Ora et Labora/Prayer and Work

Many are familiar with the Benedictine motto: Ora et Labora. It is no coincidence that the first word in this phrase is Ora--Pray. It reminds me that it is out of my prayer (both in community and private) that my work/ministry/service needs to flow. It is prayer that inspires and enlivens my good deeds and charitable actions. It is not an accident that in the chapter on daily, manual labor (Chapter 48) a large majority deals with the prayer aspects of life. What am I doing today to keep a balance of prayer and work in my life? Sr. Catherine, OSB