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THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Today if only you will hear his voice

do not harden your hearts

(Psalm 95:8)

With a listening heart that is both supple and receptive

be open son to the words of an experienced father

who lovingly offers you the wisdom gained throughout many years.

This Lord has Himself given us the time and space necessary to learn

and put into practice the service of love that He continues to teach us.

In this school of His let us hope that following faithfully His instructions

nothing distasteful nor burdensome will be demanded of us,

but if it has to be so in order to overcome our egoism

and lead us into the depths of true love,

let us not become disheartened, nor frightened

and so ignore the narrow path in spite of its tight entrance –

that path which leads directly to the fullness of life.

(The Prologue, Rule of St Benedict)

Abbot Lot came to Abbot Joseph and said: Father, according as I am able, I keep my little rule, and my little fast, my prayer, meditation and contemplative silence; and according as I am able I strive to cleanse my heart of thoughts; now what more should I do? The elder rose up in reply and stretched out his hands to heaven, and his fingers became like ten lamps of fire. He said: Why not be totally changed into fire?

(Desert Fathers: LXXII)

Christ leads me through no darker rooms

Than he went through before;

He that unto God’s kingdom comes,

Must enter by this door.

(Richard Baxter)

Blessed are the eyes that see the Divine Spirit through the letter’s veil.

(Claudius of Turin)

It is not necessary that we should discover new ideas in our meditation. It is sufficient if the word as we read and understand it penetrates and dwells within us. As Mary pondered in her heart the tidings that were told by the shepherds, as what we have casually heard follows us for a long time, sticks in our mind, occupies, disturbs or delights us, without our ability to do anything about it, so in meditation God’s word seeks to enter in and remain with us. It strives to stir us to work and to operate in us so that we shall not get away from it the whole day long. Then it will do its work in us without our being aware of it.

(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Whenever you read the Gospel Christ Himself is speaking to you. And while you read, you are praying and talking with him.

(St Tikhon of Zadonsk)

Blessed Lord,

who has caused all holy Scriptures

to be written for our learning;

grant that we may in such wise hear them,

read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them;

that, by patience, and comfort

of thy holy Word,

we may embrace, and ever hold fast

the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which thou has given us in our Saviour

Jesus Christ.