The Benedictine Monks days begin with prayer; they end with
prayer. In the midst of the days – in the
midst of work – they are called to prayer; the little hours are times to stop
in the midst of the work and pray and to center ourselves in Christ. These prayers are scheduled every three
hours. Do I schedule, intentionally,
moments to stop in the day? How could I
accomplish this?
In John McQuiston’s little book Always We Begin Again, he
has structured a day with seven stopping points to give thanks, to ground,
resist the temptation of despair, to
call upon the Lord. Here is his schedule:
6:45 – 7:15 Reading
and Meditation. Use a mantra and silence
to be present to Christ; give thanks.
Breakfast
Commute: Praise God;
Center the Self in Christ.
Work: Slow down; don’t
rush. [“For what does it profit them if
they gain the whole world and forfeit their lives.” Matt 15: 22-25]
10:30: A minute of
Silent thanksgiving and praise.
Work: Stop for deep
breathing when tense to center the self.
Noon: A minute of
silent thanksgiving
Lunch: Eat in
community if possible.
Work: Remember to
slow down; remember to be genuine.
2:30: A minute of silent thanksgiving.
Work
Commute: Praise God;
Give thanks for the Day.
5:30 – 6:00 Exercise
Supper with the family; Reading and Family Time.
10:00 Meditation and
Thanksgiving
Sleep
Mr. McQuiston schedule echoes the Benedictines, who pray every three hours. He adapts the requirements of modern life, but this adaptation to the rhythms of the world seems very Benedictine in and of itself.
What is your schedule?
How can we place moments intentionally in our day? When I was teaching, these moments were integral to my day. On medical leave, I must manage my own time and be more intentional in the midst of a day without a structure. I will be thinking on how to do this. Add a comment and share your thoughts on this.
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