Liturgical Prayer

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Stations of the Cross

The Holy Spirit
by Michael Yankowski

Prayer is the essence of the monastic life as it brings harmony within community, joy which endures, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. The celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and Lectio Divina form the framework of our Benedictine prayer-life and spirituality.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Regular celebration of the Eucharist within the community strengthens the inner sense of the monastic call and brings about greater communion with one another. By sharing in the death and rising of Jesus made present in the Eucharist, the sisters are more closely united not only with one another but also with the whole church as well.

"Let nothing be preferred to the Work of God." (RB43) In the daily corporate celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the community "gives voice to the prayer of the church through praise and supplication to the Father with and through the Risen Christ in the Holy Spirit." (OF TIME MADE HOLY #17) As the community gathers daily at regular times for this public worship "it manifests the Benedictine vocation to seek God in and as community." (ibid, #19)

Lectio Divina or "sacred reading" is a Benedictine form of prayerfully and meditatively reading Sacred Scripture, Lectio is reading, thinking, praying, and being with the Word of God. Through Lectio Divina a sister grows in her personal relationship with Christ.

Links to further information on Prayer and Liturgy

Stations of the Cross
A reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus

Liturgy of the Hours
Order of St. Benedict

Lectio Divina
Lectio Resource Materials

Monastery Prayer Schedule

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