Sisters Mary Frances and Brenda at morning prayer.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise.
From the Liturgy of the Hours — Morning Prayer
As a sister I am often asked about prayer. “How do you pray? Do you really pray 4 times a day? What forms of prayer do you like best? What is the easiest prayer to remember? How can I teach my children to pray?” These and many other questions arise when we consider prayer.
“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.”
“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.” This great quote is taped to the night stand next to my bed as a reminder. It has been a part of my personal prayer for a little over a year ago when I first discovered it on retreat with the Carmelite Sisters. There are some days when I forget to open the day with prayer and the joys and riches of that day seem out of reach for me until I become conscious of the need to unlock those delights with prayer.
Similarly, if I forget to lock my day with prayer before bed I toss and turn with anxious thoughts and cares running through my mind. If I can remember to lock up the day….even if it’s 3 am …my sleep becomes restful and I am graced to wake up refreshed!
With one voice: Generations joining in prayer
Protect us Lord, as we stay awake;
watch over us as we sleep….
That awake we may keep watch with Christ;
and asleep, rest in His peace.
From the Liturgy of the Hours — Night Prayer
O! the luxury of being able to pray in a personal way as I begin a new day…by reading, journaling or just staring at the sunrise or the pine tree outside my window. Prayer is a gift for me to unlock — the gift of God’s love and care!
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