THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS: 

PAUSING TO GIVE GOD FIRST PLACE

• “Let nothing be put before the Work of God”  says St. Benedict in his Rule for Monasteries.    This “work” is the  Liturgy of the Hours, a largely Scriptural prayer composed of hymns, psalms, readings, and canticles.  It reflects the hours of the day,  the days of the week, and the seasons of the Church year.

• Together with the Eucharist,  it is the most important activity of any monastic community and takes first priority in the lives of the women and men who live in Benedictine monasteries. 
   
• The Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburga Monastery come together four times a day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours:   Morning Praise,  Midday Prayer, Vespers, and Compline.

• These intentional "pauses"  in the day remind us that God is in charge of all things,  that our work and other activities must always be aligned with God's plan,  that there is a Christ-centered rhythm to time and to life that is healthy, life-giving, and wholesome. 
    
• In a world that prizes speed, multi-tasking,  and  productivity,   Benedictines thus give witness to the  values of common prayer, holy leisure,  and balanced, mindful living.