Life of prayer

Benedictine prayer is based on Lectio Divina (reading, meditation, prayer, contemplation of the Word of God), marked by the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office), and uses psalms, Scriptures, hymns, and chants such as Gregorian chant, integrating a life of work (ora et labora) and a profound search for God and peace, often invoking the protection of St. Benedict to ward off evil and seek Christian perfection.

“Seven times a day I praised you,” says the prophet. This sacred number of seven will be fulfilled by us if we perform our duties of service at Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline, because it is precisely of these hours of the day that the prophet said, “Seven times a day I praised you.” In fact, in the night vigils, the same prophet says: “In the middle of the night I rose to praise you.” Therefore, during these hours, we raise praise to our Creator “for the works of his justice,” that is, at Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline, and at night we rise to celebrate his greatness.
(Rule of St. Benedict, XVI)

As stated in the Benedictine Rule, an integral part of monastic life is marked and established by ritual prayer, which takes place according to the specific traditions of each monastery, but is characterized by moments common to all monasteries.

“If, when we have to ask a favor of someone, we dare to do so only with awe and respect, how much more must we address our supplication to God, Lord of all things, with profound humility and sincere devotion. Compassion that brings tears to our eyes. Therefore, prayer must be brief and pure, unless it is prolonged by the ardor and inspiration of divine grace” (Rule of St. Benedict, XX).