Rule of St Benedict Reading for August 1, 2009

April 1, August 1, December 1
Chapter 50: On Sisters Who are Working Far From the Oratory or Are on a Journey
Those sisters who are working at a great distance
and cannot get to the oratory at the proper time --
the Abbess judging that such is the case --
shall perform the Work of God
in the place where they are working,
bending their knees in reverence before God.

Likewise those who have been sent on a journey
shall not let the appointed Hours pass by,
but shall say the Office by themselves as well as they can
and not neglect to render the task of their service.

Some thoughts:

This passage underscores that the primary focus of the monastic life is prayer in the form of the Daily Office. No matter how pressing the business, prayer was the priority.

In what ways do you choose to allow the press of business keep you from prayer?