In our cycle of reading through the Rule of Benedict, we just finished the so called "Liturgical Code," several chapters (8-20) on how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in community. Chapter 20 speaks of "Reverence in Prayer".
Benedict says, "We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words,"
Let's stay with this for a little while!
Benedict says, "We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words,"
Let's stay with this for a little while!
Cross in the Forgiveness Garden St. Benedict Monastery, Bristow, VA
What do you associate with a "pure heart?"
Benedict was intent on finding out if a candidate was really seeking God (RB 58.7). The seeking God part speaks of deep desire to me. In RB 49.7, he speaks of looking forward to Easter with “spiritual longing”. Seeking, desiring, longing are all verbs and notions that I connect with prayer and purity of heart.
I am reminded of a childhood memory: One of the windows in our play room at home looked out on our parish church, which was about 3 blocks away. I could sit at that window and look out at the church steeple. I remember that I always wanted to see the church. I felt a great desire stirring inside of me and a connection to God was created. As a child, I had no idea that I was engaging in prayer with an undivided heart, that I was filled with spiritual longing.
In chapter 19, Benedict reminds us, "We believe that the divine presence is everywhere..." My childhood experience prepared me for the Benedictine stance of experiencing God's presence.
What were your experiences of God's presence like?
Does your own Lectio Divina allow for God making God's presence known to you?
I am reminded of a childhood memory: One of the windows in our play room at home looked out on our parish church, which was about 3 blocks away. I could sit at that window and look out at the church steeple. I remember that I always wanted to see the church. I felt a great desire stirring inside of me and a connection to God was created. As a child, I had no idea that I was engaging in prayer with an undivided heart, that I was filled with spiritual longing.
In chapter 19, Benedict reminds us, "We believe that the divine presence is everywhere..." My childhood experience prepared me for the Benedictine stance of experiencing God's presence.
What were your experiences of God's presence like?
Does your own Lectio Divina allow for God making God's presence known to you?
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