The Monastery
Monday, 06 February 2012
| The Monastery as a Place of Prayer & Work |
 Prayer
Unceasing prayer is the continual readiness to surrender to the will of God. It is an inner climate of attention to his Word and to his indwelling Love. To foster and express this hidden prayer, the monastic community gathers several times during the day to chant the divine office. This is composed primarily of psalms, hymns, and scripture readings. These respond to the changing themes of the liturgical year and immerse the monk ever more deeply in the mystery of Christ.
Lectio Divina In his reading and study of the sacred scriptures, the monk meditates on the Word of God. Work
"Work, especially manual work, has always enjoyed special esteem in the Cistercian tradition since it gives the monks the opportunity of sharing in the divine work of creation and restoration, and of following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. This hard and redeeming work is a means of providing a livelihood for the brothers and for other people, especially the poor. It expresses solidarity with all workers. Moreover work is an occasion for a fruitful asceticism that fosters personal development and maturity. It promotes health of mind and body and contributes greatly to the unity of community". Constitution 26
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