The Divine Office:
This is the most powerful form of
monastic prayer because it is the
prayer of the whole Church.
Along with the Eucharist, it is the
prayer which Jesus Himself
offers eternally to the Father. For
this reason, monks have always
sung the Divine Office (or
“Liturgy of the Hours”) in
common. It is chiefly composed
of Psalms and selections from the
Holy Scriptures.
SAINT LOUIS ABBEY
 |
Sunday |
Monday– Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Vacation |
Vigils |
6:10 am |
5:35 am |
5:35 am |
6:10 am |
6:25 am |
quiet prayer |
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Lauds |
8:15 am |
6:55 am |
6:55 am |
8:15 am |
8:15 am |
(in chapel) |
(in chapel) |
(in chapel) |
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Breakfast |
after Vigils |
after Lauds |
after Lauds |
after Vigils |
after Vigils |
silence ends after breakfast |
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Morning Mass |
9:00 am |
8:15 am |
8:45 am |
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Mid Day Prayer |
12:15 pm |
11:45 am |
11:45 am |
12:15 pm |
11:45 am |
Lunch (5 minutes after Mid Day Prayer) |
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Evening Mass |
5:45 pm |
5:45 pm |
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Vespers |
5:30 pm |
6:10 pm |
6:00 pm |
6:10 pm |
6:10 pm |
Supper (10 minutes after Vespers) |
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Compline |
private |
7:40 pm |
private |
private |
|
(in chapel) |
(in chapel) |
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Silence |
10 pm |
9:30 pm |
10 pm |
10 pm |
10 pm |
TWO OTHER FORMS
OF MONASTIC PRAYER
Lectio Divina:
1. The sign of the cross is made, as
well as a short prayer of invocation
to the Holy Spirit.
2. A Scripture passage is read
through once followed by silent
reflection.
3. The passage is read again more
slowly, and an effort is made to
hear what God is telling YOU
personally at this moment in these
words.
4. The passage is read one more
time.
5. Take note of one particular word
or phrase to repeat throughout the
day.
6. A closing prayer and petitions
are offered.
The Prayer of Silence:
1. In a quiet place, sit down and
close your eyes.
2. Put yourself, in faith, into the
presence of God.
3. Think of a word which helps you
to be conscious of His presence ( a
symbol, like the crucifix is also
appropriate).
4. Each time you are distracted
during your
prayer, return to the Lord's
presence, gently repeating your
word.
5. Finish by praying the Our Father
or another suitable prayer, slowly
and silently.