The Music of Silence

Another lovely book:

The Music of Silence, by David Steindle-Rast

The author, a monk, illuminates the path for we non-monk-ies, to gain insights and spiritual refreshment from the monastic practice of praying the “hours.” He explains the purpose behind the “hours,” a pause for prayer, which are observed through the course of the day.

I have posted this on my kitchen door, to help me remember. Louise used to have a koo-koo clock, and I remember her too appreciating the awareness of time's passing, and being reminded to pause for prayer.

Vigils, before sunrise. A time for silence, for mystery, wind, awareness of my weakness sand vulnerability; reflection. It is the inhale for the coming day.

Lauds, dawn. Receive the new day as a gift. Meditate on gratitude and generosity. What opportunities might come today for me to swoosh my largesse of spirit toward someone?

Prime. A deliberate beginning. A time for practicalities; we chose the day’s tasks and areas of focus. At this time, we take hold of our day instead of letting it run off with us.

Terce, midmorning. Coffee break, an upbeat celebration. A chance to appreciate our aliveness, and the primal energy that fuels the universe. Bask.

Sext, noon. Fervor and commitment. Energy wanes as we pass from morning into afternoon. Here were renew our commitment to the day’s focus. We deal with entropic drain. Traditionally a time to pause and pray for peace. We celebrate the meal time.

None, late afternoon. The day begins to evade our grasp, like all things. This enactment of life’s fading helps us to delight in today, even as it beckons our focus toward eternity. Face my aloneness. The more fully we live, the more fully we can let go. We appreciate the limits and boundaries that give life structure and meaning. We return from work, back to our home and center.

Vespers, sunset. Invites us to peace of heart. Neighborliness, festiveness. We invite God in for the evening. “We luxuriate in the quiet beauty of the evening.” Serenity.

Compline, before bed. The conclusion, the close. Examine the consciousness; forgive. Awareness that the cosmos was created for us, and we are at home here. Return to silence. Pray for nourishing and teaching dreams.