Daily Prayer
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No one gets up at six o'clock in the morning to do nothing,
but one might gladly get up at five o'clock in order to do something exciting.-Artur Schnabel, pianist
We are dedicated to a faithful prayer life rooted in daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. A firm foundation in the teachings of the Catholic faith is important, with studies geared toward deepening that knowledge over each sister's lifetime. Silence forms an important part of each sister's day because only in silence is she able to hear the still, small voice of her Lord, as did Ezekiel on Mount Horeb.Following the beautiful example of Mary, his mother, we seek to respond joyfully and promptly to whatever our Lord asks of us. Mary went in haste after the annunciation to help her elderly cousin Elizabeth in her last months of pregnancy. We celebrate the Feast of the Visitation as one of our community's special feasts.
The highlight of each day is attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where we receive our Eucharistic Lord. Mass is immediately followed by a period of silent thanksgiving so that the sister can be intimate with and grateful to the Bridegroom Who has just come to her in the sacred mystery of Holy Communion.
We have the privilege of singing the Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours each day beginning early in the morning. This is usually followed by breakfast in silence while we listen to a religious conference on tape. In the parish church we sing Morning Prayer with the parishioners, many of whom use the opportunity to learn how to say the Liturgy of the Hours, and continue to say it on their own.
Our two other daily community prayers are the Most Holy Rosary and a Holy Hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The day ends with a blessing from the superior, after which Grand Silence begins.
"And I will betroth you to me for ever; I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness; and you shall know the LORD."Hosea 2:19-20
"Strum the strings of the cithers, and let the sweet music ring merrily, so that I may greet my dear Jesus, my wonderful bridegroom, with much love. Sing, leap in jubilation and triumph, thank the Lord. Great is the King of Glory."
from How Brightly Shines the Morning Star by Philip Nicolai
Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to You.
Like burning incense in your sight, which rises up to You.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to You."Responsory for Monday, Evening Prayer Week II