Work of God 
Articles related to the first work of God: Prayer. These include both the public prayer of the Church, private prayers, and methods of praying.
Pope Benedict “teaches” Lectio Divina
… the greatest attention was paid to lectio divina, which is truly “capable of opening up to the faithful the treasures of God’s word, but also of bringing about an encounter with Christ, the living word of God”. I would like here to review the basic steps of this procedure. It opens with the reading… Read More ›
Psalms
Psalms is not really a book. It is a collection of 150 songs, prayers, poems and hymns gathered over a very long period of time. There are different types of psalms. Some tell stories. Some are songs of praise. Some are prayers of repentence. Each psalm has its own unique character but they are all… Read More ›
Novena Prayer to St. Benedict
Glorious Saint Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God’s grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at your feet. I implore you in your loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To you I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my selfishness and my indifference to God and to… Read More ›
Prayer to be Freed of the Seven Deadly Sins
O Jesus, meek Savior and Prince of Peace, implant in me the virtues of gentleness and patience. Let me curb the fury of anger and restrain all resentment and impatience so as to overcome evil with good, attain your peace, and rejoice in Your love. O Jesus, Model of humility, divest me of all pride… Read More ›
Prayer requires both the right time and the right place
Anyone who wishes to pray must choose not only the right place but also the right time. A time of leisure is best and most convenient, the deep silence when others are asleep is particularly suitable, for prayer will then be freer and purer. ‘Arise at the first watch of the night, and pour out… Read More ›
Revised Grail Psalms
The new Revised Grail Psalms have been shipped from Conception Abbey and arrived late last week. The changes, approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship will soon set in motion the revision of most Psalters that Oblates rely on. There is no word yet when we will start seeing these revised volumes, but Oblates might… Read More ›
Prayer for Those Who Live Alone
I live alone, dear Lord, stay by my side, In all my daily needs be my guide. Grant me good health, for that I pray, To carry on my work from day to day. Keep pure my mind, my thoughts, my every deed, Let me be kind and unselfish in my neighbor’s need. Spare me… Read More ›
General Notes for Those on the Prayer Line
We strive to keep confidentiality. Please do not add friends or forward prayer requests outside the Prayer Line network. Please use 1stprayers@bellsouth.net for prayer requests. Keep the Prayer Line in your daily prayers. Your prayers are needed. When requesting prayers for the deceased, please included both first and last names. Frequently we receive requests via… Read More ›
Origin of the Nativity Manager
It happened in the third year before his death, that in order to excite the inhabitants of Grecio to commemorate the nativity of the Infant Jesus with great devotion, [St. Francis] determined to keep it with all possible solemnity; and lest he should be accused of lightness or novelty, he asked and obtained the permission… Read More ›
Scriptures need to be read and understood in the same spirit in which they were written
The Scriptures need to be read and understood in the same spirit in which they were written. You will never enter into Paul’s meaning until by constant application to reading him and by giving yourself to constant meditation you have imbibed his spirit. You will never understand David until by experience you have made the… Read More ›