For some of us, formalized or ritual prayer seems forced - from the lips but not from the heart. But that doesn't have to be the case. Through the centuries, and even in the Old Testament, believers have found a special connection with God through predetermined prayers and times of prayer. This tradition goes back at least as far as the morning and evening sacrifices in the OT.
While connecting with God through extemporaneous prayer is a foundation of our relationship with God, ritual prayer can also deepen and enrich our walks with him. Having set prayer times throughout the day can refresh us in God's presence when so much around us drags us away from him. And having written prayers to pray - if they're well-written - can offer us a way to commune with God without having to focus on our own words. Ritual prayer can lift our eyes beyond ourselves and our needs to focus us more on God's presence.
Enter the Common Book of Prayer. Used for centuries as a way to connect with God throughout the day, this resource both comforts and guides Christians in their communication with God. Also known as the Daily Office or Praying the Hours, the Common Book of Prayer offers both Scriptures and pre-written prayers for various times during the day.
The Mission of St. Clare (www.missionstclare.com) is a website that makes the Common Book of Prayer available online in both print and audio versions, as well as a Spanish print version. Also available on the website are iPhone and Android apps, as well as downloads in various e-book formats.
When you visit the website, you'll have the option to view the Morning or Evening prayer for the day or to listen to the audio versions of the Morning, Noon, or Compline prayers. These audio versions include the scriptures as well as the prayers. The written versions include hymns in both printed and audio formats. Other devotionals and lectionaries are also available on the site.
If you enjoy meditation, you may especially benefit from the audio versions of the prayers. The morning prayer is the longest, covering about 15 minutes; the noon prayer is just a couple of minutes long and the compline prayer averages around 7 minutes. The scripture readings and prayers lend themselves well to meditation, as you can simply "receive" them and allow them to minister to you as you pray.
Not everyone will relate to this more formalized style of prayer, but if you have never tried it, it's a great way to exercise your "prayer muscle" in a way that you don't normally pray. You may find your prayer life enriched in ways you wouldn't have guessed.
Comments
Thanks, Mandie - I'm glad you found it helpful! I've especially appreciated the audio entries for each day - I find that sometimes it's helpful to me to participate in prayers spoken by others rather than always filling the time with my own words. Be blessed!