4. Vocation Quest: Prayer (b)

Day 4. Prayer (b)

In most congregations of Sisters, the times and types of prayer flow from our particular mission and charism.

Daily Prayer

(Note: the links included below are to be used only if you feel they would be of help. On the other hand, if clicking on them would just be a distraction, stay on this page and let God speak to you right where you are.)

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There are many ways of praying — too many to name them all here. Depending on the mission and charism, some of these may include:

TheLiturgy of the Hours (or Divine Office)

The Liturgy of the Hours is a scripturally- based format consisting primarily of psalms, canticles, and readings. The original purpose of these "Hours" (the term refers to different times of the day, not to the length of time they take to pray!) was to sanctify the whole day by praying at regular intervals throughout the day and night.

Except for contemplative orders, you are most likely to find a community of Sisters praying Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer — or perhaps Night Prayer — rather than the entire Divine Office.

References:

Abbey of the Genessee: Divine Office

Universalis

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Individual prayer or meditation

This may take the form of Lectio divina or another form of prayer with Scripture:

Or it might be another way of praying, such as:

Centering Prayer
Christian Meditation
Contemplative Practices
A repetitive phrase or "walking prayer" such as the Jesus Prayer.

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The Rosary

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Spiritual reading
In this context, spiritual reading means extending our prayerful reading to spiritual books other than the Bible.

For suggestions, see More Resources.

What is your favorite way of praying?

What is your least favorite way of praying?

Dripping candle Cenacle chapel Are you willing to learn new ways of prayer, or to join in less favorite forms of prayer along with your religious community?

Yes No

What are you longing for in your prayer life? Talk to God, or write a letter to God about your desires for prayer.

Offer what you have written to God, and ask that it may bear fruit as you listen to the call of God for you.

You might also want to visit the Virtual Chapel, and simply sit in silence for a few minutes.

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Close with the Our Father or the following prayer:

Loving God,
may I take on the mind
and heart of Christ,
that I may hear
your call for my life
and embrace your world
through my prayer, my work,
and my life with others,
in Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Retreat:

Vocation Quest: An Online Retreat copyright © 2002-2011 by the Cenacle Sisters
Eight Online Days of Prayer for Women Discerning a Call to Become a Catholic Sister
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