I love to sing--I am definitely not the best singer or the most accomplished musician but I do enjoy singing and music. Today's passage from the Rule of St. Benedict speaks to the singer in me.
I know from experience how important it is to be in harmony and how gut-wrenching it can be to hear dissonance. I also know how difficult it can be to have my mind and my mouth both being fully present at the same time, on the same task. There is a temptation to think that since I have prayed the same psalms and responses for years I can conceivable "pray" our Office on autopilot. All that would be necessary is the presence of my body. In order to fully engage in prayer, though, I need to be fully there--mind, heart, voice, and body.
There are skills that are necessary so that we may all have a better prayer experience.
- I need to listen to those around me. I need to be in sync with others neither too fast or too slow.
- I need to pay attention. If my mind is on other things the words that come out of my mouth might not be the correct ones and I might end up being a distraction.
- I need to be still. Although there are no specific poses for prayer, I do need to watch that my body and posture is not distracting to those around me.
- I need to be present and not day dreaming. This is the most important time of my day...every day.
What other skills do I need to bring to my daily prayer?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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