The Sayings: Reflection

Practical Wisdom (Part IV)

I struggle to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. My mind drifts and I become robotic, lifeless.

Recently, I shared this with a Benedictine monk and asked for advice in response St. Benedict’s call for our minds to be in harmony with our voices as we pray the Divine Office (see RB 19:7). He offered some helpful tips. Then, he dropped this line on me: “How we pray is a reflection of how we live.” How I approach prayer reflects how I approach life. So, how do I approach it? Like a chore? Distracted? Mindless? Apathetic? Rushed? Hurried? Frustrated? Superficial? Duplicitous?

In this season of Lent, may we repent of any such attitudes and ask the Lord to purify our desires. May he give us the grace of uniting our minds with our voices as we pray and as we live. May renewed prayer be reflected in newness of life. May we pray and live from a place of love, attention, affection, patience, generosity, depth, and fidelity. May we live and pray whole-heartedly.