i've encouraged our 'reflection pool' that works with us here on issues of faith as a way of life to take up as our next common practice the discipline of fixed-hour prayer. i've posted on this before here and here.
since we're working on the discipline of practice of fixed-hour prayer, i've asked people to read st. benedict's rule and to seek to find a pattern of regular work and prayer through the day that makes sense to each person's life. as i've done this myself, reflecting on this with my spiritual director, i've became conscious that what i've been seeking in my own prayer life is a 'rule.' while i can't be a monk, i can have an ordered life, a life that is balanced and oriented towards god.
so, here's how it goes for now.
5 a.m. wake, remember the opening lines of matins (open my lips, lord, and my mouth shall declare your praise)
5-6:30 coffee and work on writing
6:30 to 8:30 with kids, breakfast (with table prayer), getting off to the day
9:00 ish at office, morning prayer (i use p. tickle's the divine hours) and a bible story (I'm currently reading through just jesus, ed. virgil and virgil)
9-12 work
12 midday prayer (again, p. tickle) and a couple paragraphs of benedict's rule (vintage spiritual classics edition)
12-4 work
4 vespers (again, p. tickle) and a couple paragraphs of a book that offers reflection on benedict's rule (now farrington, living faith day by day).
5:30 home
5:30-7:30 dinner (with table prayer) and goofing off with sonja and the kiddos
7:30-8:30 bedtime rituals (including prayer)
8:30-10 dishes, laundry, reading, talking, and then bed
as i hit the pillow, the opening lines from compline (the lord almighty grant us a quiet night, and peace at the last. amen. it is good to give thanks to the lord, to sing praise to your name, o most high, to herald your love in the morning, your truth at the close of the day.
it goes without saying that:
1. i almost never hold to this in every detail, though it has developed as a way for me to integrate fixed hour prayer into my daily routines, so flexibility and grace are essential.
2. i long for and take advantage of opportunities to join in common prayer, especially compline, my favorite prayer service of the day.
i hope this is helpful to you, and that you'll give me your ideas from the wisdom your practice of prayer has taught you.
anon, and +peace
Thanks. I do soemthing similar, only I use the BCP. I love it. It feeds me. I have really enjoyed your blog.
God's peace,
Rick
Posted by: rick luoni | November 16, 2004 at 10:00 PM