Walking always in the presence of God
Imagine the quiet hours before dawn… you are in Tucson, Arizona at the Benedictine Sisters' monastery… For many sisters this is a time for personal prayer, adoration, lectio, or study. Sisters may choose to eat breakfast in the silence of the softly lit refectory (dining room.) The day officially beings at 6:25am when the bells call us to Vigils, a half hour of meditation and prayer in the darkened chapel.
At 7:30am we gather to pray Lauds (morning prayer). We chant psalms and listen to Scripture. We end this Liturgy of the Hours with prayers for the world, the church and ourselves. Those who haven't eaten have the opportunity to do now before the workday begins. Our "works" support us in our ministry of prayer and they are all accomplished here in the monastery. We work at making vestments, correspondence, liturgy, publishing our magazine, maintenance, office work, outreach programs, hospitality, etc.
At noon we come together again for prayer. This brief period refocuses our minds and energies and calls us back from our work to rest again in God. Dinner follows in the refectory. We see our common table as an extension of the Eucharistic table and enjoy conversation with our sisters and guests that are present. We all share in the clean up after our meals.
Afternoon work time begins shortly after dishes are done. We all find some time for quiet reading, study or engaging in our hobbies, which are quite varied, before we gather for Mass. Our Eucharistic celebration is at 5:00pm and we have many of the laity join us on a regular basis. After Mass, we all eat supper together, do the dishes, and prepare for Vespers (evening prayer) at 7:00pm. When we are finished, the house is quieter. Some sisters choose this time for personal prayer and study; others may enjoy a walk, reading a newspaper or magazine, or having a game of cards before going to bed. Soon lights are turned out and sleep comes. Soon it will be morning and another day begins.
The Benedictine life is a balanced life of work and prayer. We make time for both in our daily lives.
Our routine is simple. The sameness frees us from worrying about what we are to do next or where we have to be. We can focus our attention and energy on God and enter into unceasing prayer.