, now a widow, grandmother and great grandmother. As a cradle Catholic there have been many adjustments to conform to living here in Uruguay, South America, but I first learnt the value of silent meditation at Prinknash Abbey, Gloucester during my frequent visits to England. Now there is no more traveling as I am almost eighty-eight but you do the traveling for me and I am eternally grateful. I love the style, I love the music. You help so much to keep me on the right road daily. Thank you.
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William T. Missavage of Joplin, Missouri, USA, writes: I learned about Pray-as-you-go from surfing the internet. I have an extremely busy lifestyle with my family, work, and school. I subscribed to the PAYG podcast and download it onto my mp3 player so that I can take it to work with me. Whether I'm on the road or just have a few minutes of down time at work, I can listen and pray along with the podcast. It has been a real blessing for me and has helped to open up my prayer life. I enjoy the music. It really helps me to reflect on what is shared and prayed. The review of the day and the body and breathing exercises have been helpfull as well. I've recommended the website and podcast to all of my friends, both Catholic and Protestant. I love it and don't miss a single day. Thank you for this most excellent resource! On the picture you see William listening to Pray-as-you-go with friends at a pub - taking to heart, no doubt, the Ignatian maxim of finding God in all things! |
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Paul Hendrik from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, writes: I found your website through the Sacred Space website, which in turn I found as a link on the website of our church St. Francis Xavier (in the city centre of Amsterdam). As you can probably guess by our church's name, it is served by the Dutch Jesuits where I'm doing The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life. The experience has opened a whole new way of looking at the world and I keep the extra spark of Ignatian Spirituality going everyday with your daily prayers. I play them when I'm cycling to work and it gives me a good start to the day, something to reflect on while I'm travelling and also to think about when I having my first cup of coffee at work. Thank you so much for this daily glimmer of hope and love! On the picture you see the neo-baroque towers of our church St. Francis Xavier (aka Krijtberg). |
Charlotte Weaver-Gelzer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, writes: I am a writer and church consultant. I now work from home, but for ten years I drove to my job. Before I took the work out of the home, I had a schedule for Morning Prayer, but once I began to commute, I could hardly fit everything into my morning that I needed to finish before I left the house. Morning Prayer was reduced to snatched moments of praying rather desperately in the car. A friend from the last place where I worked emailed me with the news of the PAYG site, telling those of us who do not have iPods how we could use the site without that technology. Now I rise early and meditate for half an hour, and then I work at getting the day’s start ready for the rest of my family. When all have gone and I am ready for work, I sit down at my desk and look out the window at the new day, and listen to the day’s reading. I find the experience to be a complete one, allowing me to be present to God and feel God’s presence both in community and in solitude. I have often thought how marvelous this offering of daily prayer is to the current and future generations of Christians, an example of God making all things new, in this offering of the deep strength known and learned by monastic communities to Christians who are not monks but are making the Body of Christ in today’s world, and gaining necessary strength from the reading, the prayer, and the presence of God and each other in this way. I often use a day from the week previous, on Saturday and Sunday. I find the repetition is a good experience, and the reminder that many people who listen are off on the weekend gives me a stronger sense of the working community world-round
| Hans Blaauw from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, writes: I found out about Pray-as-you-go via www.rorate.com, a Dutch Roman Catholic website which also hosts/facilitates the SQPN network. I listen (mostly) during my train rides to either work or my girlfriend, both outside Amsterdam. For me the daily prayer is a meditative moment before I start a hectic day. I really like the format, not too short, not too long, nice music, gives you (most of the time) something to reflect on. Hopefully you will continue this great podcast! Many thanks for this great initiative! |  |
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Louise Taylor, 18, from Glasgow, writes: I heard about this site from my parish priest and I was intrigued as to how you could have prayers on your MP3 player - it seemed a very odd mix. However I have become totally addicted to listening to it every day and I seem somewhat lost if I have forgotten it or don't have time. I think this was an absolutely fantastic idea. |
Sylvia Thompson from Bellevue, Nebraska in the USA, writes: I use pray-as-you-go at least once a day. It is a wonderful source of meditation and inspiration. For me to hear the word is especially moving. Thank you so much for providing this wonderful service. For me the music provides a door to the heart of God and the variety is enriching. My cousin introduced me to the site many months ago and I am indeed grateful. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I also try to pass the web site to others. Is there any possibility of having Saturday and Sundays available? God bless you for the wonderful gift you provide for the world community.
| Margaret Morris, from Manchester in the UK, writes: I listen to pray-as-you-go on my daily bus journey to my job in the city centre. I am finding listening to scripture reading is really helpful as although I also read scripture I find it difficult to read slowly. I skim read so much at work that I find it difficult to switch this off. It really helps to listen to scripture being read and it is useful that the reading is repeated. I am not from the Catholic tradition and I find using a different approach to prayer can be very refreshing for my prayer life. |  |
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This is James Dubyoski, using |
I heard about PAYG from surfing the web. It is a wonderful site. I have found listening to the daily prayer very peaceful and uplifting. Mostly I listen in my car on the way to my job. It is a great way to start each day... thanking God for the gift of another day. Thank you for the music too. Some of it is familiar to me and some of it is new. I enjoy all of it. Peace to all of you for this good work. |
Why not send us a message too, and let other users know who else is using Pray-as-you-go?
Email us at feedback@pray-as-you-go.org and tell us:
where you are from how you heard about Pray-as-you-go how and where you use it how you have found the experienceYou could also send us a photo of yourself using Pray-as-you-go, if you have one (or get a friend to take one).
Note: Please tell us if you would prefer to submit feedback anonymously - we will respect your privacy.
Any photos submitted may be displayed on the Pray-as-you-go site, but not for any other purpose without your permission.
Please do not submit photos of other people without their permission!
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