Praying The Loth Or The Rosary ... And Study

[TheresaThoma]

AL I like what you said about finding the prayers that you need to structure or frame your day.  

For me that is the Liturgy of the Hours (morning prayer and evening prayer) and the Divine Mercy chaplet because that is what my community prays together. I know that is the basics that I need. If I can fit in a rosary that is great but that frame work is the basic amount of prayer I need to get through the day. I think once you figure that out it is easier to balance the rest of your prayer life.

[AnneLine]

I really think it is about creating a structure that works for each person.   Getting the right balance of prayer and work and study and everyday life can be a challenge, especially if one is in school or has obligations to family, work, etc.

 

But God will help you do it if you humbly ask for help!

 

 

 

In our Secular Order, we suggest to people who have no 'structure' that they try the one outlined below for the first few months... because once this is in place, it's easy to add to it.... or to adjust it to almost any schedule:

 

FIRST MONTH:

 

If you don't already have one, find a time and place where you can pray.  It may be in your home, a Church, outside, or whatever, and some people have more than one place that works.

 

Each morning, make a Morning Offering, and take 5-10 minutes to pray a psalm, or decade of the rosary, or something else that works for them, and to pray for the needs of the Church.   (Eventually this will become the slot for Morning Prayer)

 

At some point each day, spend 15-30 minutes praying quietly.   (or work up to this if starting from nothing.)  They can choose what they want to do in this and we give them lots of resources to try).   (Eventually this will become 30 minutes a day of quiet prayer).

 

Each afternoon or evening, and take 5-10 minutes to pray a psalm, or decade of the rosary, or something else that works for them, and to pray for the needs of the Church.   (Eventually this will become the slot for Evening Prayer)

 

Just before bed (or earlier if they prefer) look over the day, ask God's pardon for anything they have done that offends Him, and ask our Lady to bless them and put them to bed.  Pray a Hail Mary.  (Eventually this will become Night Prayer.)

 

SECOND MONTH:

 

In addition to the above,  add in 15 minutes a day (or 30 mins 3xWeek or 1.5 hours 1xWeek) of Lectio Divina.   (Slow, meditative scripture reading.  This can be part of your silent prayer time, or in addition.   (This is part of our prayer life.)

 

THIRD MONTH:

 

In addition to the above, add in 15 minutes a day (or 30 mins 3xWeek or 1.5 hours 1xWeek) of Study.   If necessary this can sometimes be part of your silent prayer time.   (This is the time when the formation homework will be done... and is a lifelong habit for our Order.)

 

We also ask them to do something each day in honor of our Lady - the Rosary, or part of it, is strongly encouraged but NOT required... others choose the Angelus, or just spend a few moments talking with her each day.  

 

We don't require people to go to Mass each day, but frequent attendance at Mass and reception of Penance is always encouraged!

 

 

If one gets this kind of a structure set up, your everyday life and your prayer life will just kind of fall into place, and a rhythm will become established that will frame your days.  OR at least so it seems to be working out for those who come into our Community....

[AugustineA]

Aha! So, based on that structure, it is recommended to have prayer, lectio divina, and study. I knew it.  :evil:

 

But seriously, I'm happy continuing with what I can fit in of the major hours. God has seen fit to bless me with some spiritual fruit that I believe daily prayer is having some great part to play. Speaking of which. I ought to get moving.

 

Everyone have a blessed Mass tomorrow (today), Feast of the Annunciation! 

[Susan Sulmonte]

I, too, love the Divine Office. I am learning to discipline myself to praying at least Lauds, Vespers, and compline, as a third order carmelite. I got it on my phone so as not to have to carry my book around with me, which is now falling apart. Go to www.breviary.mobi I love this website. The BEST office.

 

I would also like to stress the importance of praying the rosary everyday. Our Lady has asked us. It is easy to do. If you drive you can pray during commute. I pray it on the way to Mass, or to the store. It only takes 15 minutes, or longer with better meditations. But it should not be eliminated for other prayers. It is the key to World Peace and to all that ails you.

 

Other than that, let the Holy Spirit lead you where He will. 

 

God bless.

[AugustineA]

I, too, love the Divine Office. I am learning to discipline myself to praying at least Lauds, Vespers, and compline, as a third order carmelite. I got it on my phone so as not to have to carry my book around with me, which is now falling apart. Go to www.breviary.mobi I love this website. The BEST office.

 

I would also like to stress the importance of praying the rosary everyday. Our Lady has asked us. It is easy to do. If you drive you can pray during commute. I pray it on the way to Mass, or to the store. It only takes 15 minutes, or longer with better meditations. But it should not be eliminated for other prayers. It is the key to World Peace and to all that ails you.

 

Other than that, let the Holy Spirit lead you where He will. 

 

God bless.

 

Hi Susan!

 

For some reason I thought that website cost money, maybe I'm mistaking it with another one. Thank you for posting it. I figured out a way to get to daily Mass during the lunch hour, and I can get a Rosary in there. All praise and honour is due to God. God bless you.

[Benedictus]

I'd say to keep tweaking until you get a good, but challenging, balance between prayer, study and work. I usually do Lauds and Vespers, the Angelus (with Pater Noster) and a rosary each day. I also do between 15 and 30 mins of Lectio Divina, plus open time contemplation. At least once a week I do the Divine Mercy Chaplet on my rosary (usually in a group with others.) I also do the first Saturday devotions for the Immaculate Heart of Mary. There is a good amount of reading done if you complete the LOTH and do Lectio Divina (if done with the Bible). If I'm short for time (or know the day is really busy) I may cut the Lauds and Vespers and do a couple of the shorter hours instead (Terce, Sext or Compline). If I don't do enough reading or prayer on a certain day I 'bank it' and spend the time on a weekend in eucharistic adoration or similar. Flexibility is key -  be challenged and enjoyed it but don't get bogged down by it.

[Mary Catherine]

A daily rosary is a must.

[AugustineA]

I'd say to keep tweaking until you get a good, but challenging, balance between prayer, study and work. I usually do Lauds and Vespers, the Angelus (with Pater Noster) and a rosary each day. I also do between 15 and 30 mins of Lectio Divina, plus open time contemplation. At least once a week I do the Divine Mercy Chaplet on my rosary (usually in a group with others.) I also do the first Saturday devotions for the Immaculate Heart of Mary. There is a good amount of reading done if you complete the LOTH and do Lectio Divina (if done with the Bible). If I'm short for time (or know the day is really busy) I may cut the Lauds and Vespers and do a couple of the shorter hours instead (Terce, Sext or Compline). If I don't do enough reading or prayer on a certain day I 'bank it' and spend the time on a weekend in eucharistic adoration or similar. Flexibility is key -  be challenged and enjoyed it but don't get bogged down by it.

 

Yeah that's so important. Just on Sunday night actually, I was feeling kinda.. bogged down I guess. Like wow I have to get through this reading. So I stopped, got my lit candle.. just relaxed and focused on the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. It was intensely worth it. 

 

When I first read this I thought you were a monk or mendicant, but you're discerning right? So they make all those prayers while completing other daily chores, work etc. That's very meritorious. :) (yes, I used that word). 

 

A daily rosary is a must.

 

Starting to agree with you more and more.. Ran out of positive props for the day. -.-

[Benedictus]

Yes, I'm discerning with the Benedictines :) My encouraged by the Benedictine balance (aimed for by lay oblates also) and the 'plan of life' encouraged by Opus Dei. There's an insight into the latter here

Edited April 11, 2014 by Benedictus