THE PRAYER LIFE OF A CARMELITE
"Seven times a day I praise you" - Psalm.
Life in Carmel revolves around times of prayer. Seven times a day from morning to night the sisters come together - to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and for the celebration of Mass.
The
sisters at afternoon prayer, called "Liturgy of the Hours".
Mass
forms an integral part of daily prayer. Sunday Mass, in particular, is
a community celebration of the Eucharist.
Sunday
Mass
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
"Pondering the Word of God day and night" - Rule.
A large part of the Carmelite's day is devoted to private prayer and Spiritual Reading, known as 'Lectio Divina' to the sisters.
In the private oratory.
Two hours
a day are set aside for private prayer and one hour for Spiritual Reading.
Private
contemplation.
At other times, an atmosphere of silence, conducive to continual communion with the Lord, pervades the convent.
THE DAILY SCHEDULE OF PRAYER
| 06.00 | One hour of silent prayer. |
| 07.10 | Morning prayer of the Divine Office. |
| 07.30 | Mass. |
| Thanksgiving after Communion. | |
| 08.15 | Communal prayer. (Terce). |
| 11.00 | One hour of Spiritual Reading. (Private) |
| 12.00 | Mid-day Prayer in Choir - Liturgy of the Hours. |
| 12.10 | Examination of Conscience. |
| 12.15 | Dinner in Silence and with Spiritual Reading. |
| 14.45 | Afternoon prayer - Liturgy of the Hours. |
| 15.10 | Private prayer. |
| 16.45 | Prepare for prayer in cells. |
| 16.55 | Vespers. |
| 17.15 | Silent prayer for one hour. |
| 20.00 | Office of Readings and Night Prayer - Compline. |
| 20.50 | Free time in cell for quiet reading, writing letters, etc. |
| Members of the local community are very welcome to join the sisters for any of the services of the Divine Office. | |
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