I decided to take up the texts on my own terms, adapting it to my vocation and lifestyle without learning the rubrics or even much of the history. In my home library I found a two-volume set of books that I had bought several years before but had never used: a layperson’s guide to the Liturgy of the Hours. And although I am not called to their particular vocation, I longed for a way of marking my own days with similar rhythms of prayer.Īfter returning to Chicago, I committed myself to more regular prayer. These were healthy, interesting, intelligent and deeply spiritual people, whose time living in a community of work and prayer had given them insights into their own talents as well as the challenges they faced within their communities.Ĭistercian time is punctuated by praying the Liturgy of the Hours and by practicing mindfulness during the day’s work. But after several days of meetings, meals and late-night conversations, I came to admire the Cistercian life and saw many more connections between our two vocations than I would have imagined. I did not understand how a cloistered life was a ministry to the church or the world, or how monastic men and women were bringing about the kingdom of God. The Jesuit charism surrounding social justice and phrases like contemplatives in action were what encapsulated my ideals of Christian service. Having no experience with cloistered religious, I arrived at the meeting somewhat skeptical, even suspicious, of their vocation. Cistercian novice directors asked my husband and me to meet with them in Snowmass, Colo., to help them better understand Generation X. But how to find a middle ground among my spiritual desires, the scriptural call to pray ceaselessly and the constraints on my time and energy?

My search was more for something with the depth and beauty that so many other aspects of our faith can offer. To fill the void of my poor prayer life, I have often browsed through the many meditation books and resources for busy people, but nothing I have tried has satisfied more than a feeling of fulfilling an obligation. As with many people I know, I am over-committed, juggle too much responsibility and collapse at night very much aware of all I was not able to accomplish during the day. This is due, in large part, to the pace of my life. But despite all of the above, I am embarrassed to say that for the past few years I have not spent much time praying, and when I have it has not been as fruitful as I would like. Having spent the past 15 years at various Jesuit institutions, I have probably logged more hours on retreats, in spiritual direction, in prayer groups, discussing or teaching theological topics and doing or organizing service work than your average 30-something.

Liturgy of the hours catholic